Mount Takao

A Satoyama Loved by Locals
It is not uncommon nationwide for mountains to be symbols of a region, but here in Tanabe, Mt. Takao is typical. It appears in school songs and is a mountain that is loved in daily life.
It is also a popular climbing area, starting from Kizekyo, the starting point, and offering many attractions such as cliff-carved Buddhas and observation points with superb views. Although the altitude and distance are not that great, the steep slopes make for a challenging hike, so people aiming for high mountains sometimes train there.
Looking at the Kamihikitsu district at the foot of the mountain, it is a citrus producing area, cultivating over 80 varieties of citrus. You can enjoy freshly harvested citrus almost all year round. If you go to the Akitsugawa district, you can also encounter Kishu plums, a specialty of Kishu, and Kishu Binchotan charcoal, the highest quality charcoal. In fact, the birthplace of Kishu Binchotan charcoal is here in Tanabe City, and it has a deep connection with plum cultivation. It might be a good idea to explore the story of the "Minabe-Tanabe Plum System," which has been designated a World Agricultural Heritage, to enjoy the mountains of Tanabe. After the mountains, let's also enjoy a trip to the foot of the mountains.

■Hiking Route
Hiking Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Hiking Distance: 7.6 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 642 m
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■Access
Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Kii-Tanabe Station to the trailhead (Kizekyo Gorge)