For the final outing of 2024, I was looking for a hike close to Tokyo, something straightforward to ensure I could end the year safely. I also wanted to finish at a hot spring, the cold months of winter being the best time to indulge in one of my favourite activities. A few weeks ago, I found out about the Hizure Alps, and I thought it might be the perfect time to explore this up and down route along four minor peaks south of Sagami lake; since the hiking time was just over 3 hours, I could extend it with a round-trip to a 5th peak on the south side.
For subscribers, read this Post on Hiking Around Tokyo for a better viewing experience and the latest updates
Hiking the Hizure Alps 日連アルプス
I would ride the Chuo line to Fujino station, and from there, walk to the trail entrance on the east side of the “Alps”. I would finish at a trail entrance on the west side, where I could catch a bus for Yamanami Onsen. After a hot bath, I could take the bus in the opposite direction, back to Fujino station. I knew that the Chuo line had recently added green cars so I was hoping to use one on the return. The weather was supposed to be sunny and cold, usual for this time of the year, and I was looking forward to an enjoyable last hike of 2024.
Find Japan Hiking Maps on Japanwilds
Hike in the Shade (left) Hiking in the Sun (right)
Late Afternoon sun near Mine (left) and Mt Kongon (right)
It was a beautiful sunny winter day as I stepped off the Chuo line at Fujino station. After getting ready, I made my way down to Hizure Ohashi Bridge. While crossing the Sagami river, I could already see the Hizure Alps on the other side. Although the nearest entrance was right up the road, I turned left past a supermarket, and followed back lanes eastwards till I reached the Hizure Alps Trailhead (日連アルプス登山口) shortly before noon. On the way, I passed a charming little shrine with red banners flapping in the wind.
Sagami River from Hizure Ohashi Bridge
View North on the way to the Trailhead
I patiently followed the trail as it hugged the mountain side instead of climbing right away. Just as it reached the eastern end, it suddenly made a right turn and headed up at a steep angle. After hauling myself up, the trail soon regained a more reasonable angle and was in the sun again. At 1230, I arrived at a picnic table on the summit of Mt Takara (宝山(たからやま takara-yama meaning treasure). Framed between 2 trees on the south side was a view of Mt Jinba. I continued on my way, and soon after, reached another picnic table at the top of Mt Hizure (日連山 ひづれやま hizure-yama); it was completely in the trees so I continued without a break.
Walking in the Sun Past Mt Hizure
Mt Omuro (left) & the Doshi Mountains (right) on the way to Mt Hachioka
The trail was mostly level with some slight ups and downs, mostly in the sun thanks to the bare trees, and mostly free of people thanks to the Japanese year-end holidays. At 1pm, I reached a third bench at a fork in the trail. I went left, leaving the Alps momentarily to head along a southern spur. This change of direction also exposed me to strong winds blowing from the west. I soon arrived at an electric pylon with an open space on the west side. I gazed at the pyramidal summit of Mt Omuro for a short while before being chased away by the wind. After a short slippery climb over dead leaves, I reached the top of Mt Hachioka (鉢岡山はちおかやま hachioka-yama), one of the 15 famous mountains of Fujino town, and also the site of a TV antenna. Despite the lack of view, it was sunny and quiet, so I settled down on a log for a lunch break. Once done, I retraced my steps to the Alps.
Windy Section of the Trail on the Way to Mt Hachioka
Viewpoint at the Top of Mine
The next section was probably the nicest part of the entire hike, heading southwest into the afternoon winter sun, the surrounding vegetation reflecting its soft light. It was only 2pm, but I seemed to be the last person left on the mountain. At one point, I had a view on the south side of Mt Sekiro and Mt Hachioka, side by side. A little before 2h30, I turned right at another fork, this time following a spur northwards, and a few minutes later, arrived at the top of Mine (峯 みね). I had a stunning view of Uenohara and the surrounding mountains on the west side: from left to right, I could see Mt Ogi, Mt Gangaharasuri, Mt Gongen, Mt Mito and Mt Jimba.
Mt Ogi (right), Mt Gangaharasuri (center) & Mt Gongen (right) from Mine
Mt Gongen (left), Mt Mito (center) & Mt Jinba (right) from Mine
I took my time taking in the view, trying to spot the smaller peaks I had hiked in the area such as Mt Yae, Mt Furo and Mt Yogai. The wind had pushed in some clouds from the west, testing my patience as various areas alternated between sun and shade. Once satisfied, I left my pack and trotted further down the ridge to the nearby Mt Yasaka (八坂山 やさかやま 420m), in the forest and thus less famous. After collecting my pack, I returned to the junction and continued to the final peak of the day only a short distance away. Mt Kongo (金剛山 こんごうざん kongo-zan), named after a Buddhist term meaning “something indestructible”, was the site of a small shrine surrounded by cedars.
View of the Uenohara Area from the the Top of Mine
Heading to Mt Kongo
A couple of picnic tables in the shade made it seem like the ideal place for a break on a warm day. However, it was already past 3pm, so I started down a steep path on the south side. No rain for the past few weeks meant the trail was dusty and slippery and I made ample use of the attached rope to keep my balance. Half an hour later, I popped onto a road at the Hizure Alps Entrance (日連アルプス入口) and a few minutes later, caught a bus for Yamanami Onsen. After a quick but restorative hot bath, I hopped back on the bus for the short ride to Fujino station. There I boarded the Chuo line green car for the first time (free of charge till the Spring) for the one hour ride back to Shinjuku.
Watch a Video of the Hizure Alps Hike
Watch the Video of the Hike on YouTube
See a Slideshow of More Pictures of the Hike
Hiking Around Tokyo 