Mount Myoken is a mountain approximately 600 meters above sea level, located on the border between Hyogo and Osaka prefectures in the Hokusetsu mountain range. Revered as a sacred mountain for centuries, it is known for its historic religious sites, beautiful forests, and hiking trails. Near the summit stands Nose Myoken-do, an important center of Nichiren Buddhism in the Kansai region.
The mountain straddles Toyono District in Osaka Prefecture and Kawanishi City in Hyogo Prefecture. Its long history as a place of worship continues to attract pilgrims, hikers, and nature lovers. Several established trails wind through the mountain, offering opportunities to enjoy its scenery throughout the seasons.
The mountain itself has long been regarded as an object of worship. Nose Myoken-do, formally known as an outlying Buddhist hall of Shinnyo-ji Temple on Mount Myoken, is an important spiritual site for Nichiren Buddhism in western Japan. Although Shinnyo-ji’s main temple is located in Jino, Nose Town, the mountain sanctuary attracts even more worshippers than the main temple.
The history of worship on Mount Myoken stretches back many centuries. A temple called Iraku-san Daiku-ji is traditionally said to have been founded on the summit by the Buddhist priest Gyoki. During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the Nose clan, descended from Minamoto no Mitsunaka, became the local rulers, and Myoken Bosatsu, a Buddhist deity associated with protection and good fortune, was enshrined on the mountain.
In the early Edo period (1603–1868), the local lord Nose Yoritsugu supported the priest Nichikan, who later became the 21st head of Kuon-ji Temple on Mount Minobu, the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism. Nichikan carved a new image of Myoken Bosatsu, which became the principal object of worship at the sanctuary now known as Nose Myoken-do.
Mount Myoken is notable for its beech forests, which are considered among the southernmost natural habitats of beech trees at elevations of around 600 meters in southwestern Japan. Numerous beech trees grow on the Osaka side of the mountain, and a group of beech trees was also discovered on the Kawanishi side in Hyogo Prefecture. This population was added to Hyogo Prefecture’s Red Data List in 2013.
A beech forest covering approximately 9.5 hectares spreads across the summit area. These trees are a valuable part of the local natural environment and are protected for their ecological importance. Within Osaka Prefecture, natural beech habitats are found only on Mount Myoken and Mount Izumi-Katsuragi, and both have been designated as Natural Monuments.
The summit forest is believed to have existed for more than 10,000 years. Its ancient origins suggest that Mount Myoken may have been revered even before the establishment of Daiku-ji traditionally attributed to Gyoki. Today, the forest supports a rich ecosystem and draws visitors who come to appreciate its changing colors and peaceful atmosphere throughout the year.
Mount Myoken is also associated with traditional ascetic practices involving waterfalls. On the northern slope, Nose no Hontaki Waterfall became a destination for practitioners during the Edo period. The waterfall appears as Myoken Falls in the illustrated guidebook Settsu Meisho Zue, published in the mid-Edo period, which records notable places in the former Settsu Province. The book indicates that pilgrims visiting Nose Myoken-do practiced waterfall purification there. A building called Tsunetomido once stood beside the falls.
The 1834 historical record Nose Togo-shi also describes religious training at the waterfall, confirming its importance as a place of ascetic practice. After the Meiji Restoration, changes to the former domain system affected the Nose family’s territory, which had been held as a shogunal retainer’s fief. Later, Noma Nissho, a practitioner associated with Tendai-related mountain asceticism, acquired the waterfall area and established a residence there.
In 1935, Noma Nissho renovated Tsunetomido and established Hontaku-ji Temple, which is now the head temple of Myoken Buddhism. Numerous stone Buddhist statues line the mountain path leading to Nose no Hontaki, preserving the memory of the area’s past as a place of religious training.
Two other waterfalls add to the mountain’s spiritual and natural character. Kiyotaki Waterfall lies on the eastern slope, near Myoryu-ji Temple. Shintaki Waterfall, also known as Otaki, is located on the southwestern slope, beside Shirataki Shrine. Together with Nose no Hontaki, these sites reflect the close relationship between the mountain’s landscape and its religious traditions.
Mount Myoken has several hiking routes suitable for visitors with different levels of experience. Popular trails include the Daido-goe Course, Shintaki-michi Course, Uesugi Ridge Course, Hatsutani Valley Course, and Tendai-san Course. Each offers a different perspective on the mountain’s forests, valleys, and religious landmarks.
From Myoken-guchi Station on the Nose Electric Railway’s Myoken Line, the summit can be reached on foot in approximately 3.6 kilometers. Another route begins from the Myoken-guchi bus stop, reached by Hankyu Bus from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line. From the bus stop, the mountain is approximately a 4-kilometer walk. Connections to buses from Senri-Chuo Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line are possible at Naka-Todoromi bus stop.
Visitors approaching from Kameoka Station on the JR San-in Line can take a Keihan Kyoto Kotsu bus or Kameoka community bus to the Jinchii bus stop, followed by a walk of approximately 5.4 kilometers.
The Mount Myoken Cable Car and Myoken-no-Mori Chairlift once provided convenient access to the mountain. Both services were discontinued on December 3, 2023. Visitors must now plan their journey using available public transportation and hiking routes. Before setting out, check current transport services and trail conditions, and allow sufficient time for the walk.
Mount Myoken offers a different atmosphere in every season. Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh green foliage, while autumn colors the mountain in brilliant shades of red and gold. In winter, the quiet forests and crisp air create a peaceful setting for reflection.
A visit can combine worship at Nose Myoken-do with a hike through the rare beech forest or a walk to one of the historic waterfalls. Whether you are interested in Japanese religious traditions, local history, or outdoor recreation, Mount Myoken offers a memorable opportunity to experience the natural and cultural heritage of the Hokusetsu region.