Last Updated: Nov 9, 2023

Spiritual Mt. Oyama

One of Kanagawa’s Many Allures

For the longest time, I thought that I had already explored all the treasures Kanagawa has to offer. Conveniently situated just to the south of Tokyo, my trips to the prefecture over the years are too numerous to count. So, you can imagine my surprise one day when I stumbled across a hidden gem that I had somehow completely missed. Known as Mt. Oyama (lit. “big mountain”), this 1,252-meter-high peak is the perfect #DonnyThings place. The sacred enclave that resides on Mt. Oyama has long been a pilgrimage site for those unable to make the trek out to Mt. Fuji.

In all honesty, it’s alarming that I found out about Mt. Oyama just recently. After all, the crag is a destination that has been well reviewed by the world famous Michelin Green Guide. Moreover, Mt. Oyama holds a long history as a hotspot for practitioners of mountain asceticism. While it’s not the Dewa Sanzan of Yamagata Prefecture, Mt. Oyama offers plenty of challenges for those looking to undergo spiritual training. Frankly, the more I think about it, the more ashamed I am that it took me so long to catch on to this spot. I guess that’s one of the best parts about Japan though. The more I travel, the more I realize this country’s endless possibilities for attractions.