Daikokuyama is a small hill about a five-minute walk from Awa-Katsuyama Station. Visitors to the tourist information center sometimes ask, "What is that hill? Can you climb it?"

Yes, you can climb it! A fit adult can reach the summit in about 15 minutes, so it’s a great hike to recommend to many people.

That said, the slope is steep, so we recommend wearing trekking shoes. I climbed it this time using Nordic walking poles, which made it very easy. (Nordic walking poles are available for rent at the tourist information center for 500 yen per day.)

The Katsuyama area is known as the birthplace of Boso whaling, and whaling was especially active here during the Edo period. Daikokuyama served as a lookout point for spotting whales.

Soon after you start up the trail you’ll come to the grave of Daigo Shinbee I, the founder of Boso whaling. Watch your head for overhead wires along the way if you are tall.

There are benches on the lookout, so you can rest and take in the superb views. One visitor even praised the town below as "a charming, picture-book kind of place."

Please give it a try and climb it at least once.