Category: Takao & Jinba Area (Tokyo, Kanagawa & Yamanashi)

Dairokuten (315m), Mt Hachioji-Shiro (446m) & Fujimidai (554m), Hachioji City, Tokyo Prefecture, Saturday, March 14, 2026

I wanted to explore the valley I had passed through by bus after last week’s hike. I had already hiked east to west from Hachioji Castle Ruins to Mt Dodokoro via Fujimidai nearly 12 years ago. Looking at my map, I saw I could follow some locally maintained trails north to south, partly overlapping with my 2014 hike, connecting the Northern and Southern branches of the Asa river. Along the way I would pass several viewpoints of Tokyo on the east side. If time allowed, I could finish with a walk through the Takao Plum Blossom area to Takaosanguchi Station.

To get to the start of the hike, I’d take the Chuo line Green Car to Takao station, and from there, ride a bus to nearby Kawara-juku, a short way from the trail entrance at Shingenin Temple. At the end of the hike, after a hot bath at Gokurakuyu Onsen, I could ride the Keio line one stop to Takao station and board the Chuo line back to Tokyo. The weather was supposed to be mostly sunny but windy in the morning. I was looking forward to checking out new trails and views in a familiar area, as well as seeing the plum blossoms, in full bloom in this season.

Find my Hikes on Japanwilds

Find Japan Hiking Maps on Japanwilds and subscribe to our newsletter

Approaching Dairokuten (left) Trail for Hachioji Castle Ruins (right)

Approaching Mt Hachioji-Shiro (left) Trail for Fujimidai (right)

The sun was already high in the sky as I rode the train through western Tokyo, arriving at Takao station shortly after 10am. It was about a 10-minute ride to Kawarajuku-Ohashi, a bus stop on a bridge over the Kitaasa River. Kawara-juku used to be a small post town on an old mountain road connecting Hachioji with Uenohara, although nowadays little remains of its historical past. I arrived at Shingenin temple (心源院) a little before 11am, and after checking out its impressive, bright red bell tower, headed towards the start of today’s hike.

Descending towards Takao Baigo (right) Path for Ura-Takao (right)

Approaching Tenjin Bairin (left) Walking the Takao Baigo Promenade (right)

I was surprised to see detailed, handwritten local signposts at the trail entrance, showing that the paths are well-maintained by local groups. I headed up the Women Slope Trail (女坂ルート) as it seemed more interesting than the Shrine Trail (神社ルート) which started from as shrine on the other side of the temple. After a short climb through thick forest, I found myself walking along a ridge with sparse vegetation. I soon reached a bench at the edge of the forest with a wide view to the north.

Benches mid-way to the first viewpoint

First Viewpoint along the Woman’s Slope

I was delighted to get a view so soon on the hike especially since it wasn’t on my maps. The valley was filled with colourful rooftops spreading to the Akigawa Hills in the far distance. The wind was blowing hard so I continued on my way, now heading southwards. Along the way, I admired the frequent signs, informing me of what to watch for in terms of vegetation (e.g. best time to see a certain type of flower) and what to watch out for in terms of trail hazards (e.g. trail becomes narrow). Shortly after passing the junction with the more direct, but less scenic Shrine Route, I turned left at the next junction, and a couple of minutes later, arrived at Dairokuten (大六天 だいろくてん), the first mountain and second viewpoint of the day.

View North from the Woman Slope Trail

The Colourful Rooftops fill the Valley to the Akigawa Hills

I immediately felt very relaxed in this place, with its handmade tables and seats, in addition to the charming signs. Northeast, I could distinguish the pointed shape of Mt Odake. The Kanto plain extended eastwards, the skyscrapers of central Tokyo barely visible through the haze. Apparently, the Oku-Nikko mountains and Mt Tsukuba can be seen on days with high visibility. I had this heavenly place all to myself; I settled on one of the benches for an early break but was soon chased by a persistent cold wind. I retraced my steps to the last junction and continued straight, now heading south.

Dairokuten Viewpoint

Handmade Benches and Tables

The up and down forested ridge was kept interesting by the frequent signage, revealing many local trails not shown on official maps, place names thoughtfully transcribed in English. Nearly an hour later, I turned right at Sakumon gate site (柵門跡), merging with the main trail for the Hachioji Castle ruins, also the route of my 2014 hike. From this point, official signposts took over, and I saw more people on the trail. After a short climb up ancient stone steps, I reached a level section free of trees on the left side, offering a view of the Kanto Plain.

View North of the pointed summit of Mt Odake

View of the Kanto Plain from near Hachioji Castle Ruins

I spent a few minutes enjoying this wide, unobstructed view, looking down at suburban neighbourhoods nestled between low, forested ridges. A little further on, I arrived at Hachioji-jinja Shrine (八王子神社), a bright red wooden building surrounded by tall cedars. After following a path a short way up to Honmaru site (本丸跡), the highest point of Mt Hachioji-shiro (八王子城山 はちおうじしろやま), marked by a small shrine enclosed by forest, I headed down to a group of sunlit benches and tables next to a tall stone memorial, with a view of Tokyo and the Tanzawa mountains. It was past 1pm, so I sat down for a lunch break. The wind had dropped and I spent nearly an hour enjoying the pleasant warmth of the early spring sun.

Sunlit Benches at Hachioji Castle Ruins

Mt Fuji from Fujimidai (photo March 2014)

I moved quickly along the next section, since I had walked it before. The trail climbed steadily through beautiful forest, protecting me from the sun but offering no views; the surrounding forest was also completely silent, birds and insects still on winter break. At the top of a steep slope, I reached Fujimidai (富士見台 ふじみだい) a little after 2h30. The name means “Mt Fuji View Platform”, however I was too late in the day and Mt Fuji, normally visible above the ridgeline to the southwest, was entirely hidden by clouds; at least I had had a perfect view on my previous visit. I continued my hike, heading downhill and southwards, leaving behind the trail for Mt Dodokoro, once again exploring a new path.

Fallen Trees past Fujimidai

Afternoon sun filtering through the trees

I headed Southwards, the afternoon sun filtering through the trees. I soon passed the minor summit of Mt Kumazasa (熊笹山 くまざさやま 533m), a peaceful, round peak surrounded by cedars. Around here the signposting reverted to handmade, weatherbeaten signs, but missing the charm of those at the start of the hike. I was following less frequented trails, with few views and few people, but offering delightful solitude inside nature. A little after 3pm, I reached a signposted junction. After making a quick round-trip to nearby Taikokuruwa-no-kashira (太鼓曲輪ノ頭(たいこくるわのかしら 410m), a minor summit with a long name, I headed down a switchback trail into the valley. Very soon, I could hear the sound of traffic coming from the busy Chuo expressway. At the bottom of some concrete steps, I reached a paved walking path where I turned right. As it curved around the mountain side, a view opened up on the left side.

Paved Path above the Chuo Expressway

View of the Chuo Expressway, Mt Takao and Plum Blossoms

I was pleasantly surprised by this unexpected view of the valley behind Mt Takao, known as “Uratakao” (裏高尾), less-visited than the city-facing side. Traversing the valley east to west was the Chuo line expressway; one lane soared above the rest, headed for the Hachioji Interchange, where it would merge with the north-south Ken-O expressway. Opposite was Mt Takao, Tokyo’s most famous mountain; the white building of “Beer Mount“, the Mt Takao Beer Garden, was visible halfway along the ridgeline. Looking down, I noticed a white cluster of plum trees, still bathed in the late afternoon light. At the bottom of another concrete staircase, I passed through a tunnel under the expressway, and then through a railway crossing for the Chuo line. After a short walk along the Old Koshu Kaido, I reached the Surizashi Town Open Space (摺指まちの広場).

Surizashi Machi Hiroba from the Kyu-Koshu Kaido

Walking through the Plum Blossoms

I felt lucky to have the plum blossoms to myself, although after 4pm most of the trees were in the shade. After making a quick loop through the open space, I continued along the Old Koshu Kaido but soon turned right into the Takao Umenosato Town Open Space (高尾梅の郷まちの広場) where more plum blossoms awaited. At the far end, I entered the Takao Baigo Promenade (高尾梅郷遊歩道) which I had scouted last summer. It was a pleasant stroll on a narrow path alongside the Minamiasa river, the last rays of sun colouring the scenery golden. Along the way, I passed by the Tenjin plum grove (天神梅林), hiding a small shinto shrine in its midst. Just before 5pm, I left the path for a pedestrian road with rows of plum trees on each side.

View of the Chuo Expressway from Surizashi Town Open Space

Last Section of the Takao Baigo Yuhodo

I was surprised by how many plum trees I had seen on the last section of the hike; I even had to skip a few groves due to the late hour of the day. I soon reached the modern Koshu Kaido where I turned right. A few minutes later I arrived at Takaosanguchi station, just before sunset, more than six hours after setting off. After a refreshing bath at the Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu (京王高尾山温泉極楽湯), I boarded the Keio line for the one stop ride to Takao station; there I boarded the Chuo line green car for the 45-minute comfortable ride back to Shinjuku station.

Watch a Video of the Hike

See More Pictures of the Hike

Mt Shoto (960m) & Kayamaru (1019m), Sagamihara City & Hinohara Village, Kanagawa & Tokyo Prefectures, Sunday, March 8, 2026

I wanted to do another hike along the Chuo line; I had already explored the area extensively more than 10 years ago but since the introduction of the “green car” last year, I thought it would be a good chance to revisit some of the peaks there in more comfort. I decided to walk the Sasao Ridge between Mikuni and Wada Passes, which I had observed from the summit of Mt Jinba the week before. Along the way, I’d pass by Mt Shoto, a Kanto 100 famous mountain, and a string of minor peaks. It was also part of the Kanto Fureai no Michi section named “Fujimi no Michi” meaning I could get several views of Mt Fuji along the way.

Hiking in the Jinba-Sagamiko Prefectural Natural Park

県立陣馬相模湖自然公園

Hiking the Kanto Fureai no Michi

関東ふれあいの道

To get to the start of the hike, I’d take the Chuo line to Fujino station, and there, ride a bus to the entrance of Sanogawa Village, a couple of stops before the end of the line. For the return, I’d ride a different bus from the Tokyo side to Takao station, from where I could take the Ome line, also equipped with the “green car”, back to Shinjuku. The weather was supposed to be clear all day but significantly colder than the previous week, winter not quite over yet. I was looking forward to a ridge walk connecting two valleys and including several chances to see Japan’s most iconic view.

Find my Hikes on Japanwilds

Find Japan Hiking Maps on Japanwilds and subscribe to our newsletter

Start of the Hike (left) Trail above Sanogawa Village (right)

Trail for Mikuni Pass (left) Steps for Kayamaru (right)

It was another beautiful day as I rode the Chuo line westwards, mountains rising up on each side of the tracks. The train arrived on time, but the bus for Wada Pass left five minutes early. It did not seem to be an extra bus, all passengers could find seats; nor did the schedule change: after getting off at Kamasawa Iriguchi (鎌沢入口), the timetable showed I was several minutes early, never a bad thing. I set off a little before 10am, and after crossing a bridge over the Sawai river and passing a Hachiman Shrine, I headed up a steep road with a plum grove on the right side.

Log Steps before Kayamaru (left) Trail past Kayamaru (right)

Log Steps before Mt Rengyo (left) Trail after Mt Rengyo (right)

I was delighted to catch the plum blossoms in full bloom, as I was one month too early for the cherry blossoms for which this route is apparently famous for. I soon found myself walking through Sanogawa village, selected as one of Japan 100 beautiful rural villages, its most notable feature being the terraced tea fields I could see hugging the mountain side. After another steep road, I reached the Kamasawa Prefecture Rest Area (県立鎌沢休憩所), from where, after turning around, I had a view of the summit of Mt Jinba. Next to the last village house was the start of the hiking trail.

Ichi-no-O Ridge on Mt Jinba

Walking under the Sun

I followed a gently rising path, a bamboo grove to my left, as it curved around the mountain side. I soon had a view of the Ichi-no-O ridge, climbed just a week ago. The path gradually turned northwards and headed up a sunny ridge, the trees still bare of leaves. At 11am, I reached several benches the start of the Sakura Promenade (桜プロムナード). Looking left, through branches holding tightly closed buds, I had my first view of Mt Fuji of the day, the perfect shot for anyone visiting one month later. I set off again, and after passing under a silver metallic “torii” (Shinto Shrine gate), continued up the ridgeline for a short while to a junction inside a cedar forest, where I continued straight. Half an hour later, I reached the summit of Mt Mikuni (三国山 みくにさん 960m also known as Mikuni Pass 三国峠), mostly surrounded by trees.

Trail before the Sakura Promenade

Torii Gate on the Sakura Promenade

I was glad to have reached the first summit of the day but slightly disappointed that branches were in the way of my perfect Fuji shot; to the right, the snowy top of the Shirane-Sanzan in the South Alps was just visible. Since the picnic table was occupied, I decided to move on at once. I headed right, now following the Kanto Fureai no Michi along the Sasao Ridge (笹尾根). I made my way up a short, rocky section, the change in terrain quite sudden, and a little past noon, arrived at the top of Mt Shoto (生藤山 しょうとうざん shoto-zan), for the second time. Also, for the second time today, branches interfered with my view of Mt Fuji, contradicting information from my map, guidebook and my own memory, but a good example of how conditions can change over time. I decided to skip this lunch break opportunity, and continue till I got a better view.

Mt Fuji from the Mt Shoto East Peak

Trail between Mt Shoto and Kayamaru

I finally had my perfect view of Mt Fuji, just a few minutes further along the narrow trail, at a spot marked as the Mt Shoto East Peak, but shown as Maruyama (丸山 989m) on some maps. It wasn’t a suitable lunch spot so after admiring the view, I carefully headed down a steep, rocky section. Past the junction with the detour path (巻道 “makimichi“), a safer path around the summit, the trail became easier to walk. I saw less people on this section, perhaps because most people headed back after reaching the top of Mt Shoto. I soon reached another detour path, the level trail straight ahead looking very inviting, but instead, I headed up a series of log steps to my left.

Log steps leading to Kayamaru

Mt Fuji View from Kayamaru

This was probably the best section of the entire hike, the log steps leading me up towards the blue sky, the green pine growing on both sides adding a dash of wilderness to the scenery. A little after 12:30pm, I arrived at Kayamaru (茅丸 かやまる), a little known peak with a perfect Mt Fuji view and the highest point of today’s hike. To the left of Mt Fuji, I had a sweeping view of the Tanzawa and Doshi mountains, the highest peaks tinged in white. I had the summit completely to myself, so I sat on a log to enjoy a peaceful lunch with a view. After nearly an hour, I slowly got going again, heading down a steep path on the east side.

Mt Fuji between Two Pines

The Summit of Kayamaru

The next section of the hike was probably the most fun to walk as it followed the narrow ridgeline through sunny winter forest, with occasional glimpses of Mt Fuji and the Chuo line valley to the right, and the Kanto Plain to the left. At 1:30pm, I reached the minor peak of Mt Rengyo (連行山 れんぎょうさん or 連行峰 れんぎょうほう 1016m) mostly within the trees. To the left a trail headed into the Akigawa valley, but I continued straight. Very soon, I arrived at a wide gap in the trees on the right side, giving me the best Fuji view of the day, perfect from the snowy crater summit free of clouds, to the overlapping ridgelines around the base. At Yama no Kami (山の神), I headed straight again, ignoring a trail to the right leading back to my starting point, public transport giving me the freedom to choose my arrival point.

A Sweeping View South from Kayamaru

Trail between Kayamaru and Mt Rengyo

The path suddenly entered a dense cedar forest and moved to the north side of the ridge, in the shade at this hour. Here and there, I had glimpses of the Okutama mountains, extending northwards. I eventually reached some benches at the top of Mt Daigo (醍醐丸 だいごまる 867m) where I took a short break. Another trail led north to the Tokura-sanzan, an area I’d love to explore again. The summit was completely in the trees and the shade so I quickly set off again, soon arriving at Daigo Pass. It was only 3pm but the surrounding forest was already very dark, with little light reaching the forest floor. I stepped up the pace, and after a certain amount of descending, emerged onto a forest road where I turned right.

Mt Fuji View from the Fujimi no Michi Trail

Last View of Mt Fuji of the Day

I was relieved to finally to leave the dark forest behind at Wada Pass (和田峠 687m). Since it was already past 3:30pm, I opted for the shorter road descent, leaving the Jinba New Trail (陣馬新道) for another day. The hard road surface was a little tough on the body after a full day walking mountain trails, but at the end I was rewarded with the sight of a family of pheasants (“kiji” キジ) crossing a road. I arrived at the Jinba Kogen Shita (陣馬高原下) stop with ten minutes to spare before the 4:30pm departure time, the bus for Takao station already there and allowing passengers to board. At Takao station, I boarded the Chuo line Green Car for the comfortable ride back to Tokyo.

Watch a Video of the Hike

See More Pictures of the Hike

Mt Jinba (854m), Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Sunday, March 1, 2026

I was looking for a short and easy hike to get back in shape after my winter break. I had already been up Mt Jinba three times, the last time being two years ago, but I still hadn’t explored every trail this popular mountain had to offer. This time, I decided to start close to the lowest trail entrance and head up the long and gentle Ichi-no-O ridge route, the main trail up the mountain. After admiring the panoramic view from the summit, including Mt Fuji, I’d descend via the shorter and steeper Tochitani ridge route, near the end of which I’d be able to get a view of the Tanzawa and Doshi Mountains.

Hiking in the Takao-Jinba Natural Park 都立高尾陣場自然公園

To get to the start of the hike, I’d ride the Chuo line to Fujino station. There, I’d board a bus for the short ride to the next stop from the Jinba mountain trail entrance, from where I’d follow an alternate trail to the ridgeline. This would allow me to skip a steep road climb from the main entrance. After completing the descent, I could drop by Jinya Onsen, my first visit to this hot spring. Afterwards, I’d walk 20 minutes along a road to get to a bus stop. The weather was supposed to be sunny all day with temperatures warm for the season and I was looking forward to the first Spring hike of the year.

Find Japan Hiking Maps on Japanwilds and subscribe to our newsletter

Start of the Hike (left) Alternate Path for the Ridge (right)

Ichi-no-O Ridge Trail (left) Sunny and Level Section (right)

I couldn’t spot a cloud in the sky as I rode the Chuo line westwards through the Tokyo suburbs, Mt Fuji clearly visible to the south. The train leaving Shinjuku station had been delayed but fortunately the connecting train at Takao station kindly waited for us, and thus I was able to board the bus from Fujino station as planned. After a ten-minute ride on a half-empty bus, I got off at Kami-sawai stop, a peaceful spot on the Sawai river, here and there plum blossoms in full bloom. I quickly located a sign for the trail entrance on the right side, and a little after 10am, was following a charming path next to a bamboo grove.

Halfway up (left) Log Steps below the Top (right)

Heading down (left) on the Tochitani Ridge Trail (right)

I was surprised to see no one on the trail on this beautiful spring day, probably due to the high levels of cedar pollen in the air. After half an hour of gentle climbing, I turned left onto the wider Ichi-no-O Ridge Trail (一ノ尾尾根コース). From this point, I occasionally passed hikers going up and down, but most of the time I had the sunny trail to myself, the mixed forest still leafless in this season. The path alternated between level and climbing sections; turning around in the middle of a slope, I could make out Mt Fuji through the bare trees. An hour and a half after setting off, the trail merged with the the Wada Ridge Route #2 which I had used a couple of years ago.

Trail between Kamisawai and the Ichi-no-O Ridge Route

Sunny Section Halfway up the Ichi-no-O Ridge Route

I picked up the pace since I was familiar with this section, and soon reached the log steps for the final climb to the summit. Shortly before noon, I was standing on the top of Mt Jinba (陣馬山 じんばさん jinba-san) for the fourth time. I was now surrounded by people, including a camera crew interviewing hikers about their lunch choices; I still managed to find a seat at one of the tables for my own, media-free lunch. Some people were in city clothes, and had probably walked up the steps from the nearby Wada Pass parking lot. The horse statue, for which Mt Jinba is famous for, was looking the worse for wear; I hoped it’d get a facelift in the near future.

View West from Mt Jinba towards Mt Shoto

Hazy Fuji from the Top of Mt Jinba

Mt Fuji was half-hidden by the midday haze due to temperatures topping 20°C in the valley below, but I was still able to admire its perfect snowcap in this season. Westwards, I could see the ridgeline extending towards Mt Shoto, looking very inviting on this fine day; to the north, I could see the Okutama mountains, including Mt Odake and Mt Gozen; on the east side, the Kanto Plain extended into the distance, the Tokyo skyscrapers barely visible. At 12:30, I set off for Meiou Pass, but soon turned right onto a smaller path, leaving the crowds behind. I was now following the Tochitani Ridge Route (栃谷尾根コース) down the mountain.

Red-roof Soba Shop near the Top of Mt Jinba

Trail for Meiou Pass

The trail descended steeply through cedars for a while before reaching a level section; beyond, the narrow trail descended more gently but remained inside the tall cedars, keeping me out of the afternoon sun but hiding most views. I passed few people on the way, allowing me to enjoy the solitude of the mountain. At a small Inari shrine, I made a sharp left turn. I soon emerged from the forest above some tea fields and had a wide view of the Tanzawa mountains to the south. I was against the sun, but could distinguish Mt Oyama, Mt Tanzawa, Mt Hiru, Mt Hinokiboramaru and Mt Omuro; in the foreground, I could also see the Doshi mountains, the Hizure Alps and Mt Sekiro. On the left side of the trail was a Kawazu-zakura (河津桜), an early flowering cherry blossom tree, in full bloom, its pink petals swaying in the breeze.

View of the Tanzawa Mountains on the Tochitani Trail

Cherry Blossoms and Tea Fields

I took my time to enjoy the sweeping view before moving on, since it was only 2pm. Below the tea fields, the trail ended at a road which I followed through the Sawai district, the frequent signposts guiding me in the right direction. At a bend in the road, a sign directed me to a path heading directly down the mountainside, a shortcut to the bottom of the valley. Upon reaching another road, I turned right, and after a short while, arrived at Jinya Onsen (陣谷温泉), a friendly hot spring inn allowing day trippers. I enjoyed a leisurely soak in the indoor hinoki bathtub, large windows letting in generous amounts of sunshine.

Mt Omura (left) & the Doshi mountains (center back)

Mt Hiru (left), Mt Hinokiboramaru (center) & Mt Omuro (right)

I was glad I finally had a chance to visit this hidden hot spring close to Tokyo. In the future I hope to hike the last remaining route on Mt Jinba, the Narako Ridge route, and this would allow me to visit Jinya Onsen again. Feeling refreshed, I set off shortly after 3pm on a gently descending road, alongside the Tochitani River. At the Sawai Post office, I turned left onto a main road, and soon arrived at the Jinba Tozanguchi (陣馬登山口) bus stop where it was a short wait for the bus back to Fujino station. After checking out the Fujino Tourist Information Center and collecting some local maps for future hikes, I boarded the Chuo line for the one-hour trip back to Shinjuku station.

Watch a Video of the Hike

See More Pictures of the Hike

Mt Takao (599m), Hachioji City, Tokyo Prefecture, Saturday, July 5, 2025 [Jataki to Biwa Falls]

I had been to Mt Takao less than a year ago but wanted to return for several reasons. First, the recently introduced “green cars” on the Chuo line, would allow me to ride to Takao station and back in comfort; next, its proximity to the city and public transport meant it was ideal for a late afternoon hike, allowing me to avoid the intense daytime heat in this season; finally, I could wash off the sweat at Gokuraku-yu conveniently located next to Takaosanguchi station.

Hiking in the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park

明治の森高尾国定公園

I decided to go up the Jataki falls trail, the only trail I had yet to walk on the mountain; after a quick visit to the summit via the Suspension Bridge Trail, I had originally planned to descend via the Biwa waterfall trail. However, due to the current restriction (see below), I decided to head down the Katsura Forest trail instead; from the ropeway top station, I’d then follow a connecting trail down to Biwa Falls, allowing me to complete a waterfall to waterfall hike.

As of January 2026, the Inariyama trail is open again. However, it seems the Biwa Falls trail has be kept as a one-way ascending-only trail to prevent accidents and traffic jams due to overcrowding. This restriction is in place all day; trail running (in either direction) is also prohibited. In other words, it’s not possible to hike down this trail for the time being (no end date to the restriction has been given). Multiple signs in Japanese and English have been placed at the bottom and top of the trail, as well as along the other trails. Please take this into account when planning your hike.

To get to the start of the hike, I’d ride the Chuo line to Takao station; from there I’d catch one of the frequent buses for Kobotoke (小仏) and get off at Jataki-guchi (蛇滝口), a short distance away. For the return, I could ride the Keio line one stop to Takao station and there transfer to the Chuo line. Although the weather was supposed to be quite hot again, I hoped it would start to get cooler after 3pm. I also hoped I could get a glimpse of Mt Fuji from the top, on my third visit in three years.

Find Japan Hiking Maps on Japanwilds and subscribe to our newsletter

Looking back towards Jataki Falls (left) Jataki Trail (right)

Looking back at the Suspension Bridge (left) Suspension Bridge Trail (right)

It still felt way too hot for any outdoor activity after arriving at Takao station just before 2pm. I decided to hang out for a short while at Ichigendo, the small cafe attached to the station. Even with the added delay, I started to have doubts about today’s hike as I walked up the Old Koshu Highway (旧甲州街道), the Ura-Takao bridge (裏高尾橋) providing the only shade from the punishing sun. I reached the trail entrance a little before 3pm; to further delay the start of my hike, I decided to check out the Ura-Takao Stream Path (裏高尾渓流線歩道) along the Kobotoke River.

Ura-Takao Bridge from near the Bus Stop

Walking under the Ura-Takao Bridge

I was surprised to see such a clean river close to the city. At one point, a group of children were noisily playing in the water; nearby a couple of adults were lying in a deeper, narrow section, completely submerged by the cool rushing water. A little further, I reached a bridge where I had a good view of the river itself. As I continued along the trail on the other side, a green-coloured snake slowly slithered away into the bushes. At this point I decided to turn back, and a little after 3pm, I found myself slowly making my way up a paved incline, the start of the 蛇滝線線歩道 (the Jataki trail).

Kobotoke River from the Ura-Takao Stream Path

A popular Spot for Cooling Off in the Summer

Fortunately this section was in the shade and a small brook running parallel to the road also had, I hoped, a cooling effect; here and there tall birches reached upwards, reminding me I was now inside the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. I soon reached a series of stone steps leading to a small Inari shrine near Jataki Falls (蛇滝 meaning “snake waterfall”). I was unable to spot the falls, most likely hidden by the mountain side and seemingly off limits to hikers. On the other hand, it seemed like a peaceful spot off the beaten trail, lush vegetation crowding in from all sides. Around now, I was starting to feel the effect of the heat so I soon continued on my way, slowly following the switchback trail up the north side of the mountain.

Stone Staircase past Jataki Falls

View South from the Monkey Park

I was relieved when I emerged onto the main ridge near the top station of the ropeway. I went straight to the restrooms to pour some cold water over my head. Feeling better I headed up the Kasumidai Loop and soon arrived at the entrance of the Takao Monkey Park. Although I prefer to see monkeys in the wild, I felt I needed another delay to allow the sun to get closer to the horizon. Inside, I was rewarded with a view south from the observation deck on top of the monkey house, as well as a surprising number of monkeys. After a short walk through the wildflower garden, I resumed my hike, now following the Suspension Bridge Trail. It was past 4pm, and for the first time of the day, the temperature felt bearable, as the sun sunk below the clouds on the horizon.

View of the Tanzawa Mountains from the Top of Mt Takao

Walking along the Katsura Forest Trail

So far I had seen few people but this section was surprisingly crowded, probably because of the current trail closures. A little before 5pm, I reached the top of Mt Takao (高尾山 たかおさん takao-san) for the tenth time. Clouds had already swallowed up Mt Fuji to the southwest but I still had a view of the Tanzawa mountains, an improvement over my last visit. After a short break, I started to head towards the entrance of the Katsura Forest Trail. Although the sun wouldn’t set for another two hours, it was surprisingly gloomy under the cover of the forest canopy, almost a repeat of my previous experience on this path. I quickened the pace, stopping briefly to observe a hairy caterpillar crawl across the trail. I was relieved again to be back on the Kasumidai loop and without hesitation, darted down a wide path signposted for Biwa Falls.

One of the several Bridges on the Katsura Forest Trail

Wide Path down to Biwa Falls

I was glad this section had better visibility, pieces of sky now visible overhead. The trail turned rocky and forced me to slow my pace. Once or twice I spotted a brief pinpoint of light, possibly fireflies since a stream was nearby. At 6h30, I reached Biwa Falls (琵琶滝), the lit-up red-coloured lanterns an indication of the late hour. Since it was truly getting dark, I completed the final section at top speed, reaching Gokuraku-yu exactly at 7pm. While I was enjoying a hot bath, a tremendous downpour started; towards the end, I had passed a few people heading up in the semi-darkness and wondered if they would be alright. At 7h30, I boarded the train for the one-hour ride back to Shinjuku.

Watch a Video of the Hike

See a Slideshow of More Pictures of the Hike

Mt Takara (374m), Mt Hizure (382m), Mt Hachioka (460m), Mine (423m) & Mt Kongo (420m), Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Sunday, December 29, 2025

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

Mt Takao (599m), Hachioji City, Tokyo Prefecture, Sunday, October 6, 2024 [Iroha & Katsura Forest Trails]

I wanted to do another afternoon hike on Mt Takao and explore more of its many trails. As the weather was supposed to be cloudy all day, it seemed like a good chance to do a hike close to home. The well-beaten tracks also meant that the path would be clear of spiders and spider webs. Finally, the cable car would be running past 6pm because of the summer beer garden, although I’d most likely be done before since it would be getting dark around 5pm.

Hiking in the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park

明治の森高尾国定公園

I’d take a local JR train from Shinjuku to Takao station; there, I’d board the bus for Kobotoke, at the back of the mountain, and then go up the Iroha Forest trail, leading all the way to the summit. I’d go down the Katsura Forest Trail, ending at the cable car top station. Before heading back, I could enjoy a hot spring bath at the Keio Takao-san Onsen, right next to the Takaosanguchi station. Although I knew I wouldn’t get any views, I hoped I could enjoy Tokyo’s most famous mountain minus the crowds.

For subscribers, read this Blog Post on Hiking Around Tokyo for a better viewing experience and the latest updates

Hikage Stream (left) Iroha Forest Trail (right)

Gaining Altitude (left) Reaching the Mist (right)

A few raindrops fell as I got off the train at Takao station just past 2pm, but fortunately nothing was falling as I got off at Hikage (日影), ten minutes away on a mostly empty bus. I continued up the main road for a few minutes before turning left and passing over a bridge; I then followed a narrow road alongside Hikage-sawa stream (日影沢). The pleasing rushing sound of the water made up for the gloomy skies overhead. At the Hikagezawa Camping Ground, I turned left onto the Iroha Forest Trail (いろはの森コース). Soon the path started to climb through thick forest, the sound of water slowly fading.

Halfway to the Top (left) Just before the Suspension Bridge Trail (right)

Walking up Wooden Steps (left) and Through the Mist (right)

I was surprised by how humid it still was, as I didn’t expect to break a sweat in such a short time. At 3pm, I reached a flatter section on a shoulder of the mountain, the surrounding forest shrouded in mist. Soon I was climbing again, the trail wet and slippery because of yesterday’s rain. I arrived at the intersection with the Suspension Bridge Trail (trail #4), explored four months ago. I continued along the Iroha Forest Trail, making my way up a series of wooden staircases, eventually merging with the Omotesando Trail (trail #1). I now had to share the path with dozens of other people, as well as huge Jorogumo spiders, hanging from immense webs on both sides of the trail. At 3h30, one hour after setting off, I reached the top of Mt Takao (高尾山 たかおさん takao-san), the view consisting entirely of white space.

Exploring Ura-Takao (left) The Path for Momijidai (right)

The Summit Loop Trail (left) The Katsura Forest Trail (right)

I was surprised to see many people on the summit despite the poor weather. I found an empty spot at a bench for a late lunch. At 4pm, I decided to make a short roundtrip to Momijidai, on the backside of Mt Takao (裏高尾 ura-takao), as I was ahead of schedule. It took half an hour during which I only saw a small snake slither off the trail, and of course more spiders. It was starting to get gloomy so I upped the pace, following the Summit Trail (#5) back to the main side of the mountain, and quickly headed down the Katsura Forest Trail (#3, meaning Japanese Judas Tree). It was a solitary walk through the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park, the misty silence broken by the cries of birds.

Rest spot near the intersection of the Iroha Forest and Suspension Bridge Trails

Reaching the End of the Katsura Forest Trail

This part took longer than expected as it hugged the mountain side, winding in and out of tiny valleys. Luckily, it was mostly flat and easy to walk, although I had to be careful of the steep drop on the right side and the slippery surface of a couple of wooden bridges. Just as I thought I’d have to take out my headlight, I reached the Kasumidai Trail (#2) at 5pm, and a few minutes later, I emerged into an open space near the cable car, city lights barely visible though the mist. I was tempted to head down the Biwa waterfall trail to avoid the crowds but I knew it would be a tricky descent at this time of the day. Soon after, I was enjoying a nice hot soak at Takaosan Onsen, before hopping on the train for the one hour ride back to Tokyo.

Watch a Video of the Mt Takao Hike

Watch the Video of the Hike on YouTube

See a Slideshow of More Pictures of the Hike

Mt Takao (599m), Hachioji City, Tokyo Prefecture, Sunday, June 9, 2024

I wanted to do a late afternoon hike to take advantage of the longer days of June. I decided to head to Mt Takao in the hope that most people would be on the way home by then. It would be my first visit in a while since lately I’ve preferred the less popular peaks. Although I’d been to the top about a dozen times it would be my first time in June. Looking at the English map on the Mt Takao official site, I chose to go up Trail 6 and down Trails 4, 2 & 1. If I finished early enough, I could enjoy a hot spring bath before heading back.

Hiking in the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park

明治の森高尾国定公園

I would ride the Keio line limited express from Shinjuku to Takaosan-guchi, and use the same train for the return. The weather was supposed to be overcast and dry with temperatures cool for the season but comfortable for hiking. I was looking forward to my first late afternoon hike in 2 years and revisiting a familiar place. The cloudy weather meant views would be scarce but I hoped the new green of spring would make the trip worthwhile.

As of july 2025, the Inariyama trail is closed for repair. Consequently, trail #6 (described in this post) has been changed to a one-way ascending-only trail to prevent accidents and traffic jams due to overcrowding. This restriction in in place all day; trail running (in either direction) is also prohibited. In other words, it’s not possible to hike down this trail for the time being (no end date to the restriction has been given). Multiple signs in Japanese and English have been placed at the bottom and top of the trail, as well as long other trails. Please take this into account when planning your hike.

Start of Trail #6 (left) Before the Inariyama Trail Connecting Path (right)

Walking on Water past the Inariyama Trail Connection Path (left & right)

It was a grey day as I rode the mostly empty limited express from Shinjuku, arriving at Takoasan-guchi station a little after 4pm. I passed countless people heading home as I made my way from the train station to the cable car station, the starting point for most of the hiking paths. As I started up trail #6 on a paved road alongside a river, the cable car thundered by overhead; I would not be riding it today as the last one was scheduled for 6pm, well before the end of today’s hike.

River Section of Trail #6 (left) Steps at the Top of Trail #6 (right)

Looking Back at the Steps of Trail #6 (left) Heading Down Trail #4 (right)

I was surprised by the volume of water in the river, considerably more than during my previous visit in the winter months. The number of descending hikers became less and less, and past Oyama Bridge, I had the trail mostly to myself. I was impressed by the height of the cedar trees along the river valley, a reminder that I was inside the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. Shortly after 5pm, I reached a connecting path with the Inariyama Trail (#1) but continued straight along trail #6.

Walking Down Trail #4 (left) Steps Down Trail #4 (right)

Crossing the Suspension Bridge (left) Near the End of Trail #4 (right)

The trail turned into a stream without warning, the overflow probably due to the heavy rain from the previous days. I hadn’t expected to be walking in water and it was hard to believe I was right at the edge of Tokyo. Eventually, the trail left the river valley, heading straight up the mountain side. The steep ascent was aided by wooden steps, a fairly recent addition. Soon I reached a flat area just before trail #5, a short path encircling the summit. At 5h30, I was standing on the top of Mt Takao, eerily quiet in the early evening.

Wooden Steps on the Higher Sections of Mt Takao

Mt Fuji hidden in the Clouds

It was a rare sight to see the top of Mt Takao empty of people. I made my way to the viewpoint on the south side but today Mt Fuji was mostly hidden in the clouds. After a short break, I made my way down Trail #4 on the other side of the mountain. Many sections were fitted with steps making it easy to walk even as the daylight was swiftly fading. At 6pm, I arrived at a suspension bridge, partially hidden by green tree branches. Before the junction of Trail #4 with the road leading down from the summit, I ducked down Trail #2 for some more forest walking. At 6h30, I reached the now deserted top station of the Takao cable car.

Suspension Bridge Hidden by Tree Branches

Walking a Level Section of Trail #4

I spent a few moments enjoying the quiet atmosphere of what is usually a very busy place, before heading down trail #1, a steep road shared with authorized cars. I walked at a fast pace, overtaking the few people still left, and less than half an hour later, was back at my starting point. At 7pm, I entered the Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu (京王高尾山温泉極楽湯), right next to train station and last visited in December 2023. After a refreshing hot spring bath, I hopped onto the Keio limited express train for the one-hour ride back to Shinjuku.

Watch a Video of the Mt Takao Hike

Watch the Video of the Hike on YouTube

See a Slideshow of More Pictures of the Hike

Mt Jinba (854m) & Mt Arashi (406m), Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Saturday, February 24, 2024

I wanted to hike a section of the Tokai Nature Trail close to Tokyo which I hadn’t done before. The trail started a short bus ride from Sagamihara Station and ended near a bus stop on the same line, as well as a hot spring. The hike was on the short side, so I decided to tag on a mountain I had climbed nearly ten years ago; looking at my map, I saw I could redo it via a different set of trails. I would take the shortest route up from Wada, a short bus ride from Fujino station on the Chuo line, and walk down to Sagamihara station, passing a couple of minor summits on the way.

Hiking in Okutama 奥多摩

Hiking in the Takao-Jinba Natural Park 都立高尾陣場自然公園

The whole area is a popular hiking spot with well-maintained trails, so although it had snowed the previous day, I was confident it would be easy to walk; I also knew from my previous visit that the summit had a spectacular view of Mt Fuji. The weather was supposed to be sunny, with temperatures slightly above freezing. I was looking forward to a rare winter hike with a Fuji view from the highest point and a hot spring bath at the end.

For subscribers, read this Blog Post on Hiking Around Tokyo for a better viewing experience and the latest updates

Number 2 Wada Ridge Route without (left) and with Snow (right)

Walking the Ichi-no-O Ridge Trail (left) & the Kanto Fureai no Michi (right)

Before (left) and after (right) the summit of Ya-no-Ne

Just past Ohira Hut (left) & Just before Yose Shrine (right)

Heading Up (left) and Down Mt Arashi (right)

I could see patches of blue sky as I rode the almost full bus from Fujino station around 9am. Most people got off at the main trail entrance, and surprisingly, I was the only person heading up the Number 2 Wada Ridge Route (和田第二尾根コース), shortly before 10am. Looking up, I could see the higher slopes, white with snow before disappearing into the clouds. Less than half an hour later, the scenery changed from dull brown to brilliant white. Contrary to the forecast, the sun remained hidden behind a grey cloud cover, allowing the white mantle to last a little longer.

First snow on the Number 2 Wada Ridge Route

Fallen Log near the Junction with the Ichi-no-O Ridge Route

I was amazed by the beautiful wintery surroundings, the wet snow clinging to any surface that wasn’t completely vertical. Melting snow falling gently from the tree branches enhanced the effect, its falling noise reminiscent of soft rain. After merging with the Ichi-no-O Ridge Trail (一ノ尾尾根コース), I saw more people walking through this winter wonderland. At the top of a staircase, I reached the top of Mt Jinba (陣馬山 じんばさん jinba-san), a Kanto 100-famous mountain, shortly after 11am. The view of Mt Fuji on the south side was hidden by thick clouds, but the frozen landscape was compensation enough.

Walking through a Winter Wonderland

Cloudy View from the Top of Mt Jinba

I was stunned by the nearly completely white trees on the north side of the summit. Beyond their frosty crowns, I could see the Kanto Plain, as well as the eastern edge of the Takao mountain range. After a short break, I set off again, now following the Kanto Fureai no Michi. I was walking on the snow, but since any sloping sections had steps, it always felt perfectly safe. I was glad to be wearing a wide-brim hat, as it protected me from snow falling from the trees. A little after noon, I arrived at Myou Pass (明王峠) where I left the Fureai no Michi, and headed down a series of steps southwards.

White Trees on the North Side of Mt Jinba

In the Background, the Eastern Edge of the Takao Range

I was once again walking on solid ground although snow still covered the trunks and branches of the bare trees; it was like walking through a Christmas displayed created with snow spray. Thirty minutes later, I went left at a fork in the trail. Very soon, I reached the top of Yanone (矢ノ音 633m), completely in the trees. I immediately headed down a precipitous trail on the left side, and soon reached Ohira Hut (大平小屋), actually an open shelter. After a short break, I continued on my way, on a level trail though a forest of tall cedars. On the way, I made a short detour via Mt Mago (孫山 543m). After some descending, I reached a viewpoint on the southeastern side.

A little bit of Autumn in the Wintery Landscape

Snow Coated Trees at Lower Elevations

I enjoyed the view of the majestic bulk of Mt Sekiro rising directly behind Sagami Lake; to its left, was Mt Arashi, today’s next peak, and Sagamihara City. Since it was 2pm, I had a late lunch before setting off again. I soon reached Yose Shrine, at the base of the mountain, and shortly after, Sagamiko Station. There, I hopped on a bus for the short ride to Sagamiko Bridge, a few minutes on foot from the Tokai Nature Trail. After thirty minutes of easy climbing, I arrived at the summit of Mt Arashi (嵐山 あらしやま arashi-yama), meaning Mount Storm. On the west side, I could see Mt Momokura, Mt Ogiyama and Mt Gongen, but the view was rather subdued on this cloudy, wintery day.

Descending from Mt Mago

Viewpoint of Sagami Lake and Mt Sekiro

I was surprised by the up and down nature of the trail beyond the summit. I crossed tiny streams over narrow wooden bridges and scaled thin metal ladders up steep slopes. At 4pm, I crossed a dense and dark bamboo forest, always a fascinating experience for me. Less then half an hour later, I finally reached a road at the end of the trail. After a refreshing hot bath at Ururi Onsen, part of the Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest, I caught a bus for the ten-minute ride back to Sagamiko Station, where I boarded the Chuo line for the one-hour ride back to Shinjuku.

View of Mr Arashi (left) and Mt Sekiro (right ) from below Yose Shrine

Bamboo Forest on the Tokai Nature Trail

The hike was longer and harder than I had expected, over 6 hours, so I was glad I could recover at a hot spring at the end. On the other hand, the snowy scenery far exceeded my expectations, thanks to the cloudy cover shielding the sticky snowy tree decorations from the sun and preserving them throughout the day. The snowmelt dripping from the trees was also a new experience for me, as I was walking under sunshine and snowfall at the same time. I encountered many other hikers between Ichi-no-O Ridge and Myou Pass, but very few before and after. I hope to return in the future to explore the other trails crisscrossing the Takao mountain range.

Watch a Video of the Mt Jinba Hike

Watch the Video of the Hike on YouTube

See a Slideshow of More Pictures of the Hike

Mt Momokura (1003m), Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Sunday, February 27, 2022 [Map Available]

After Mt Takagawa, I felt like revisiting another mountain in the area, so that I could get more views of Mt Fuji with its seasonal snowcap, especially since snowfall had been quite generous this year. On my last visit, I had combined this summit with its neighbour, Mt Oogi; this time, I was looking for something more laid-back. Studying my map, I found alternate trails leading up and down, meaning the entire hike would be new. The weather forecast was looking good, apart from strong winds threatening the higher elevations; I was more concerned about clouds forming around the top of Mt Fuji. I was looking forward to my first hike of the year above 1000 meters, as well as keeping my fingers crossed that Fuji wouldn’t be too shy.

Download a map of the Mt Momokura hike

This map was developed for Japanwilds with the Hokkaido Cartographer

Find more Japan hiking maps on Avenza

View to the south of Mt Fuji half in the clouds

View of Mt Fuji from my 2011 hike

I rode the Chuo line limited express for about an hour to Otsuki station, where I transferred to a bus, taking me close to the trail entrance. It was nearly 11am, and I felt quite warm while making my way up a steep road. I soon arrived at a fork and followed the left branch. I passed by a relatively new toilet facility (advertised as “very clean”), and had my first view of Mt Fuji, partially hidden by the clouds.

Lion-dog guarding the start of the trail

View of the Doshi and Tanzawa mountains

The start of the trail lay just beyond a lion-dog statue guarding a shrine entrance. After half an hour of climbing through the cool forest, I arrived at the first view of the day. On the left, I could see the Doshi and Tanzawa mountains; opposite was Mt Fuji, popping in and out of the clouds; on the right stood Mt Takagawa and Mitsutoge. I sat down on a bench to enjoy the view, but a cold wind started blowing, so I quickly set off again; ten minutes later, I reached a junction on the top ridge.

To the right of Mt Fuji, Mt Takagawa and Mitsutoge

A bench with a view

I was hit by powerful gusts of wind coming from the north side and I immediately felt very cold. I had to take shelter on the south side to add a layer of clothing. I continued towards the summit, slightly worried about falling branches. Fortunately, the wind abated somewhat once I arrived at the top of Mt Momokura (百蔵山 ももくらやま momokura-yama), a Yamanashi hundred famous mountain. Since it was 12h30, I found a grassy spot and sat down for lunch.

Fairly easy hiking all the way to the top

One of the 12 views of Mt Fuji from the Otsuki area

Mt Fuji was flirting with the clouds, but eventually I had a clear view. At 1h30, I retraced my steps to the ridge junction, and continued straight, heading west. I soon passed Mt Daido (大同山 907m) and then started down a steep descent. I encountered some snow for the first time of the day, but it was half melted and I reached the base of the slope safely. I continued along the path as it descended gently, slowly curving around to the south side. On the way, I passed Konpira-kyu, a lonely shrine in the middle of the forest.

Heading back to the ridge junction

Looking across the Kazuno river valley

At around 2h30, the path leveled and glimpses of the Kazuno river valley came into view; on the left side, I could see Mt Iwadono. It was still windy, but the biting cold of the summit ridge was now a distant memory. Fifteen minutes later, I reached a road and a bus stop near Fukusen-ji Temple. A little after 3pm, I boarded the bus for Otsuki station, and by 4pm I was back on the limited express for the one-hour ride back to Shinjuku.

See the views of Mt Momokura on a windy day

Mt Furo (839m), Mt Takasasu (911m) & Mt Sebuchi (554m), Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Thursday, December 30, 2021

I found these three peaks north of the Chuo line and east of Otsuki station by simply examining my hiking map. They don’t belong to any famous lists, but together they form a short, easy hike with views of Mt Fuji, making it suitable for the last outing of the year. I could get to the start of the trail by riding the local Chuo line to Uenohara station, followed by a short bus ride, although I would have to leave before 7am to catch the only bus running in the morning. The weather was supposed to be sunny, with some wind, but since all tree peaks were below one thousand meters, the temperatures wouldn’t go below freezing. I was looking forward to wrapping up the year with a quiet hike and getting some new views.

Mt Fuji before its disappearance in the clouds

The Doshi mountains and the Tanzawa mountains (behind)

I arrived at Uenohara station under blue skies and quickly transferred to the Fujikyu bus. I was the sole passenger and got off at the end of the line just after 9am. I followed a paved road for a short while before reaching the start of the trail, next to a small graveyard. The path went up the mountain side in a series of switchbacks and soon reached a small shrine with a view of Mt Fuji, framed by two pine trees. After some more climbing, I reached the top of Mt Furo (不老山 ふろうさん furou-san, meaning “enduring youth”).

An easy hike up the first summit of the day

View of Mt Fuji framed by two pine trees

I had a view of the all the mountains south of the Chuo line. To the west, I could see Mt Fuji, the top now in the clouds; opposite were the Doshi mountains, with the Tanzawa mountains rising behind; eastwards, I could make out Sagami lake and Mt Tsukui-Shiro. It was nearly 11am, so I sat down on the sole bench, fortunately in the sun, for a late breakfast. Below, the Chuo expressway seemed busy with people driving to their hometowns for the new year. I set off again, and after a short, steep climb, arrived at the summit of Mt Takasasu (高指山 たかさすやま takasasu-yama).

View of the mountains south of the Chuo line

Looking through the trees towards Mt Sebuchi

The summit was entirely in the trees, and although it was also in the sun, I moved on immediately, as I had just stopped for a break. The path went downhill and became harder to follow. After some switchbacks, I reached a forest road, and soon after, an intersection. The hiking path continued behind a huge boulder, and due to some fallen trees, was a bit difficult to follow. Eventually, I arrived back on a forest road, which then turned in a steep paved road leading to a grassy summit. I found the summit marker for Mt Sebuchi (瀬淵山 せぶちやま sebuchi-yama), on a tree next to a shrine.

Looking back towards Mt Takasasu

View from the paragliding jump-off spot

The mountain is also used as a jump-off spot for paragliders; I had seen some when hiking Mt Yogai nearly a year ago. The view was similar to the one from the first summit of the day, except that I couldn’t see Mt Fuji at all; I could see the long ridgeline of Mt Nodake eastwards. It was one o’clock so I found a bench in the sun and sat down for lunch. At 1h30, I made my way back to the intersection, and from there headed down the mountain. I arrived at a bus stop on the same line I had used in the morning just before 2pm. After a short bus ride, I was back at Uenohara station, where I boarded a local train for Shinjuku station.

See the views on this three-peak hike