Mount Dakenomoriyama is a beautiful twin-peaked mountain in Kozagawa Town, Higashimuro District, southern Wakayama Prefecture. Located directly across the Kozagawa River from the famous Ichimai-iwa Monolith, a National Natural Monument, the mountain is one of the area’s most popular destinations for hiking and trekking.
The mountain consists of two distinctive peaks: Otake (376 m) and Metake (369 m). Although relatively low in elevation, Dakenomoriyama has a rugged appearance created by dramatic rock formations and steep ridges. This combination makes it an enjoyable destination for a wide range of hikers, from beginners to intermediate trekkers.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Kozagawa valley, the mountains of southern Kii Peninsula, and, on clear days, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The contrast between the rugged rock peaks and the clear river below makes Dakenomoriyama one of the most impressive landscapes in the Kozagawa area.
Mount Dakenomoriyama is included among the “100 Famous Mountains of Kansai”, a selection made by the Japanese outdoor publisher Yama-to-Keikoku. In recent years, the mountain has become increasingly popular among hikers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts.
The rocky peaks overlooking the Kozagawa Gorge are dotted with striking formations such as Tenchū-iwa, Iimori-iwa, and Kamoshika Gorge. Together, these formations create a landscape that feels like a natural sculpture garden created by geological forces.
The late-Edo-period Confucian scholar Saito Setsudo is said to have given the mountain the poetic name “Tekisuifō,” expressing his admiration for its beautiful scenery.
The dramatic landscape of Dakenomoriyama has a geological history stretching back approximately 15 million years. The mountain was formed through large-scale volcanic activity that affected the Nanki-Kumano region during the Miocene period.
The area is part of a geological structure known as the Kozagawa Arc-Shaped Dike. Like the nearby Ichimai-iwa Monolith and Tenchū-iwa, Dakenomoriyama is largely composed of rhyolitic pyroclastic rock.
This rock is locally known as Utsugi Stone. Over millions of years, weathering and erosion gradually shaped the rock into the steep ridges, unusual rock towers, and dramatic cliffs visible today.
The rugged rock faces and narrow mountain ridges give the hiking route a sense of adventure that is surprising for a relatively low mountain.
The defining feature of Dakenomoriyama is its distinctive twin-peaked profile, formed by Otake, the higher peak, and Metake, the slightly lower peak.
Otake, at 376 meters, offers particularly impressive views from its summit. Looking down from the top, hikers can see the Kozagawa River, the enormous Ichimai-iwa Monolith, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
The panorama demonstrates the remarkable geological character of the Kozagawa valley, where enormous rock formations stand beside a clear mountain river.
Metake, at 369 meters, has a somewhat sharper rocky profile. Below its summit is an exposed area of Kumano granite porphyry that, when viewed from the direction of Otake, resembles the enormous side profile of a human face.
This unusual formation is locally known as the “Giant of Iwa”. Together with the neighboring rocky peaks, it forms one of the most memorable landscapes in the Kozagawa area.
The hiking route on Dakenomoriyama is varied and full of interesting natural features. Along the way, hikers can encounter unusual rock formations, clear streams, forest vegetation, and rare plants.
The trek begins near Michi-no-Eki Ichimai-iwa Monolith. From the roadside station, follow the road northwest toward the trailhead, which is located just before the Ichimai-iwa Tunnel.
As the trail climbs, hikers soon reach Nametoko-iwa, a large exposed rock formation.
Nametoko-iwa consists of the same type of rock found at the Ichimai-iwa Monolith. Over a long period, flowing water gradually eroded the rock surface, creating a remarkably smooth formation that resembles a natural watercourse carved directly into the stone.
Step-like footholds believed to have been carved or used in the past can also be seen on the rock surface, creating an intriguing landscape where natural geological processes and traces of human activity meet.
Beyond Nametoko-iwa, the trail becomes increasingly steep as it climbs toward the ridge.
At a junction known as the “Irregular Crossroads,” hikers follow the route toward the summit of Dakenomoriyama.
Further along, the trail reaches sections of exposed rock equipped with ropes. In places, hikers need to use their hands to climb over the rocks, giving the route the feel of a natural adventure course.
The effort is rewarded by increasingly impressive views as the trail rises above the surrounding landscape.
Reaching the summit of Otake reveals a magnificent panorama. Directly below, the Kozagawa River winds through the valley beside the enormous Ichimai-iwa Monolith.
On clear days, hikers can also see Mount Otō, Mount Hōshi, the Nachi mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
The combination of deep green mountains, clear water, and rugged geological formations creates a quintessential southern Kii Peninsula landscape.
After reaching Otake, hikers can continue along the ridge toward the second peak, Metake.
The rocky summit provides another perspective on the distinctive twin-peaked structure of Dakenomoriyama. After visiting Metake, hikers can descend using the Tōfu-iwa Route.
Along the descent is Tōfu-iwa, a strange rock formation that looks remarkably like enormous blocks of tofu stacked on top of one another.
The rock has a distinctive pattern of regular fractures, creating an unusual geometric appearance that seems almost too precise to be entirely natural. It is one of the characteristic rock formations associated with Dakenomoriyama and is a favorite sight among hikers.
The area around Dakenomoriyama is valuable not only for its geological features but also for its biological diversity.
One of the best-known plants is the rare Ki-jōrō-hototogisu, a species of toad lily native only to southern parts of the Kii Peninsula. In autumn, it produces distinctive yellow flowers that add a splash of color to the mountain landscape.
The surrounding forests also contain a valuable mixture of trees, including zelkova, fir, hemlock, Japanese umbrella pine, and hinoki cypress.
This diverse natural environment is protected as a specially designated area within Kozagawa Prefectural Natural Park.
The area’s rich ecosystems extend to insects as well. The Kozagawa tributaries are known to support Hatchō-tonbo, or the scarlet dwarf dragonfly, one of the world’s smallest dragonflies. The presence of such species is another indication of the quality of the local natural environment.
Dakenomoriyama and the surrounding Kozagawa valley are protected as part of Kozagawa Prefectural Natural Park.
The park contains some of Wakayama’s most impressive geological landscapes, including the Ichimai-iwa Monolith, Tenchū-iwa, and Takinohai. Together, these enormous rocks, river valleys, and waterfalls form a spectacular natural landscape.
The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons. Cherry blossoms brighten the valley in spring, fresh green foliage covers the mountains in early summer, and brilliant autumn colors surround the rock formations later in the year.
Cherry blossoms begin to bloom from late March into April, adding delicate colors to the Kozagawa valley and surrounding mountains.
From mid-April through mid-May, the mountain is covered in vivid new foliage. This is an especially refreshing time for trekking, with young leaves creating a bright green landscape.
In autumn, the surrounding forests turn shades of red and yellow. The colorful foliage contrasts beautifully with the dark rock formations, making this one of the most scenic periods for hiking and photography.
By public transportation, the trailhead is approximately a 15-minute walk from the “Ichimai-iwa” bus stop on the Kozagawa Town Community Bus’s Honkawa Line, known as the Furusato Bus.
For visitors traveling by car, parking is available at Michi-no-Eki Ichimai-iwa Monolith. Combining a hike up Dakenomoriyama with a visit to the nearby Ichimai-iwa Monolith is an excellent way to explore the area.
Mount Dakenomoriyama offers an impressive combination of rugged rock peaks, unusual geological formations, rare plants, and sweeping mountain views despite its relatively modest elevation.
The landscape created by volcanic activity approximately 15 million years ago is a remarkable example of the power of nature. Millions of years of weathering and erosion have transformed ancient volcanic rock into the dramatic cliffs and strange rock formations seen today.
The trekking route also provides an opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Kozagawa valley from several different perspectives, including views of the Ichimai-iwa Monolith and the surrounding mountains.
For travelers visiting southern Wakayama, Dakenomoriyama is an excellent destination for experiencing the rugged natural beauty of the Kii Peninsula. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for an adventurous nature walk, the mountain offers a memorable journey through ancient geology, lush forests, unusual rock formations, and spectacular panoramic scenery.