Hikosan-jingu

Hikosan Shrine sits deep in the mountains of Fukuoka Prefecture on the slopes of Mount Hiko, which has been a center of mountain ascetic practice since at least the 6th century. The approach involves a long stone stairway climbing through cedars, past subsidiary shrines and stone lanterns, to the main hall at the ridge. The mountain was historically a center of shugendo, the combination of Buddhist and Shinto mountain practice, and that spiritual intensity still comes through in the atmosphere of the place. The hike up takes about 40 minutes from the base. Bring water and wear shoes suitable for uneven stone. Summer weekends bring modest crowds; most other times it's very quiet.