Kii Mountains

mountains, Japan

Also known as: Kii Range

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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The Kii Mountains are a significant mountain range located on the Kii Peninsula in southern Honshu, Japan. This range is considered the deepest mountainous area in Japan, characterized by steep slopes, deep valleys, and sharp ridges that descend directly to the sea without a continental shelf. Notable peaks include Mount Ōdaigahara and Mount Hakken. The region experiences a high amount of rainfall due to its location in the path of typhoons and the baiu (rainy season), supporting a mix of subtropical and temperate plant life, including Japanese cedar. The Kii Peninsula is also a culturally important area, home to numerous Buddhist and Shintō centers, and is part of Wakayama, Nara, and Mie prefectures.1

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Kii Peninsula
…peninsula is composed of the Kii Range, whose mountains end abruptly on the north in a fault scarp that commands the valleys of the Kushida River and the Kino River. In general, the mountains are of strong relief, being broken by deep valleys, sharp ridges, and steep declivities. High elevation…
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…peninsula is composed of the Kii Range, whose mountains end abruptly on the north in a fault scarp that commands the valleys of the Kushida River and the Kino River. In general, the mountains are of strong relief, being broken by deep valleys, sharp ridges, and steep declivities. High elevation…
Read More