Mitanizaka Trail

The Mitanizaka Trail links Niusakadono Jinja Shrine, the mythological site where the goddess Niutsuhime descended to earth, to Niutsuhime Jinja Shrine via a mountain pass used by the imperial family in the twelfth century. Emperors and their retinues traveled this route on their way to Koyasan, stopping at Niutsuhime Jinja to pay respects to the guardians of the sacred mountain before continuing on the Choishi Michi stone marker trail. The direct route from the trailhead to Niutsuhime Jinja is about 5.5 kilometers, or just over 7 with a detour to the Ropponsugi path. The trail is steep and slippery in wet conditions, best suited to fit and experienced hikers.