[ Fukuchiyama City Kyoto Prefecture ] Spectacular View! Sea of ​​Clouds over the Mount Oe Range and the Ise Three Shrines | How to Enjoy the Village of ogre Legends

Mount Oe and the three Ise shrines attract many tourists, especially in autumn, as power spots where a fantastical sea of ​​clouds and ancient myths come alive. The period from late October to December is especially ideal, as you can enjoy both the morning sea of ​​clouds and a pilgrimage to sacred sites. It will leave visitors with a lasting impression.

Written by

Visit North Kansai

We are a voluntary tourism group dedicated to promoting the attractions of the northern Kinki region, specifically the areas of Tamba, Tajima, Tango, and Wakasa. The flavors of northern Kinki are not limited to crab, a representative winter seafood delicacy, but also include oysters, yellowtail, and pufferfish, as well as summer delicacies such as surf clams, rock oysters, and white squid. Mountain delicacies include Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans, and summer fruits such as sand dune melons, making it an area where you can enjoy gourmet food all year round. I would be happy if I could share information that allows people to visit this vast northern Kinki region many times and enjoy train travel.

more

This service includes sponsored advertisements.

• Table of Contents
• What is Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture ?
• The allure of the sea of ​​clouds at Mount Oe(a spectacular scenic spot)
• The allure of the original Ise Three Shrines (mythology and power spots)
• Recommended route and points to note
• 5 nearby tourist spots you should visit as well
• A tour exploring the mysteries and legends of Ise Shrine with a local guide.
• summary
• How to get to Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture

What is Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture ?

Fukuchiyama City in Kyoto Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Kyoto Prefecture and is known as a castle town built by the Sengoku period warlord Akechi Mitsuhide.
With its many famous natural attractions, this town offers a perfect balance of urban and rural charm.
It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kyoto Station and approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Osaka Station by express train.

The allure of the sea of ​​clouds at Mount Oe(a spectacular scenic spot)

In the Mount Oe range, when the weather conditions are right, a beautiful sea of ​​clouds appears in the early mornings of autumn, giving you the feeling of being above the clouds.
The direction in which the sea of ​​clouds forms offers a wide-open view, allowing you to enjoy a grand panoramic view of the sunrise over the mountains opposite.
This is one of the top cloud sea viewing spots in Japan, and it was even selected as one of the "11 Must-Visit Cloud Sea Viewing Spots Across Japan!" on a certain website.

Onitake ogre Shrine

Located at the 8th station of Mount Oe, it is famous as one of the best spots for photographing sea of ​​clouds.
You can get there by car.
There is an observation deck, and the rest area and restrooms are open 24 hours a day.
In the early mornings from late October to early December, the morning mist that sinks into the Mount Oe range fills the basin, creating a sea of ​​clouds.
The most beautiful time of day is considered to be from sunrise until around 8:00 AM.
The waves of white clouds stretching out below, and the sea of ​​clouds shining golden in the morning sun, are truly breathtaking.

Onidake ogre Shrine

620-0327 303-1 Kitahara, Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture

From autumn to early winter, you can see the spectacular sea of clouds. Located at the 8th station of Mt. Oe.

Mount Oe

Oe Town Busshoji, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, 620-0321

The correct name is the Mount Oe range. This mountain range spans across Yosano Town, Fukuchiyama City, Miyazu City, and Maizuru City in Kyoto Prefecture . The four peaks that make up this range are Senjōgatake (elevation 832m), Akaishigatake, Mine, and Nabezuka. Alternatively, it refers only to Senjōgatake. It is famous as the setting for the legend of Shuten-doji's ogre slaying, and is also known as a scenic spot for viewing seas of clouds. The area boasts geological formations originating from the seabed 460 million years ago, making it ideal for trekking and forest bathing.

Occurrence conditions

It appears with a high probability in the early morning during autumn (late October to early December) when the following weather conditions coincide.
Temperature difference
A day with good weather during the daytime the previous day, followed by a significant drop in temperature due to radiative cooling at night (a temperature difference of 10 degrees Celsius or more).
• High humidity
A day with high humidity due to rain the previous day, with plenty of water vapor, and no wind or only a light breeze.
A day when the wind is light and the fog that forms remains in the mountains without being blown away.

The secret to its popularity

You can enjoy a sea of ​​clouds, the sunrise, and the starry sky all at once, and encounter the spectacular view of the Mount Oe range enveloped in a "sea of ​​fog."
This fantastical scenery is the secret to its popularity.

Clothing and belongings

• Warm clothing (down jacket, gloves, etc.)
• Flashlight, rain gear • Smartphone, camera • Bear bell, radio, etc. (for bear repellent)

The allure of the original Ise Three Shrines (mythology and power spots)

This is a very sacred place, as it is said to be the original location (Moto Ise ) where the sacred body of Amaterasu Omikami was enshrined for four years before Ise Mie Prefecture Shrine was established in its current location in Ise City Prefecture.

Moto-Ise Ise Kōtaijinja Shrine

It is said that the original Ise Kōtaijinja Shrine is the place where the sacred object of Amaterasu Ōmikami was moved from the Yamato region and enshrined for four years.
After that, Amaterasu Omikami traveled around the country before finally settling in what is now Ise(Mie Prefecture Ise City, Mie Prefecture) 50 years later.
The main shrine has a thatched roof and is built in the Shinmei-zukuri style, surrounded by more than 80 smaller shrines on all sides.
It is located in a natural forest of evergreen broad-leaved trees, primarily composed of Castanopsis trees.

View the official website of Moto-Ise Ise Kōtaijinja Shrine

Motoise Naiku Kotai Shrine

217 Uchimiya, Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture、620-0323

It is one of the Motoise traditional sites, and is called Motoise Naiku because legend has it that it was enshrined here before Ise Jingu was enshrined at its current location. The front torii gate is a rare "black wood torii gate" throughout Japan. It is the most simple and primitive style of torii gate, made from a log with the bark still attached.

Moto-Ise Ise Toyouke Daijingu Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to Toyouke-no-Okami, the god of agriculture who descended to the Tango region.
It is said to have been the original shrine of the Outer Shrine of Ise .

Motoise Geku Toyouke Daijinja Shrine

60 Oe Town, Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, 620-0325

Motoise Ise Toyouke Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Toyouke Okami, the god of agriculture who descended to the Tango region, and is said to be the original shrine of Ise.

Ama-no-Iwato Shrine

It is located in the secluded Iwato Valley, a place truly worthy of being called the land where the gods descended.
The main shrine and the sacred stone where the gods are said to have sat are located here, and recently, the number of people coming to worship from all over the country has been increasing as it is considered a power spot.
To reach the main shrine located on the cliff, you climb up using chains.
It is one of the three original Ise , along with the original Ise Naiku Kōtaijinja Shrine and the original Ise Toyouke Daijinja Shrine.

Amano Iwato Shrine

620-0321 Kyoto Prefecture Fukuchiyama City Oe-cho Bussho-ji Hiuragatak...

This shrine is dedicated to the deities Kushiishimadoto and Toyoiishimadoto, and is located at the foot of Mt. Iwato, the sacred mountain where Amaterasu Omikami is said to have descended. You can worship by climbing up the slope using chains.

Recommended route and points to note

order

Morning (early morning)
Enjoy the sea of ​​clouds at ogre Inari Shrine during the daytime.
After descending the mountain, it's most efficient to visit the three original Ise in the following order: Outer Shrine ⇒ Inner Shrine ⇒ Ama-no-Iwato Shrine.
I will introduce each access method in this order.

How to get to Onitake ogre Shrine

1. Traveling by private car or rental car is the most efficient option.
Approximately 55 minutes by car from Fukuchiyama Station

Fukuchiyama Station

620-0045 Ekimaecho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture

Fukuchiyama Station is the central station for heading towards the northern Kinki region. It is a transfer point for the Sanin Line, Fukuchiyama Line, and Maizuru Line, and is also the starting point for the Kyoto Tango Railway. On the north side of the station there is a tourist information centre where you can also rent bicycles. Fukuchiyama station / convenience store = yes, tourist information centre = yes, automatic ticket vending machine = yes

2. Oni Taxi (ogre Taxi)

Take the Kyoto Tango Railway from Fukuchiyama Station to Oe Station, then use the ogre Taxi service from Oe Station for a more economical option. However, this service only operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Please refer to the "Frequently Asked Questions" below for details on how to use it.

Check the Kyoto Tango Railway route.

* "ogre Taxi" is a taxi service available to residents of Oe Town , Fukuchiyama City , as well as tourists visiting the area on weekends and holidays.

3. Take the train or bus from Fukuchiyama Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway and get off at Oe Station.
Take the city bus for 18 minutes, get off at "Mount Oe no Ie" bus stop, then walk for 1 hour and 30 minutes. (City buses do not operate on weekends, public holidays, or during the New Year period.)

How to access Moto-Ise Geku Toyouke Ise Shrine

1. By private car, rental car, or ogre Taxi: Approximately 20 minutes by car from ogre Inari Shrine.
2. Walking: From ogre Shrine, it takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours on foot.
3. Bus
Take the city bus (Mount Oe no Ie Line) from "Mount Oe no Ie" bus stop (14 minutes), get off at "Geku" bus stop, and walk for 5 minutes.

How to access Moto-Ise Ise Kōtaijinja Shrine

1. By private car, rental car, or ogre Taxi: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Motoise Geku Ise Daijingu Shrine.
2. Train/Bus: Walk to " Oe Station," the nearest station to Ise , or take a city bus from the "Geku" bus stop to " Oe Station" (approximately 5 minutes).
Take the Kyoto Tango Railway from "Oe Station" to "Oe Station" (approximately 5-minute ride).
After getting off at " Oe Station," it's a 15-minute walk to Motoise Ise, or you can take a city bus from the "Geku" bus stop, get off at the "Naiku-kami" bus stop, and then walk to Naiku in about 13 minutes.
3. Walking : Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour from the Outer Shrine.

How to access Ama-no-Iwato Shrine

1. Private car, rental car, ogre Taxi: Approximately 1 minute by car from Moto-Ise Ise Kōtaijinja Shrine.
2. Walking distance : Approximately 18 minutes on foot from Ise Kōtaijinja Shrine.

Check out Japan Transportation's sightseeing taxis.

5 nearby tourist spots you should visit as well

Japanese ogre ) Exchange Museum

Located at the foot of Mount Oe steeped in ogre legends, this museum explores the question, "Who exactly are ogre ?"
You can learn about ogre not only in Japan but also around the world, focusing on gargoyles, ogre masks, and local performing arts related to ogre .

Japanese ogre Exchange Museum

909 Busshoji, Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture、620-0321

A unique museum with a ogre theme. On display are ogre masks from Japan and abroad, picture scrolls depicting the legend of defeating the ogre Shuten-doji of Mt. Oe, and onigawara tiles from the Asuka period to the present day.

Oe Town Paper Preservation Museum

Here's a facility where anyone can easily experience and interact with washi paper!
Experience the charm of Tango Futamata paper, which is designated as an intangible cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture.
Opening days: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays

Oemachi Washi Traditional Museum

1883 Futamata, Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture,620-0324

There is an exhibition room that explains the washi manufacturing process using actual tools and photographs, as well as a corner that introduces works using Tango washi paper donated from all over the country. In the experience workshop, you can also experience making colored paper, letter paper, and other paper using traditional materials and methods. (Reservations required. 10 or more people, recommended age: 4th grade or older)

Futasegawa Stream

Throughout the four seasons, you'll be left breathless by the dynamic scenery created by the strangely shaped rocks and clear streams.
The surrounding area has walking trails, and you can look down on the stream from the suspension bridges that connect the valleys.
It's also famous as a spot to see autumn foliage.

Futasegawa Stream

Oe Town Busshoji, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, 620-0321

The scenery, with its unique rock formations and clear streams, is among the most beautiful in Kyoto Prefecture, and the autumn foliage is particularly spectacular, attracting many visitors. The surrounding area has walking trails, and you can look down on the gorge from a suspension bridge.

Kehara Rice Terraces

It has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields."
The ever-changing beauty of the terraced rice fields throughout the seasons will surely create a special and unforgettable memory.

Kehara Rice Terraces

Kehara , Oe Town, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, 620-0322

The "Kehara Rice Terraces," nestled in the mountains, are a beautiful spot that preserves the original landscape of Japan. Terraced fields built with stone walls line the entire slope, creating a picturesque scene. It may not have the flashy atmosphere of a typical tourist spot, but here you can experience the warmth of "Japan's hometown." If you're visiting Kyoto, be sure to check out this "hidden scenic spot"! The ever-changing beauty of the terraced rice fields throughout the seasons will surely create a special and unforgettable memory. This area has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields," and in recent years has introduced a "Terraced Rice Field Owner System" to utilize uncultivated land.

Wisteria of the God of Talent

From the wisteria trellis, which spans approximately 600 square meters, pale purple flowers cascade down like a waterfall.
They begin to bloom in late April and reach full bloom in early May.

Wisteria of the God of Talent

Minamiari, Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, 620-0342

This ancient wisteria tree is estimated to be 1200 years old and is designated as a natural monument of Kyoto Prefecture. From late April to around the Golden Week holidays in May, the pale purple flowers are in full bloom, attracting many visitors.

A tour exploring the mysteries and legends of Ise Shrine with a local guide.

Join a local guide as you visit the original Ise Grand Shrine, Himurogatake, and Ama-no-Iwato Shrine, and delve into the mysteries of the original Ise.
Implementation date: Every Saturday (except for certain days)
Meeting place: Ise Tourist Center (in front of Oe Naiku Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway)

Meeting time: 13:00 Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes Guide fee: Free Inquiries: Fukuchiyama Tourism Association (TEL 0773-22-2228)

Fukuchiyama Tourist Information Center (Fukuchiyama Tourism Assoc...

439 Ekimae-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, 620-0045

The Fukuchiyama Tourist Information Center is located at the north exit of JR Fukuchiyama Station. In addition to providing tourist information, we sell souvenirs from Fukuchiyama, castle-related goods, and castle stamps, disseminate tourist information, accept reservations for tour guides, rent bicycles and mobile batteries, and offer temporary luggage storage. Please stop by when you visit Fukuchiyama City.

Foreign language support

・Normally, this will be handled using a translation app on a smartphone.
English-speaking guides can be arranged upon prior notice (additional charge applies).

summary

Oe Town in Fukuchiyama City is known as a village of ogre legends.
Throughout the town, three legends of ogre slaying, including that of Shuten-doji, the strongest ogre in Japan, remain vividly etched in the local culture.
Autumn, with its sea of ​​clouds and vibrant autumn foliage, is especially recommended, but you can enjoy it throughout the year.
Please do visit.

How to get to Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture

How to get from Tokyo Station or Kyoto Station to Fukuchiyama Station (by train)

From JR Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen "Nozomi" train and arrive at JR Kyoto Station in approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
From JR Kyoto Station, transfer to the Limited Express "Hashidate" or "Kinosaki" train, and you will arrive at JR Fukuchiyama Station in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

How to get from Osaka Station or Osaka Station to Fukuchiyama Station (by train)

From JR Osaka Station or JR Osaka Station, take the Limited Express "Kounotori" train and arrive at JR Fukuchiyama Station in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Articles related to Fukuchiyama City