“Site ruins of the former imperial palace”, Mt. Kasagi, Kyoto, c. 1930. A story goes that the Emperor Temmu in the 7th century was once caught in a tremendous rain storm on this hill, when the Kokūzī–Bosatsu appeared and gave him shelter. The Emperor vowed to dedicate a temple to this deity as a thank–offering, and as a pledge he took off the hat he was wearing and laid it on a rock — hence the name of the rock and the hill. (‘Kasagi’ means “hat laying down”.)

See also:
“The Famous Place of Mt. Hiei”, Enryakuji, Kyoto, c. 1930.
The Temple of the 33,333 images of Kwannon, Sanjūsangen-dō, Kyoto, c. 1920.
Nagao Pass & Mt. Fuji, Hakone, c. 1940.
Climbing Mt. Asama, Karuizawa, c. 1920.

“The mountain is rather to be classified as a small hill, but the place is historically very famous among Japanese people in association with the civil war of the Genko era, and the people ever faithful to their Imperial family will never forget the name of the mountain on account of the above named disturbance.

“Emperor Godaigo, the 95th sovereign, was much grieved at the condition of the time, when the actual ruling power was usurped by the Hojo Clan, and planned the overthrow of the latter. At the outset, he was not successful and had to take refuge at Hiei-zan, whence he made his way to Nara and thence to Mt. Kasagi, on the top of which stood the temple of the same name.

“This temporary residence of the Emperor was guarded by a considerable number of loyal troops. The Hojo government set out an enormous expedition to this mountain, whereupon fierce battles took place between the Imperial and the Hojo armies.

“The besiegers were driven back many times at first, but the defenders were finally overthrown on the arrival of great reinforcements on the enemy’s side. The result of this conflict was very lamentable in the history of Japan, as the Emperor was exiled to the island of Oki and many loyal officials were either killed or subjected to severe punishment by the Hojo government. Indeed, fortune smiled on the Hojo for a time.

“But soon after, loyal armies were raised in many localities, and the Emperor was finally successful in the overthrow of the Hojo Clan and resumed the direct administration over the whole country.

Kizu River, Mt. Kasagi, Shikagafuchi, Kyoto, c. 1930. The caption reads (in part): “The scenery is spectacular, the water is clear … and the boat ride is a perfect place to enjoy all four seasons.”

“The mountain is densely clothed with pine and other timber trees, and at its foot flows the clear stream of Kizu River the transparent waters of which are dotted with white sails here and there. Upstream at Okawara, the Kizu Rapids have become popular among foreign visitors to Nara, as the Hozu Rapids with those visiting Kyoto. The descent of the Rapids commences from Okawara and proceeds to Kasagi over four miles through ever changing aspects of the charming scenery.

– “Excursion to Mt. Kasagi from Nara”, The Tourist, May 1921

“Mt. Kasagi in Kasagi rises 288 meters about the south bank of the Kizu River. It is home to many strange and mysterious rock formations giving it the nickname ‘Megalith Theme Park’ and is designated as a historic scenic spot in Japan. Although it is not an easy hike, anyone with average ability can reach the top and enjoy the enjoy the spectacular views.

Mt. Kasagi, Kyoto, c. 1930. The image of the Kokuzo Bodhisattva carved into a large boulder by Kobo Daishi (it is said), the monk and poet who founded the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism.

“From the top of the mountain, it looks like you are on an island floating in a sea of clouds. The view from the top of the mountain was a popular place to moon gaze during the Edo Period. The view is particular spectacular during the autumn season when the entire 3,000 sq. meter river valley is covered in carpet of red maple leaves.

“Mt. Kasagi is of great historical significance. It is home to a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Chisan School with historic connections to Todaiji on nearby Nara.

“Famous monks such as Jokei have lived at the temple and Yamabushi, or warrior hermits said to be imbued with supernatural powers, are said to have trained here; making it an important part of Japanese Buddhist history. What’s more, in the late Kamakura period (1185–1333), it was also the stage of foiled plot kill the shogun by the 96th emperor, Go-Daigo.”

– Kyoto Tourism, Official Travel Guide