Kashozan Mountain is a 1,322.4-meter-high mountain in Kamihocchi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. Known for centuries as a sacred mountain associated with tengu, it is part of the Hotaka mountain range and is surrounded by a deep, pristine natural environment.
The mountain attracts worshippers, hikers, and visitors throughout the year. Each season gives Kashozan a different character: fresh greenery covers the slopes in spring, while the calls of the Japanese scops owl-like bird known as the Oriental dollarbird can be heard in summer. In autumn, the mountain is transformed by brilliant foliage, while winter brings a quiet landscape covered in snow.
On the mountainside stands the historic Mirokuji Temple. Founded in 848, the temple was later converted to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism and has a long history of religious importance. It was also known as a place where prayers were offered on behalf of the Tokugawa shogunal family.
Mirokuji is particularly famous as a center of tengu worship. A gigantic tengu mask is displayed within the temple grounds, including a great mask dedicated in 1939 that is among the largest of its kind in Japan.
The enormous mask measures approximately 6.5 meters high, with a nose extending about 2.8 meters. Its imposing appearance reflects the deep faith and prayers that generations of visitors have placed in the tengu tradition.
Tengu are traditionally regarded as protective supernatural beings associated with warding off evil and misfortune. One distinctive local custom involves borrowing a tengu mask from the temple and displaying it at home. The mask is then returned the following year together with a new one. This tradition became established during the Edo period and has remained closely connected with local life and religious beliefs.
Kashozan is also associated with the legend of Chuho, a monk said to have possessed extraordinary physical strength. According to tradition, Chuho appeared alongside Zen Master Tenshun Keijun, who helped revive Mirokuji Temple.
Chuho was said to have performed remarkable feats, including cutting down enormous trees by himself and carving a passage through solid rock known as the Tainai-kuguri, or “womb passage.”
According to the legend, Chuho eventually declared that he was an incarnation of Kashyapa, one of the Buddha’s disciples, and vowed to protect the temple before flying into the heavens. The tengu mask left behind became a symbol of the local tengu tradition, and Chuho continues to be revered as Chuho-son.
Hiking Kashozan offers a relatively short but varied route with plenty of adventure. Rocky sections and areas equipped with chains provide an added sense of excitement, while the natural surroundings create a memorable mountain experience.
One of the most distinctive sights is the Tainai-kuguri, a narrow passage through a split in the rock. Passing through the opening creates the unusual sensation of entering the mountain itself and is one of the highlights of the route.
From the summit, the southern side opens onto broad views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Togami, Mount Mitsumine, and Mount Komochi. Hikers with sufficient time and energy can continue toward Mount Amagatake for even wider mountain scenery.
Along the hiking route lies the mountain’s inner sanctuary, known as Oshodai. This enormous white rock rises approximately 60 meters and has a distinctive form that resembles a lion looking toward the sky. It has long been regarded as a place of religious training and spiritual practice.
Oshodai is also known as the meditation rock of the mountain’s founder. Reaching the structure built into a gap in the rock requires passing through a narrow opening known as Tainai-kuguri and climbing an almost vertical section using chains. The route provides a thrilling experience for experienced hikers.
Five hundred Rakan statues, representing Buddhist disciples who attained enlightenment, are enshrined along the steep rocky cliffs in the area.
The surrounding area also contains sacred sites and old trees, including the Uma-kakushi Cedar, said to be approximately 1,000 years old, as well as statues of Jizo. Together, these features create an atmosphere of mystery and reverence.
These places are more than sightseeing attractions. They form a sacred landscape where generations of worshippers have left their prayers and devotion.
Kashozan is a place where hiking, natural beauty, history, and spiritual traditions come together. The legends and religious practices that have developed within its rugged natural environment remain an important part of the area’s cultural heritage.
During the period when sericulture was an important part of the local economy, tengu were believed to protect silkworms. Farmers would display tengu masks in their homes as a form of protection. Understanding this background adds another layer of meaning to a visit to Kashozan.
By car, Kashozan can be reached from the Numata Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in approximately 20 minutes, with Mirokuji Temple located on the mountainside.
For visitors using public transportation, buses from JR Numata Station take approximately 45 minutes to the Kashozan bus stop. From there, it is approximately a one-hour walk. Bus services on this route operate only on weekends and public holidays.
Visitors planning to hike or visit the temple should wear comfortable clothing and prepare appropriately for mountain conditions. Some sections of the trail involve steep rocks, narrow passages, and chains, so appropriate equipment and attention to safety are important.
Kashozan Mountain is a unique destination where beautiful natural scenery meets centuries of religious tradition. Its enormous tengu masks, fascinating legends, historic temple, and varied hiking routes create an experience that is unlike an ordinary mountain excursion.
Spending time in the quiet mountain landscape while reflecting on its history and traditions offers a chance to step away from everyday life and experience a different side of Japan.
A visit to Kashozan provides an opportunity to discover the enduring legends, spiritual culture, and natural beauty of this sacred mountain known as the Mountain of the Tengu.