Homanzan, a mountain that straddles the border of Dazaifu and Chikushino cities, was recently approved for designation as a National Historic Site, and the boards of education from both cities are pushing to expand the site’s area. Homanzan has attracted religious believers since olden times and has been a center for Shugendo, a mystic Buddhist sect, since medieval times. The site covers 640,000 m2, including the mountain’s peak, sites where ruins have been excavated and Kamado Shrine, a Shinto shrine located at the foot of the mountain. About 80% of the land belongs to Kamado Shrine, but the Chikushino Board of Education said it would like the site to include nearby land owned by the Forestry Agency. A spokesperson for the shrine remarked, “I would like [the government] to build paths to protect the ruins.” Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 11/2
