En no Gyoja is said to have opened the trail “Omine-Okugakemichi,” which is now included in the World Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” At the heart of the Heritage, stands Mt. Sanjogadake, the holy mountain for those who practice mountaineering asceticism, where they still keep females out to this day. Their temple, Ominesanji, is at the mountain top. Dorogawa Onsen is at the entrance of the trail to Mt. Sanjogadake, lined with more than 20 inns and lodges.
At the plateau 800m above sea level, it is cool in summer and can be chilly at night. In winter, snow comes down, letting tourists enjoy snowscape from the hot spring with mildly alkaline simple spring water. You can make a day trip to Dorogawa Onsen Center run by the village just to enjoy soaking.
Developed around the base of mountaineering asceticism, the town has a unique retro ambience. In summer, you may bump into mountaineer priests heading for a training. Around the resort, there are spots to get one of the 100 best waters in Japan, “Gorogoro Water,” Goyomatsu Cave, Menfudo Cave, Mitarai Gorge and more scenic places. For souvenirs, get “Daranisukemaru,” a Chinese/Japanese medicine for stomach, supposedly invented by En no Gyoja.
Highlights
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Located at the heart of the World Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”
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The hot spring resort with retro inns which have been used as a base for mountaineer priests heading for a training.
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During the season for the mountaineering asceticism, mountaineer priests and climbers liven up the town.
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Caves and the gorge are intriguing to see.
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Get “Daranisukemaru,” Chinese/Japanese medicine for the stomach.
