Mount Ōkueyama

Mount Ōkueyama is a mountain located in the Kii Mountains, spanning parts of Wakayama Prefecture and Nara Prefecture in Japan. It is part of the Omine mountain range and is traditionally considered a sacred mountain, closely associated with Shugendo, a syncretic religion incorporating aspects of Buddhism, Shinto, and ancient mountain worship.

Historically, Mount Ōkueyama has been a site for ascetic practices by yamabushi, practitioners of Shugendo. Access to the mountain was, and in some areas still is, restricted to men. Women were traditionally forbidden from climbing the mountain, a practice stemming from religious beliefs surrounding purity and the perceived disruption of the spiritual energies of the mountain.

The mountain is known for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls. The trails leading to the summit are challenging and require significant physical endurance. Pilgrims and hikers alike are drawn to the mountain for its natural beauty and spiritual significance.

The name "Ōkueyama" translates roughly to "Large Storehouse Mountain," a name potentially derived from the abundance of natural resources found on the mountain or its role as a provider of spiritual nourishment.

Mount Ōkueyama is a significant landmark in the Kii Mountain Range, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." This designation recognizes the mountain's cultural and religious importance as a site of pilgrimage and its enduring connection to Shugendo practices.