笠置町
A visit to Kasagi, the southernmost town in Kyoto Prefecture, is a journey back to Japan's ancient roots.
Those who venture to Kasagi will find it still abounds in natural splendor. Kasagi is famed for its cherry blossoms and maple leaves, and favored by campers and canoers for summer recreation.
Canoes and equipment can be rented by the Kasagi Bridge, and, lessons are given on weekends and holidays during the summer. A public campground on the river bank is open free to the general public.
With a population of less than 1,500 people, Kasagi has a small-town atmosphere, where those seeking physical and spiritual stimulus will find relief from the big city and all its demands.
As recorded in the 14th century chronicles known as the Taiheiki, Kasagi was where Emperor Godaigo fled during civil war with the shogun and the remains of his retreat can be seen on the summit of 289 meter-high Mt. Kasagi, one of several mountains overlooking the town. A guide to the ruins and to Kasagi's other attractions, including its famous rocks, can be obtained at the Kasagi Sangyo Shinko Kaikan (Industrial Center), right next to the station.
The winding way up Mt. Kasagi offers the visitor a strenuous stroll and exceptional views of the river valley below. One of the course's first attractions is a stand of giant boulders, where devotees once came (and perhaps still do) to pray to the natural deities of these giant stones.
On one boulder, an 8th century monk from Todai-ji Temple in Nara carved a simple image of the Miroku Bosatsu on the face of a boulder. Early in the 9th century, a graceful twelve meter-high line drawing of the Kokuzo Bosatsu was carved on a second granite monolith.
Practicing monks at one time trained themselves physically and mentally by dangling each other from atop the rock; the terror this induced encouraged thoughts of their own mortality.
Because it was a site of Buddhist worship, the mountain took on a reputation as a gateway to the next world.
The path also takes one past the Yurugi-ishi, or Unstable Rock, a boulder of army-crunching potential, which was used centuries ago in a failed attempt to threaten approaching attackers, and which can still be jiggled with one hand.
Not all of Kasagi's charms are located outdoors. Visitors might enjoy viewing the historical displays on exhibit at the Sangyo Shinko Kaikan. Or, for a gastronomic treat, consider partaking of one of Kasagi’s specialties, kiji-nabe (pheasant stew) or wonderful botan-nabe (wild boar stew).
If you have time, and happen to be coming by car, a side-trip to Yagyu in neighboring Nara Prefecture will take you into the hills past tumbling waterfalls and wet cedar forests. Besides several shrines, the town's other attractions include a small museum located in what was formerly the Imperial Minister's Residence. Buses to Nara leave from Yagyu village throughout the day, but do not go to Kasagi.
Getting to Kasagi: From JR Kyoto Station, take the Nara Line Limited Express to Kizu. In Kizu, change to a local train and continue to Kamo.
In Kamo, a quick change (2 minutes) to a tiny diesel-powered train will get you to Kasagi. Total traveling time is roughly 90 minutes. For more information, call (in Japanese) the Kasagi Town Government Office Tel: 074395-2301.
© JapanVisitor.com
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A visit to Kasagi, the southernmost town in Kyoto Prefecture, is a journey back to Japan's ancient roots.
Those who venture to Kasagi will find it still abounds in natural splendor. Kasagi is famed for its cherry blossoms and maple leaves, and favored by campers and canoers for summer recreation.
Canoes and equipment can be rented by the Kasagi Bridge, and, lessons are given on weekends and holidays during the summer. A public campground on the river bank is open free to the general public.
With a population of less than 1,500 people, Kasagi has a small-town atmosphere, where those seeking physical and spiritual stimulus will find relief from the big city and all its demands.
As recorded in the 14th century chronicles known as the Taiheiki, Kasagi was where Emperor Godaigo fled during civil war with the shogun and the remains of his retreat can be seen on the summit of 289 meter-high Mt. Kasagi, one of several mountains overlooking the town. A guide to the ruins and to Kasagi's other attractions, including its famous rocks, can be obtained at the Kasagi Sangyo Shinko Kaikan (Industrial Center), right next to the station.
The winding way up Mt. Kasagi offers the visitor a strenuous stroll and exceptional views of the river valley below. One of the course's first attractions is a stand of giant boulders, where devotees once came (and perhaps still do) to pray to the natural deities of these giant stones.
On one boulder, an 8th century monk from Todai-ji Temple in Nara carved a simple image of the Miroku Bosatsu on the face of a boulder. Early in the 9th century, a graceful twelve meter-high line drawing of the Kokuzo Bosatsu was carved on a second granite monolith.
Practicing monks at one time trained themselves physically and mentally by dangling each other from atop the rock; the terror this induced encouraged thoughts of their own mortality.
Because it was a site of Buddhist worship, the mountain took on a reputation as a gateway to the next world.
The path also takes one past the Yurugi-ishi, or Unstable Rock, a boulder of army-crunching potential, which was used centuries ago in a failed attempt to threaten approaching attackers, and which can still be jiggled with one hand.
Not all of Kasagi's charms are located outdoors. Visitors might enjoy viewing the historical displays on exhibit at the Sangyo Shinko Kaikan. Or, for a gastronomic treat, consider partaking of one of Kasagi’s specialties, kiji-nabe (pheasant stew) or wonderful botan-nabe (wild boar stew).
If you have time, and happen to be coming by car, a side-trip to Yagyu in neighboring Nara Prefecture will take you into the hills past tumbling waterfalls and wet cedar forests. Besides several shrines, the town's other attractions include a small museum located in what was formerly the Imperial Minister's Residence. Buses to Nara leave from Yagyu village throughout the day, but do not go to Kasagi.
Getting to Kasagi: From JR Kyoto Station, take the Nara Line Limited Express to Kizu. In Kizu, change to a local train and continue to Kamo.
In Kamo, a quick change (2 minutes) to a tiny diesel-powered train will get you to Kasagi. Total traveling time is roughly 90 minutes. For more information, call (in Japanese) the Kasagi Town Government Office Tel: 074395-2301.
© JapanVisitor.com
Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business
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