🍁Tennozan: History, Bamboo Forest, Waterfall, Distillery Walk(Autumn Leaves)🍁, Sun, Dec 8, 2024, 11:...

Join us for a delightful hike as we traverse four scenic mountains, meander through serene bamboo groves, and explore significant historical landmarks!

Please note: We will only view the distillery from a distance; entry is not included.

Tennozan, or Emperor Mountain, provides a breathtaking vantage point overlooking the historic battlefield where Toyotomi Hideyoshi triumphed over Akechi Mitsuhide after the latter's betrayal of Oda Nobunaga.

The mountainside is dotted with historical monuments, including the Hatatematsu (the flag-raising pine tree), where Toyotomi famously rallied his troops for battle. This vantage point overlooks the expansive plains of Osaka and Kyoto Prefectures, offering stunning views and a relatively easy ascent. Get ready to experience Suntory-Yama (Whiskey Mountain), two additional summits, a beautiful bamboo forest, a picturesque waterfall, and a leisurely walk past the renowned Suntory Distillery on this enjoyable hike.

Dress in comfortable walking or hiking shoes, and wear appropriate clothing for the day's weather conditions.

Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, a bento lunch, your camera, and a spirit of adventure!

Here’s the itinerary:

11:30-11:45 - Gather at the Daily Yamazaki convenience store located outside JR Yamazaki. Use the facilities and grab your lunch.

11:45 - The hike commences!

11:50-12:05 - Walk to Hoshakuji Temple to admire the three-story pagoda, explore the graveyard, and soak in the autumn colors before we begin our ascent.

12:05-12:25 - Hike to Aokibadani View Point for a refreshing water break and to enjoy the scenic views perfect for photos.

12:35-1:00 - Continue hiking from Aokibadani to the Hatatematsu, visiting its viewpoints and historic sites along the way.

1:00-1:10 - A brief climb from Hatatematsu to the Junana Resshi no Haka (Grave of 17 Izumi Samurai) and the Tennozan Kyukyeijo (break area).

1:10-1:40 - Lunchtime!

1:40-2:00 - Hike from Junana Resshi no Haka to the summit of Tennozan, passing by the Kamakura-era portable Sakatoke Shrine and the site of the former Yamazaki Castle.

2:00-2:30 - Ascend from the Tennozan summit to the Suntory-yama summit, traversing a section of the enchanting bamboo forest. Keep an eye out for monkeys!

2:30-3:30 - The descent begins. We will traverse two more mountain summits, walk through a vast bamboo forest, and enjoy views of the Meishin Expressway and greater Osaka.

3:30-3:45 - Stop by Minase no Taki Waterfall for a quick look at this beautiful waterfall, just a stone's throw from the Meishin Expressway.

3:45-4:15 - The final stretch back to Yamazaki Station. We will pass the famous Suntory Distillery and transition from Osaka into Kyoto.

4:15 - Congratulations on completing this hike! Your host will assist you in navigating to either the JR Line or the Hankyu Line for your journey home. We hope to see you at our next adventure!

COST: Participants are responsible for their own meals and transportation costs. A fee of 1200 yen will cover the guide and an insightful discussion of the area's rich history presented by a professional guide.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to Medium