The Legend Behind the Name
The name Kinkōzan is associated with a legend about Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, a celebrated military commander who lived during the Heian period. According to the story, he was on his way to defeat demons at Mount Yuga when he buried a golden helmet on this mountain and prayed for victory. The name Kinkōzan, meaning “Golden Armor Mountain,” is said to have originated from this episode.
The mountain was also known as Kōnomine, meaning “Peak of the Gods.” In ancient times, its summit is believed to have contained a sacred rock formation known as an iwakura, as well as a small shrine dedicated to Takehikatawake, a deity associated with Kojima in Japan’s creation mythology.
Today, the deity is enshrined at Kunitsu Shrine and at Iwayama Shrine, also known as Iwayama-no-miya, which is associated with Kibitsu Shrine. Both are located at the northern foot of the mountain.
Spectacular Views from the Summit
Mount Kinkōzan is the highest peak on the Kojima Peninsula and in Tamano City. Its observation point offers sweeping views across the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding landscape.
Looking south, visitors can see the islands and waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Shikoku’s Kagawa Prefecture, and the Seto Ohashi Bridge on clear days. To the north, the urban landscape of Okayama City spreads out below the mountain. The combination of sea, islands, bridges, and city views makes the summit an especially appealing destination for sightseeing and photography.
Because of its outstanding natural scenery, the mountain is included in the Setonaikai National Park as a Class II Special Zone.
From a Popular Driving Destination to a Renewed Viewpoint
For many years, Mount Kinkōzan was a well-known scenic driving destination. A rest house with an observation deck once stood at the summit, and the mountain attracted private cars, local buses, and sightseeing coaches. It was also used as a venue for ekiden relay races, making it a familiar recreational spot for residents of Okayama Prefecture.
The opening of the Seto Ohashi Bridge in 1988 changed travel patterns in the region, and visitor numbers to the mountain gradually declined. In the 1990s, an industrial waste disposal facility was established along the prefectural road, increasing the movement of dump trucks. Illegal street-racing groups also began gathering in the area at night. As a result, the mountain’s popularity diminished, road maintenance deteriorated, and the summit rest house closed in 2001.
A new chapter began in 2010, when the Ryobi Group renovated and improved the closed rest house as part of its centenary commemorative projects. The observation deck was reopened to the public, helping restore Mount Kinkōzan as a destination for visitors wishing to enjoy its panoramic scenery.
Long-Distance Views and Night Scenery
On clear winter days, when the air is particularly crisp, it may be possible to see Mount Daisen in the distance. The mountain has also attracted attention for reports of views extending as far as Abeno Harukas in Osaka, described as one of the most distant locations on Honshu from which the landmark can be seen under suitable conditions.
In 2018, torrential rain during the Western Japan floods and subsequent typhoon damage caused landslides, forcing the road to Mount Kinkōzan to close completely. After approximately two and a half years, the road reopened on March 27, 2021. Since then, visitors have once again been able to drive up the mountain, and cars can be seen gathering to enjoy the night views when conditions are favorable.
An Important Broadcasting Center
Mount Kinkōzan also serves an important role in regional communications. The summit is home to the Kinkōzan Transmitting Station and the Kita-Sanuki Relay Station, which support broadcasting services across Okayama and Kagawa prefectures.
These facilities transmit radio and television signals over a wide area, making the mountain an important part of the region’s broadcasting infrastructure in addition to its historical and recreational significance.
Discover Mount Kinkōzan
Mount Kinkōzan brings together local legends, natural beauty, and sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. Although the mountain experienced a period of decline as a sightseeing destination, the reopening of its observation facilities helped restore its appeal. Whether visiting during the day for the sea and island panoramas or in the evening for the city lights, travelers can enjoy a distinctive perspective on Okayama and the Seto Inland Sea region.