Magose-toge Pass

Located at the border of Kihoku Town and Owase City, this acclaimed mountain pass features exquisite stone-paved pathways, said to be the most beautiful along the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route, and scenic Owase hinoki cypress forests designated as part of Japan's Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Numerous historic sites along the way such as the Jizo Guardian Statue for Crying Children and Magose Fudoson temple allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Kumano Kodo atmosphere. If you are up for more hiking, take the climbing paths leading up to the Mount Tengura and Mount Binshi peaks, both commanding spectacular views from the top.

Walk for about 30 minutes from Magose-toge Pass to reach Mount Tengura, a former training ground for Shugendo monks, with a small temple dedicated to the founder of the mountain religion. At the peak is a large rock called Tengu-iwa, which can be climbed by a ladder to reveal an amazing panorama of Owase City and the surrounding mountains.

From Magose-toge Pass, Mount Binshi is about a 2-hour walk. Near the mountain top is a giant rock as large as the back of an elephant, hence its nickname "zou-no-se (elephant's back)." It is a photogenic spot to capture the vast natural environment.