Explore Katsuragi｜Azaleas, Hiking & Summit Views【Wonders of Nara】

Mount Katsuragi (Katsuragi-san) is a 959-meter-high mountain spanning Nara and Osaka Prefectures.
In spring, the mountain is dyed red with azaleas, and in autumn, it is famous for its stunning autumn foliage.

The hiking trails are well-maintained, and a ropeway from Gojo City in Nara Prefecture makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced hikers.
From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nara Basin, the Osaka Plain, and the Kii Mountain Range.

The routes to climb Mount Katsuragi include:

Taking the ropeway from Gojo City
Hiking from the trailhead next to the ropeway station
Hiking from Mizukoshi Pass, located between Mount Kongo to the south and Mount Katsuragi

This time, I parked at Mizukoshi Pass and started my hike.
Mizukoshi Pass lies on the border between Nara Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture, nestled between Mount Katsuragi and Mount Kongō.

Nowadays, there is a remarkable tunnel in place, so regular cars no longer use the old pass road.

From the Nara side, you can take the Mizukoshi Tunnel to the Osaka side, then make an immediate left turn and loop back to climb the old pass road. Near the pass, as shown in the photo above, there is the “Mizukoshigawa Public Parking Lot” (with space for about 20 cars) and another parking area for around 10 cars further up the road.

During the azalea season, you need to arrive quite early, as the parking lots fill up quickly. Some cars even park along the shoulders of the hiking trail further up.

The hike begins at Mizukoshi Pass.
It is approximately 2.5 km to the summit, taking about 50 minutes to reach the top.

The Diamond Trail is a renowned nature trail in Kansai, stretching approximately 45 km from Tonzurubo in Kashiba City, Nara Prefecture, to Mount Makio in Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture.

Its name originates from “diamond” (kongōseki in Japanese), and it is beloved by hiking enthusiasts.

The trail’s highest peak is Mount Kongō, with an elevation of 1,125 meters.