Mt. Gomadan

Mt. Gomadan (護摩壇山, 1,372 m), on the border of Tanabe (Wakayama) and Totsukawa (Nara), is one of the 300 Famous Japanese Mountains.
On the ridge of the Koya-Ryujin Skyline, its charm is an easy walk combining a virgin beech forest with the adjacent Mt. Ryujin (1,382 m), the highest peak in Wakayama. From the roadside station “Gomasan Skytower” it is a beginner hike of about 30 minutes each way on a promenade.
For public transport, reach Mt. Gomadan from Kii-Tanabe Station or Koyasan Station on the seasonal Pilgrimage Bus (jointly run by Ryujin Bus and Nankai Rinkan Bus).

The trailhead is the roadside station “Tanabe City Ryujin Gomasan Skytower” (about 1,300 m), with an observation tower, shop and toilets. The main route is the roadside station → promenade → Mt. Gomadan (1,372 m) → Mt. Ryujin (1,382 m) and back, a beginner route of about 1 hour. The well-kept promenade of Gomadanzan Forest Park runs through beech woods.
The Pilgrimage Bus is reservation-only, with just one service in each direction per day. It runs 2 April–30 November 2026 (closed every Tuesday and Wednesday); in winter the Skyline is closed and neither buses nor cars can reach the trailhead. Always confirm the latest running days, times and reservation in advance.

*Information last checked: Jun 13, 2026

1. [Outbound] Kii-Tanabe Station → Mt. Gomadan (change at Nakahechi Art Museum)

The base is JR Kinokuni Line Kii-Tanabe Station. You take the Pilgrimage Bus toward Mt. Gomadan, but change to the Mt. Gomadan-bound bus at “Nakahechi Art Museum” on the way. As there is only one service a day, reserve and be sure to board.

Bus timetable ①: Kii-Tanabe Station → Nakahechi Art Museum → Mt. Gomadan (Pilgrimage Bus)

Reference: [Ryujin Bus — Pilgrimage Bus] / [KUMANO TRAVEL — times & booking]

2. [Outbound] Koyasan Station → Mt. Gomadan

From Koyasan Station (Nankai Koya Line and cable car), the Pilgrimage Bus runs directly to Mt. Gomadan (no change from Koyasan Station). This too is one service a day, reservation-only.

Bus timetable ②: Koyasan Station → Mt. Gomadan (Pilgrimage Bus)

Winter note: the Koya-Ryujin Skyline is closed in winter, so from around December to March neither public transport nor cars can reach Mt. Gomadan. By car: the Gomasan Skytower roadside station has a car park (only while the Skyline is open).

Reference: [Ryujin Bus — Pilgrimage Bus] / [KUMANO TRAVEL — times & booking]

3. [Return] Mt. Gomadan → Koyasan Station

After descending, take the Pilgrimage Bus from Mt. Gomadan back to Koyasan Station (no change to Koyasan Station). As there is one service a day, do not miss the departure.

Bus timetable ③: Mt. Gomadan → Koyasan Station (Pilgrimage Bus)

Reference: [Ryujin Bus — Pilgrimage Bus] / [KUMANO TRAVEL — times & booking]

4. [Return] Mt. Gomadan → Kii-Tanabe Station (change at Kirari Ryujin)

To return toward Kii-Tanabe, change to the local bus at “Kirari Ryujin” from Mt. Gomadan and head for Kii-Tanabe Station.

Bus timetable ④: Mt. Gomadan → Kirari Ryujin → Kii-Tanabe Station (Pilgrimage Bus)

Reference: [Ryujin Bus — Pilgrimage Bus] / [KUMANO TRAVEL — times & booking]

Route and safety notes

Route: Gomasan Skytower roadside station → promenade → Mt. Gomadan (1,372 m) → Mt. Ryujin (1,382 m) and back. The standard time is about 1 hour, a beginner route. The forest-park promenade is well maintained and suitable for families. Going further, a traverse continues toward Mt. Obako.

Season and access: the Koya-Ryujin Skyline is closed in winter (roughly December–March), when the trailhead cannot be reached. Spring and autumn mornings and evenings are cold, and fog is common, so take care.

Views and season: from the Skytower and the summit there are views of Okukoya, the Hatenashi Range and the Omine Range. The fresh green of the beech forest and the autumn colours are highlights. Mobile-phone signal is weak in places on the mountain.

Gear and emergencies: bring sturdy shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, water and a map. In an emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire).
・Tanabe Police Station 0739-22-0110

Photo by Koda6029 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0