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A visit to Kasagi, the southernmost town in Kyoto Prefecture, is a journey back to Japan's ancient roots.

Those who venture to Kasagi will find it still abounds in natural splendor. Kasagi is famed for its cherry blossoms and maple leaves, and favored by campers and canoers for summer recreation.

Canoes and equipment can be rented by the Kasagi Bridge, and, lessons are given on weekends and holidays during the summer. A public campground on the river bank is open free to the general public.

With a population of less than 1,500 people, Kasagi has a small-town atmosphere, where those seeking physical and spiritual stimulus will find relief from the big city and all its demands.

As recorded in the 14th century chronicles known as the Taiheiki, Kasagi was where Emperor Godaigo fled during civil war with the shogun and the remains of his retreat can be seen on the summit of 289 meter-high Mt. Kasagi, one of several mountains overlooking the town. A guide to the ruins and to Kasagi's other attractions, including its famous rocks, can be obtained at the Kasagi Sangyo Shinko Kaikan (Industrial Center), right next to the station.
The winding way up Mt. Kasagi offers the visitor a strenuous stroll and exceptional views of the river valley below. One of the course's first attractions is a stand of giant boulders, where devotees once came (and perhaps still do) to pray to the natural deities of these giant stones.

On one boulder, an 8th century monk from Todai-ji T...