Takamikurayama is a 304-meter-high mountain that straddles Kakogawa City and Takasago City in Hyogo Prefecture. It is also known as "Harima Fuji" due to its beautiful shape. Its appeal is that even beginners can enjoy climbing it relatively easily, and it is crowded with many hikers on weekends. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, with the Harima Plain below, the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in the distance. In particular, at sunrise and sunset, the sky and sea are dyed crimson red, creating a breathtaking beauty.

The charm of this mountain is the nature that shows different expressions in each season and the open view from the summit. In spring, mountain azaleas bloom in abundance, and in autumn, the mountain is colored with autumn leaves. In winter, the air is clear and there are many days when you can see further into the distance. There are several hiking trails, but the route from Kakogawa City is generally well-maintained and relatively easy to climb. The strange rocks and huge boulders scattered along the way also add an accent to the walk, allowing you to feel the beauty of nature's formations.

There are multiple hiking routes, and the mountain is easy to climb, taking about 2 to 4 hours round trip. The course around the mountain takes about 4 hours. As there are few trees, it is very hot in July and August.

There are parking lots at Kashima Shrine and Kitayama Kashima Shrine at the trailhead.

Takamiyama is not only a popular spot for healthy leisure activities, but also for photography enthusiasts due to its beautiful scenery. At the peak, there is Takamiyama Shrine, which has been an object of worship since ancient times.

The first photo shows Takamiyama from the peak of Iwaishi Shrine.