A super tranquil and peaceful mountain temple with many sub-temples. The trail was a great walk amid the forests. The architecture of the buildings were unassuming yet so big and beautiful. I believe the autumn season would be full of colors.
It was a fantastic experience. But be prepared, because you'll walk a lot and climb hills a lot. The entrance fee is not 500JPY, it is 800JPY. Also, if you want to take the mini bus as well, it'll cost you 1300JPY. Ropeway round-trip ticket is 1200JPY.
Amazing that a temple complex like this built on a rather challenging hike.
If The Last Samurai's story had been real and accurate on this location, one will tend to understand that Omura was probably angry at the samurai because he had been sour-graping about not being in good enough shape to be able to visit Katsumoto's keep.
Had I had enough time today I would have wanted to try and reach the Maniden at least but these pics were as far as I got.
Worth noting that you have to be in shape to walk the whole way, or at least be willing to pay an additional 500 yen for the microbus, otherwise skip paying for the entrance altogether, and just hang around near the ropeway lookout point.
Remember your money, obviously cash. You'll pay ¥1200 for the ropeway (unless you want to hike), then ¥500 for entrance (unless you want to take the bus which will be ¥100), but walking isn't so bad. The temple itself is beautiful and most of the smaller ones around as well. The mountain is worth the ¥500. You can also enter the temples, free of charge, but remember to take off your shoes before you enter. There was a bit snow so the pictures turned out well enough, I think. It was really peaceful once you were away from the crowds at the temple. I came around 10am and it wasn't as busy as when I left at 12pm when everyone started to come up.
A little run down. But definitely worth check it out. I think it will be awesome walk especially during summer. Not as crowded as Kyoto.
