Mount Sanage is well-known throughout Aichi Prefecture for its hiking trail. The mountain’s summit is 629 meters high, and on clear days, you can see the Southern Japanese Alps to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Hiking up the mountain is a popular activity for people living in the area. The trails to the summit have unique foliage, such as peach blossoms in the spring and large maple trees in the fall. There are also ancient shrines to visit along the paths. The entire hike is only around 3-4 hours, and it is not that challenging, so it is a perfect trail for beginners.
Sanage Shrine
Photo by: PIXTA/ wolf eyes Sanage Shrine
Most hikers begin their hike at Sanage Shrine, which is at the base of the mountain. This ancient shrine has a rich history and hikers typically pay homage to the mountain’s deity before starting their hike, which is believed to be enshrined here. You can also visit Higashinomiya Shrine on the mountain’s eastern slope and Nishinomiya Shrine on its western slope.
The surrounding area is famous for peaches due to having one of the largest peach tree orchards in the prefecture. You can see these trees’ beautiful pink flowers bloom in the spring. In fall, the foliage of the maple trees covering the mountain are known for their beauty as well. If you take the eastern trail, you can see giant cedar trees. On the western trail, you will pass by a series of waterfalls that are well-known to hikers. At the summit on a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean, the Southern Alps, Mount Haku and Mount Ontake.
Mount Sanage’s Seven Waterfalls
Photo by: PIXTA/ きんぽん One of Mount Sanage’s Seven Waterfalls
One unique aspect of Mount Sanage is its seven waterfalls, which flow into the Hirosawa River. These picturesque spots are perfect for taking a break. The soothing sound of water and forest air will heal your body and soul. Their names are Futatsumagaki, Shiraki, Chidori, Shirakiku, Otome, Hirosawa-otaki and Chiarai-otaki (blood-cleaning waterfall).
