Meoto Sugi Course
Course overview
This course starts from JR Chikuzen-Yamate Station and ascends toward the Arata Highlands, passing through the Hebitani forest path and walking to the top of Mt. Wakasugi while admiring the Meoto Sugi cedar trees.
The winter cherry blossoms on Tengu-iwa and the Meoto Sugi cedars standing quietly together are highlights of the area. The Meoto Sugi cedar trees are said to be more than 300 years old.
Meoto Sugi (“Wedded Cedar”)
The two cedar trees growing straight along the side of the pilgrimage route from the Arata Highlands to the Okuno-in Temple are called “Meoto Sugi.” The two are quietly nestled together, looking towards the heavens, and you can feel the weight of 300 years that they have spent together.
Tengu-iwa (Tengu Rock) winter cherry blossoms
The cherry blossoms that bloom in winter are rare even in Sasaguri. They can be found on the premises of Tengu Iwayama Kichijo-ji Temple, and reach their full bloom in late fall and early winter.
If the conditions are right, you may be able to enjoy the unique luxury of the surrounding foliage and cherry blossoms at the same time.
View spot
Komenoyama Lookout
Meoto Sugi (“Wedded Cedar”)
Tengu-iwa (Tengu Rock) winter cherry blossoms
Rest areas
Komenoyama Lookout
Okuno-In Temple
Okuno-In Temple parking lot coffee shop
Forest species
Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress
Forest age: 30-230 years
Understory vegetation
Japanese laurel, East Asian eurya, etc.
Insects and small animals: Hare, deer, wild boar, tanuki (raccoon dogs), bush warblers, pheasants, wood pigeons, warbling white-eye
Course information
| Total distance | Approx. 6km (round-trip) |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Approx. 679m |
| Elevation difference | 607m |
| Topography | Mountainous terrain |
| Slope | Average:9.8%, Min.2.0%, Max.24.0% |
| Road surface conditions | Dirt, gravel roads |
| Sign (Signpost) | 22 locations |
| Restroom | JR Chikuzen-Yamate Station, Tengu-iwa (Tengu Rock), Arata Highlands, Summit of Mt. Wakasugi |
