By Konomi Nakamura
The conic, umbrella shaped mountain in front of the Kasugayama is called the Mikasayama. Its name is often seen in the Manyoshu. The mountain itself has been believed to be Divine, and there is the Honguu Ukigumoyashiro of the Kasuga Taisha on top of the mountain. The cutting of plants on this mountain is prohibited as in Kasugayama. The Nagi trees are designated as a natural monument. People feel that this mountain with the Kasugayama Primeval Forest protects the people who live near it. I like this intimate, beautiful mountain.
