Round Trip of Mt. Homan from Kamado-jinja Shrine

Entering the grounds of Kamado-jinja Shrine and proceeding to the left of the main hall, hikers will find the trailhead with a torii gate. Proceed on the trail extending through bedrock until it merges with the paved forestry road, which ends at Ichino-torii. It is approximately 40 minutes away from the trailhead. Giant trees and rocks are scattered about around the stone-step staircase trail that ascends through the forest. Hike all the way up the steep stone steps named Hyakudan Gangi for approximately an hour from Ichino-torii, and hikers will arrive at Chugu-ato, or the “middle shrine ruins.” It used to be the place for ascetic practices for Yamabushi, or the practitioners of austerities, and now houses a stone monument. Continue ascending for approximately 30 minutes on the rocky trail to get to Mt. Homan. The summit is an open space with a giant rock decorated with a sacred straw rope. The view is superb, with the city of Fukuoka and mountains such as Mt. Hiko (Hiko-san) in sight. The summit houses the upper shrine building of Kamado-jinja Shrine, to which offering prayer along with the lower shrine is recommended. Take the same route back for the descent.