Mt Ogusu (241m), Yokotsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Saturday, June 1, 2024 [Shonan International Village Route]

I wanted to do some more nearby, low-altitude hiking before the hot and humid weather forced me to travel far and high. Looking at my new Miura Peninsula hiking map, I decided to revisit Mt Ogusu: this time I’d start from Hemi station on the northeast side, and finish at Shonan Kokusai Village on the northwest side; on the way, I could pass by Anjin-Miura’s grave in Tsukayama Park, first visited in February 2019. I could also see the view from the Mt Ogusu observation tower, hopefully open this time.

Hiking on the Miura Peninsula 三浦半島

To get to my starting point, I would ride the Shonan-Shinjuku line to Yokohama, and there change to the local Keiyu line. For the return, I could ride a bus to Shiori station, the next stop from Hemi station. Although, the year’s first typhoon had hit the area the previous day, Saturday’s weather was supposed to be mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid-twenties. I wondered how comfortable hiking in this season would be, but was looking forward to getting some more views of the Miura Peninsula.

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Start of the Hike (left) Lots of Water after the Typhoon (right)

Path near the top (left) and base (right) of Tsukayama Park

It was a beautiful spring day as I got off the train at Hemi station at 10am. As I made my way through the town, I noticed food stalls lining the main street, a sure sign a festival was taking place this weekend. I stopped by Jodoji Temple, a peaceful place with a bench; apparently a small Buddha statue belonging to Anjin-Miura is kept there but sadly not on display.

Walking next to the Bamboo (left) Path up Mt Ogusu (right)

Walking down the steps (left) Near the Base of Mt Ogusu (right)

I could hear festival music playing in the background as I prepared for my hike. I set off at 11am and first made a small detour by “Hotaru no Sato” (Firefly village). It was too early in the day to see any fireflies but I discovered a charming little river valley filled with birdsong; although a path led directly to Tsukayama Park (塚山公園), I decided to head back and follow the official route, and at noon, arrived at the observation deck (見晴台) at the top of the park.

Jodoji Temple near Hemi Station

View towards “Firefly Village” on the way to Tsukayama Park

I could see the buildings of Yokotsuka City on the west side, and beyond, Tokyo Bay and the Boso peninsula; to the north, I could see the Kamakura Alps. From the nearby Fujimidai observation deck (富士見台) I could see the Miura Alps, although Mt Fuji was hiding today; overhead, cirrus clouds spread across the sky. I took a short break on a bench at Kashimadai (鹿島台), the third and last view point before heading down “Ishidatami” or Flagstone path (石畳道) on the other side. True to its name, I had to be careful not to slip on the smooth stones underfoot, still wet from yesterday’s rain.

View of Yokotsuka City with Hydrangeas in the foreground

The Miura Alps from Fujimidai in Tsukayama Park

I was surprised to see a small stream running alongside the path, its temporary existence due to the previous night’s heavy rains. I left the park behind and followed a busy road southwards, soon reaching the entrance of another trail. After a short, steep climb, I reached the top of a narrow, up and down ridge. Although there were few views, I was glad to be in the shade during the hottest time of day. I soon passed the minor summit of Mt Gongen (権現山 138m), devoid of a summit marker and a view, so I continued without a break, now heading down.

View towards Yokohama from Tsukayama Park

View of Tokyo Bay from Kashimadai in Tsukayama Park

I had to fray myself a passage through the vegetation and was relieved upon reaching more open forest at the base of the hill. Suddenly, the path turned into a small stream and the sound of croaking could be heard under the tall cedars. I followed the water as it left the trail and ended in a large pond. The frogs lost their voice upon my arrival and stayed quiet even after I left. A few minutes later, I popped onto a road; turning around, I could hardly see the trail entrance. I crossed a busy road and at the top of a slope, reached another trail entrance, equally hard to find. The path hugged the forest on the left side, with fields on the right side.

A Hidden Pond at the base of Mt Gongen

Gazing at the Miura Alps from the top of Mt Ogusu

I was excited to suddenly spot a Japanese Pheasant at a bend in the path. I followed it for a while as it calmly lured me away from its chick. After a short climb, I reached a bridge over the Yokotsuka toll road, the trail continuing on the other side, recrossing the road via a graffiti-covered underground passage. I reached another section of near unpassable overgrown trail before arriving at a paved road at the base of Mt Ogusu. There, I turned left, and then right onto a lovely path along a bamboo grove. I soon reached another road, where I turned left. I was now walking next to a golf course, my path eventually merging with the one from my previous hike. At 4pm I reached the summit of Mt Ogusu.

Second Observation Tower on Mt Ogusu

Mt Ogusu from the Shonan Kokusai Village

I was slightly disappointed to that the observation tower was still closed, and after a short break, headed to the second and lower observation tower for the make-up view. I had to backtrack a little to reach the entrance of the Shonan Kokusai Village Trail (湘南国際村コース), with steps to help with the steeper parts. At 4h30, I reached a paved road at the edge of the forest, once again bordering the golf course. As I followed it up and down a pass, I had good views of today’s mountain, the second observation tower shining in the late afternoon sun. I arrived at Shonan Kokusai Village a little before 5pm, where I caught a bus for the short ride back to Shiori station.

Watch the Video of the Hike on YouTube

See a Slideshow of More Pictures of the Hike