Mount Tomi


Mount Tomi is a mountain on the border of the city of Minamibōsō, in southern Chiba Prefecture. The mountain is formed by two peaks. The north, called Konpira Peak, is, and the south, called Kannon Peak, is. Mount Tomi is one of the
mountains of the Mineoka Mountain District of the Bōsō Hill Range.

Origin of name

The kanji for Mount Tomi, 富, means 'wealth' or ':wikt:abundance|abundance'. The name of Mount Tomi is said to be derived from the semi-mythical figure Ame-no-tomi-no-mikoto. According to tradition Ame-no-tomi-no-mikoto, historically associated with the Emperor Jinmu, developed the Bōsō Peninsula region, and is now associated with the nearby Awa Shrine. The former town of Tomiyama, now absorbed as part of Minamibōsō, is named for the mountain.

Mount Tomi Prefectural Park

The area around the mountain has been designated as Mount Tomi Prefectural Park. The western foot of Mount Tomi is rich with broad-leaved trees, including castanopsis, live oak, camellia, as well as large stands of Japanese cedar.

In literature

Tomi-san is the setting for Kyokutei Bakin's 106 volume epic novel Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, published late in the Edo period between 1814 and 1842. Mount Tomi appears in the novel as Toyama, the home of Princess Fuse.

Hiking

The mountain is popular as a hiking destination. The viewing platform on the north peak offers views of the surrounding area and Miura Peninsula.

Transportation

The hiking trail that leads to Mount Tomi is accessible by bus from the Iwai Station in Minamibōsō via the JR East Uchibō Line.