🗺️ Hiking Trip from Xingdao Mountain to Liangya Mountain

In the Ashikaga area, there is a hiking route that is very suitable for trekking. From JR Ryomo Line's Ashikaga Station, take a bus for about 20 minutes to reach the starting point, Mount Gyodo. Then, you will proceed to Gyodo-san Jōin Temple, Ne-shaka, Mount Ryogai, and Ashikaga Orihime Shrine. The total length of the hiking route is 9 kilometers, and it takes about 4 hours to complete. This is recommended for friends who want to personally experience the natural beauty of Ashikaga. This hiking trip is very famous throughout the Kanto region and is known as the "Close to Kanto Road." This route not only offers stunning views of Ashikaga's natural scenery but also allows visitors to explore buildings and ruins related to Ashikaga's history, making it very popular. One of the highlights is the Seishin-tei at Gyodo-san Jōin Temple. Seishin-tei is built on a cliff, and to reach it, one must cross the Tenkōbashi, which spans between giant rocks. The work "Ashikaga Gyodo-san's Hanging Cloud Bridge" by the Japanese ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai is themed around this Tenkōbashi. Additionally, this place is a popular filming location for movies. Gyodo-san Jōin Temple is known as the "Kanto's Koyasan" and is also a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves in the Kanto region. Another highlight is the ruins of the mountain castle that extends from the summit of Mount Ryogai (elevation 251 meters) along the ridge down to the foot of the mountain. It is said to be the site of Ashikaga Castle, built by the first generation of the Ashikaga clan, Ashikaga Naritoki, between 1068 and 1192. After 1590, it was abandoned, and although there is no complete castle structure now, the remnants of the moat and stone walls still convey the grandeur of the past castle. Surrounding the lovely reclining Buddha is an expansive view. The approximately 2-kilometer stretch from Mount Ryogai to Ashikaga Orihime Shrine is the final sprint of the entire hiking route. Since you will be walking over uneven rocky paths, it is essential to wear sports shoes and appropriate hiking clothing such as long sleeves and long pants. Additionally, the weather in the mountains can change unpredictably, so it is advisable to bring a raincoat. The path between Gyodo-san and Daiōbisha Mon is steep and undulating, so please be careful! This is a hiking route that allows you to experience Ashikaga's historical buildings and ruins with all your senses while also enjoying the beautiful natural scenery. Be sure to take on the challenge and let all the sights be deeply imprinted in your memory. The view from the summit of Mount Ryogai along the steep mountain path is particularly enchanting.