Mt. Sanage

Mt. Sanage's rounded 629-meter summit is a clear landmark visible from across the plains north of Toyota, and people have come here for religious reasons since at least the 9th century. Today, Sanage Shrine at the southern foot connects to two smaller shrines on the eastern and western slopes. Two trails start from the main shrine complex: one follows the Hirosawa River past seven waterfalls on its way to Nishinomiya Shrine, and the other passes giant cedars near Higashinomiya Shrine before climbing a ridge with views toward the Southern Alps. The full 13.3-kilometer circuit takes about four and a half hours. Spring brings blooming peach trees; autumn brings seasonal foliage.