Mt. Dakenomoriyama

Mt. Dakenomoriyama (嶽ノ森山) is a mountain in Kozagawa, Wakayama Prefecture, and one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kansai. A twin-peaked mountain of Odake (376 m) and Medake (369 m), it is a rocky peak rising opposite the “Ichimai-iwa”, a natural monument slab on the Koza River. With chains of curious rocks — the Nametoko slab stream, Tōfu-iwa and more — it is a popular, varied course of streambed and rocky ridge despite its low height. The Edo-period scholar Saitō Setsudō named it “Tekisui-hō”.
The nearest stations are Koza and Kushimoto on the JR Kinokuni Line; the trailhead (Ichimai-iwa) is reached by the Kozagawa community bus or taxi.

Mt. Dakenomoriyama is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kansai. The trailhead is the scenic “Ichimai-iwa” on the Koza River, reached by the Kozagawa community bus or taxi from JR Koza or Kushimoto Station. As services are few, combining with a taxi or car is realistic.

*Timetable last checked: unverified

1. [Outbound] Koza / Kushimoto Station → Ichimai-iwa (bus / taxi)
2. [Climb] Ichimai-iwa → Odake → Medake (loop)
3. [Return] Ichimai-iwa → station
4. Recommended plans & area info

1. [Outbound] Koza / Kushimoto Station → Ichimai-iwa (bus / taxi)

The base is Koza Station or Kushimoto Station on the JR Kinokuni Line (Kisei Main Line). The trailhead at “Ichimai-iwa” is served by the Kozagawa community bus, but as services are few, combining with a taxi or car is realistic. By car, use the parking at the Michi-no-Eki “Ichimai-iwa”. Ichimai-iwa is a Koza River beauty spot that doubles as the trailhead.

Reference: Yamakei Online — Dakenomoriyama

2. [Climb] Ichimai-iwa → Odake → Medake (loop)

From the Ichimai-iwa trailhead, follow the stream past curious rocks — the Nametoko slab stream, Tōfu-iwa and others. Climbing chained, rope-aided rock leads to Odake (376 m), and the loop over Medake (369 m) takes about 3 hours. Low but varied, with stream, slab and rocky ridge, it even has old foot-shaped steps cut into the rock. After rain the slab stream is slippery and can flood, so climb in fine weather with grippy footwear.

Reference: YAMAP — Dakenomori loop course

3. [Return] Ichimai-iwa → station

Descend back to Ichimai-iwa and take the Kozagawa community bus or a taxi to Koza or Kushimoto Station. As buses are few, check a service that fits your descent time in advance, and book a taxi if there is none. From the stations, return toward Shingū, Shirahama and Shin-Ōsaka on the JR Kinokuni Line.

Reference: JR Odekake Net — stations & timetables

4. Recommended plans & area info

Loop plan: Koza / Kushimoto Station → (bus / taxi) Ichimai-iwa → Nametoko slab → Odake → Medake → Ichimai-iwa → (bus / taxi) station (about 3 hours). Low and climbable year-round, especially refreshing in the fresh-green season.
Note: the slab stream and rock are slippery; dangerous after rain or in high water. There are chained sections, so wear grippy boots. With few buses, plan carefully.

Relief map: GSI Japan