HIKE TENNOZAN
天王山
Hike Tennozan 天王山
Mt. Tenno, or Tennozan is located at the border of Kyoto and Osaka. This was a strategically important mountain in military terms and also for transport. In the past Tennozan was often the scene of battles, and it is particularly famous for the Battle of Yamazaki in 1582, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi defeated Akechi Mitsuhide.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Akechi Mitsuhide were two of the most feared warlords in Japanese history. This battle proved to be a decisive point as Mitsuhide himself was forced to flee and was eventually captured and killed by a gang of bandits.
The name of this mountain originates from a shrine located near the top dedicated to Gozutenno. Gozutenn is a Jpanese deity of disease and healing. Originally imported to Japan from mainland Asia, he was regarded since the Heian period both as a causer of and protector against epidemics.
Located about halfway up the mountain there are seventeen samurai graves under tall, wind-swept cedar trees. This marks the spot where these seventeen samurai committed suicide rather than be captured by opposing forces.
Traveling up the mountain one will find multiple shrines. Although these shrines are being maintained on some level, visitors seem to be scarce.
Making it to the top there glimpses out to the surrounding plains and adjacent mountains. This is also the site of the the former Oyamazaki castle, although all that remains is a small sign.
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