Famous for its brand of sake, Mt Hakkai is a sacred peak and one of the three Echigo Mountains. The summit ridge has several summits, the highest ones being rated as dangerous.
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View South from the Top of the Ropeway
This one broke the record for the furthest day hike from Tokyo – 175 km! I was less than 50 km from the Sea of Japan although I couldn’t see that far because of the poor visibility. I arrived in Niigata prefecture under the sun but the clouds rolled in with surprising speed and most of the day was spent under grey skies. Even the ragged top of Mt Hakkai (八海山 はっかいさん hakkai-san), a 200 famous mountain of Japan, soon disappeared in the mist.
View North of the Mountains of Niigata
After taking the shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa, I boarded a local train to Muikamachi station. The town is fairly rundown and would benefit from a facelift. I got on a bus to the Mt Hakkai ropeway – I was the only passenger. Even the parking lot was depressingly empty. We were perhaps a dozen people to board the ropeway. I was pretty relieved that I didn’t have to wait in line. The view from the wooden viewing platform (1120m) was quite impressive – I guess the lack of people was due to the poor weather forecast, although it never rained.
View Northeast of Mt Echigokoma
The hike itself wasn’t anything special – up and down the same path, alternating flat and climbing bits. There were some good views East of Mt Echigokoma, and Mt Tanigawa to the North. There wasn’t enough time to go all the way to the highest point (入道岳 1778m). Perhaps it was a good thing because it is rated as somewhat dangerous on my map – lots of steep bits with chains and ladders. Before turning around, I had a glimpse of Senbonhinoki Hut (千本檜小屋), perched just below the main summit ridge, through a gap in the mist.
Senbonhinoki Hut through the Mists
The clouds blocked most views from my turning back point, the top of Mt Yakushi (薬師岳 やくしだけ yakushi-dake) but there was a consolation prize in the form of some early autumn colours. I also saw three snakes which is always exciting. On the way back, I had a quick hot spring bath and bought some local sake, both inside Echigo-Yuzawa station, before hopping on the shinkansen for the ride back to Tokyo.
The official Mt Fuji climbing season only lasts two months a year. From early July to early September, you can safely climb to the top of Japan’s highest peak, 3776m high! If you’ve been mulling it over, but not quite sure where to begin with your preparations, here are 10 simple tips to get you started.
1. Be at the top for the sunrise. You may be wondering whether it’s worth climbing Mt Fuji during the night, or staying overnight in one of the huts. It is a bit of a hassle, since you would lose a good night’s sleep, but considering that the summit is nearly always in the clouds after the mid-morning, it’s worth it just to get an amazing view.
2. Pick a weekday for your climb. Even a Friday climb will almost certainly mean you will be stuck in traffic on the way down on Saturday. The same for a Sunday climb – you’ll get traffic on the way up, delaying your start. Taking a couple of days off in the week will mean avoiding traffic jams, overcrowded huts and lines to reach the top.
Arriving at the top of the Yoshida route after sunrise
3. Get good hiking shoes. Mt Fuji is rocky and some parts can be steep. The sturdier the shoes, the less risk of stumbling and injuring yourself. Don’t forget that new shoes need to be broken in, otherwise you’ll get painful blisters. Take them on a walk or two around the neighbourhood.
4. Make sure you have a waterproof jacket and pants. Since Mt Fuji has its own weather system, it can rain at any moment. Unusually strong wind is also a factor so it’s important to stay dry.
5. Bring warm clothes for the wait at the top. After you reach the top there will be a wait in the pre-dawn cold before sunrise, so bringing warm clothes including gloves and a hat is critical.
Waiting for sunrise from the top of the Fujinomiya route
6. Train a little beforehand. In case you don’t exercise regularly, you should probably go to the gym 2 or 3 times the week before your climb. I usually use the step machine for 20 minutes and try to climb 100 steps. Remember that after a 3-5 hour climb there is also a 2-3 hour descent. Even though the excitement of the climb may lift you to the top, the long descent is where your muscles really start to ache.
7. Keep an eye on the weather. If a typhoon threatens or if there is a period of bad weather, it may be wiser to reschedule. Google “fuji weather” to get current forecasts.
Make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat – the sun can be punishing at higher altitudes
8. Use the Fujinomiya route. Despite being further and more expensive, it has 3 advantages over the usual Yoshida route. First, it has the highest starting point (2380m). Second, the return can be made down the “Subashiri” sand run – you can run most of the way down in half the time (make sure to turn right for Mt Hoei). Finally, it is less crowded so there is no line to reach the top (click here for the bus times).
9. Get a good map of Mt Fuji. Even though there always tons of people and plenty of English signposts, there are many trails and visibility can sometimes drop to zero in bad weather. Having a good map will help you make the right decision. Also, it will include the walking times.
10. Be self-sufficient when it comes to food and water. Even though you can buy water and food pretty much anywhere on Mt Fuji, this is just a sound principle to stick to when climbing any mountain.
Make sure to check out the official Mt Fuji Climbing Site for the latest information on hiking routes up the mountain.
About a couple of months ago just after Golden Week, my friend Kageyama-san, an avid hiker and aspiring mountain guide, asked me if I’d like to join him in climbing Mt Tekari (2591m) in the Japanese South Alps or Minami Alps. As I had yet to climb this Hyakumeizan, I enthusiastically accepted. I had been wanting to climb Mt Tekari for a while but my plans had repeatedly been foiled by the bad weather, relatively short climbing season and difficulty of access.
He suggested going in early July, one week before the official opening of most of the mountain huts in the area. The plan was to stay at Yokokubosawagoya hut (called “Yokokubo” for short) and help the sole hut manager, Kimura-san, clean the hut up and get it ready ahead of the main hiking season, starting July 14th. He had met Kimura-san the previous year and they had hit it off. In return for our help, lodging and board would be free of charge. I was a little nervous about the cleaning up part since it’s is one area I’m not very knowledgeable about!
We departed Tokyo by car at the crack of dawn on July 7th, and finally arrived at Hatanagi dam just after 10am. I say finally because the road after Shizuoka city consists of 2 hours 1/2 of winding mountain road – quite exhausting for the driver! we parked our car by the lake created by the dam, laced up our mountain shoes and shouldered our heavy packs – we were off! After 40 minutes of leisurely strolling along a dirt road, we reached our first challenge – the “Tsuribashi” or suspended bridge. Spanning about a 100 meters, this was the only way of crossing the lake that lay between us and the rest of the route. An idea that had been floated previously by Kageyama-san, would have been to ford the river higher up. However we had to abandon this unofficial crossing since it had rained quite a lot the previous days and the water level was unusually high.
The suspended bridge
Gripping the metallic wire on both sides I proceeded across the bridge at an even pace, keeping my cool as it wobbled more and more as I approached the center. Suddenly I was on the other side, and a few seconds later, so was Kageyama-san. Next challenge was the Yareyare pass. Yareyare in Japanese, is an exclamation of relief, and at first I thought my friend was joking when he called the pass thus. However when I reached the top, I was surprised to see that that was indeed the name of the pass!
After a short bit of downhill, we reached a river swollen by the recent rains. The path went quite close to the edge and if the water level had been any higher, we would have been stuck. Soon we reached bridge one of five. The bridges were a little scary since they were quite basic and in urgent need of repair. On top of that, the raging river made it feel that if you fell in, you were a goner. Finally we reached Usokkosawagoya, an unmanned hut from which the pass climbed unrelentlessly, but away from the river.
Where’s the path?
Kimura-san’s “Welcome Beer”
Four hours after leaving the car, we arrived at the Yokokubo hut. We were greeted by Kimura-san and two beers – “Welcome drink” he said. That was going to be the theme for our stay, as our host Kimura-san always made sure we had a beer in hand after hard work. After a second “welcome beer”, our first task awaited us: we had to sweep the sleeping area on the second floor, and lay out the thermal mats, as well as a larger tatami rug on top. Since I was the tallest (by far) I was charged with getting the mats down from the rafters – “how on earth did you manage without me” I asked (they have a stepladder).
After this relatively straightforward task, we were done for the day since it was nearly 5 o’clock. Some rest, more beers were followed by a delicious rice curry dinner courtesy of Kageyama-san. We were 4 people in total since another person had come with Kimura-san to help out – Ozawa-san. We found out that during the rest of the year, Ozawa-san runs a small farm where he mainly grows wasabi and tea. He invited us to visit him one day and we agreed we would. In the mountains it’s early to bed, early to rise, although as no hiking was on the program for the next day we allowed ourselves the small luxury of going to bed a little later (9pm) and getting up a little later (6am) than the norm.
Last year’s beers at Chausu hut
The mouse problem
The next day I was awoken by a rustling sound coming from a plastic bag containing my food supplies, lying near my sleeping spot. I opened my eyes and spotted a small shape moving inside. I shut them again thinking I must be dreaming. However I recalled that the previous day Kimura-san had complained that a mouse had somehow gotten inside the lodge – when he had first entered, earlier the same day, he found a bunch of ramen cups that had been opened in the kitchen. So I reopened my eyes, hopped out of my sleeping bag and tied the plastic bag into a knot “This must be the mouse and I have caught it!” I thought. I took the bag outside and dumped its contents on the ground nearby – no mouse. Either I had dreamed, or either the mouse slipped out in those few seconds I had my eyes closed. A little crestfallen, I returned to my sleeping bag for some more sleep.
During the day we found more traces of the mouse, or mice as we were now starting to think. More destroyed ramen cups, some chewed up pillows, and more annoyingly, the mouse had made a hole in a meat pasta sauce that was in another of my plastic bags (Kageyama-san has told me to get proper sealable cloth bags – I will definitely do so for my next trip). Luckily I had another intact pack of meat sauce, but since I was going to make pasta for the two of us, I had to add another course of dried food to the menu to make up for it.
For Kimura-san something had to be done – the hut would be housing dozens of paying guests a day starting from the following weekend, and he couldn’t have a bunch of mice wrecking havoc. So, since we were unable to locate the mice within the hut, nor their manner of entry and exit, he laid out a number of mouse traps on the first and second floors. The traps were very effective – by the time we went to bed, 3 mice had been caught on the 2nd floor, and overnight 5 more were trapped on the first floor. The mouse problem had been solved (sorry mouse lovers…).
The main cleaning
After breakfast, we cleaned and prepared the sleeping area on the first floor. It involved a lot of chucking mats, tatami rugs, cushions and rolled sleeping bags down the wooden flight of steps connecting the first and second floors. Since we were 4 people in total, we were soon done. Any excess mats were carried back up and placed into the rafters again to serve as spares. Then we moved outside to reconnect the drinking water that came from a source of freshwater, located just across from the mountain torrent that ran next to the hut.
The water came through a pipe, the end of which had been sealed off with some plastic. We connected it to a kind of bathtub we had carried up from next to the hut. The bathtub served as a reservoir – the water would accumulate there and then flow down another tube into a big tank standing right next to the hut. We then uncovered some corrugated metal sheets which we placed on a wooden frame right next to the river. It was fixed in place with a plastic tarp, some rope and stones. The shady area underneath, opposite the flowing river, would create a cool space where vegetables could be kept. These, and the rest of the fresh food would be delivered by helicopter in a couple of days. Kimura-san constantly worried about the weather for that day. If the visibility was bad, the helicopter wouldn’t come, and he would have to make do without any fresh provisions for the start of the hiking season.
After that we uncovered and cleaned the washing basin where campers would have access to running water, which was connected via another hose. A third and last hose ran to a smaller washbasin outside the toilet area about 50 meters away. We cleaned that one too and made sure the water was flowing properly. Next we had to open the window flaps of the small toilet outhouse. Again my height was of great use. Once that task complete, we retreated to the hut for some lunch – leftover curry rice from yesterday’s dinner.
After lunch, our final task awaited us – a thorough cleanup of the dining and kitchen area. Floors were scrubbed and wiped. Dishes were washed and dried. Every flat surface was dusted, and unused or expired items were thrown out. This was perhaps the most exhausting and time-consuming task of them all. Even with the four or us, we were at it for over an hour. Finally it was done – the place was spick-and-span, and we could rest a while before an early dinner and early bedtime, since the next day we would rise at 5am for an early departure up the mountain.
Opening and fastening the rear windows
To Mt Tekari and Back
Our hike the next day, up to the Chausu hut on the ridgeline and then on to the Tekari hut went without hitches. We spent an hour hanging out at Chausu hut chatting with the various people who had come up early to help the hut open, drinking tea and eating snacks. There was Kataoka-san, a mountain guide who I had met on a trip to the South Alps 7 years earlier. There was also a sake brewer who works in the hut in the summer, which is the off-season for sake-making. He showed me the charts he used to keep track of the his latest sake brewing session, with temperature, sake meter value, acidity, alcohol content for each day. I studied them with great interest.
The sake brewer’s hard work
Although the skies were clear in the mornings, the clouds had rolled in once we had left Chausu hut, and the rest of the hike was done with mostly no views. This didn’t matter too much as the surrounding forest was breathtakingly beautiful. Tekari hut wasn’t open yet either, but as with the other huts, the hut manager and staff had already arrived, and were busy getting the place ready. People can stay inside for free but they need to bring their own sleeping bags. The hut manager gave us some basic instructions about eating, lights out and the outdoor toilets but that was it. Snacks and alcohol could be bought if supplies remained from the previous year. Actually, most huts in the South Alps are kept open year round meaning that even if the staff aren’t there, which is usually the case from Early September to end June, the door is open and you can use the space for free as long as you are self-sufficient.
The path to Tekari hut
We didn’t summit Mt Tekari that day since by now it was a whiteout. The next day, the weather was again quite good and the views were amazing, especially of Mt Fuji, which is actually quite close. We made our way back to the Chausu hut, where we got to see the helicopter deliver supplies. Then we made our way back down to the Yokokubo hut, where we picked up some of our extra stuff that we had left during our 2 day-hike. The helicopter had successfully delivered the supplies, and Kimura-san looked quite happy and relieved. I refused a final offer of a beer since we still had a couple of hours of steep downhill hiking. We made it back to the car a little past 4pm. After a refreshing stop at a nearby hot spring, we set off along the very long twisting road back to civilisation. Hitting the highway was a relief, and we finally got back to Tokyo around 10pm.
Sunrise and Mt Fuji near the top of Mt Tekari
It was quite enjoyable to hike the South Alps before the throngs of summer hikers. For most of the way, there and back, we saw almost no one. At one point, we crossed the Tekari hut manager with a chainsaw, but he was just doing trail maintenance. It was also an interesting experience to see how mountain huts in the Japanese Alps get ready for the busy summer season. Finally, I was happy to contribute, even just a little bit, to the massive effort it takes to run the network of mountain huts, which enables the rest of us to enjoy the mountains throughout the year.
Helicopter delivering fresh vegetables to Chausu hut
You might think that the summer months of June, July, August and September are the best time to go hiking. That is only partially true. The main problem is that the high temperatures and humidity make hiking up from a low elevation a torture – I know because I’ve done it. The trick is to use public transport to propulse yourself as high as possible before you need to start climbing. Even better are hikes that start high and consist mainly of flat and downhill walking. So, here is a list of 10 lesser-known hiking start points, from highest to lowest, in mountain areas reachable from Tokyo by bus (without using the Tokyo Wide Pass). A word of caution – starting higher also means going further and traveling longer which in turn is more expensive – there is a cost to getting high.
Ridge walking in the mist, sometimes unavoidable in the warmer, wetter months (June 2018)
Fujinomiya 5th station 富士宮五合目 2380m
It’s no surprise that the highest point accessible by public transport is on the slopes of the highest mountain in Japan. However, instead of heading for the top, you can hike down to one of the lower stations, or cross over to the Gotemba fifth station, or even do a loop hike via Mt Hoei 宝永山 2693m, a mini-volcano on the flank of Mt Fuji, that was created during the last eruption 300 years ago.
Alternatively can get off at one of the lower stations and head up, if you want to do at least a little climbing. The forest bits are beautiful, and the parts that are devoid of vegetation because of ancient lava flows, offer some great views, when the clouds aren’t in. Best to avoid the Mt Fuji hiking season in July and August, since the buses will be packed.
Volcanic landscape near the Gotemba fifth station (June 2014)
Odarumi Pass 大弛峠 2365m
Only 15 meters lower than Fuji’s highest point, the main attraction here is to do the round trip to Mt Kinpu 金峰山 2599m, the highest peak in the Okutama-tama-kai national park. Most people go this way and the views are great. Another option is to head east towards Mt Kobushi 甲武信ヶ岳 2475m, passing over the highest point in the area, Kita Okusenjo 北奥千丈岳 2601m. Lots of solitary, but beautiful forest hiking. The bus can be taken from Enzan station on the Chuo line, but since it’s rather small it requires prior reservation (Japanese only). On the way you need to change at Yakiyama Toge 焼山峠 1520m – there are some good hiking options around here, although I have yet to explore them.
Looking back from the top of Mt Kinpu (Sept 2014)
Subaru Line 5th station スバルライン五合目 2300m
Mt Fuji again – from here you can hike down through the Aokigahara 青木ヶ原 forest to Motosuko lake 本栖湖. Another option is to hike across to Okuniwa 奥庭 and cut across the previous hike and end up Fujikyu Highland. Good views of Mt Fuji and the Kawaguchiko area, as well as beautiful forest hiking on one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. You can catch the bus for the Subaru line from Fujisan 富士山 station. There are 2 more 5th stations on Mt Fuji, but I won’t add them to the list since they can be connected from the 2 previous ones.
This is one of my favourite places to go in June. A short hike up will take you top of Mt Daibosatsurei 大菩薩嶺 2057m with good views of Mt Fuji on the way (the top is surrounded by trees). There are a number of trails that will take you down in various directions. Head South and you’ll get back to either Enzan 塩山 or Kai-Yamato 甲斐大和 stations (where you take the bus up). Head North and you’ll end up at Tabayama village 丹波山村, located West of Okutama. You may even see monkeys close to the trail. Most of the trails end up at at a hot spring.
Typical landscape around Daibosatsurei (June 2013)
Yanagisawa toge 柳沢峠 1480m
This pass is located only a few kilometers Northwest of Daibosatsurei. The bus leaves from Enzan station, and you can hike East to Mt Kurokawakeikan 黒川鶏冠山 1716m, and then on to Daibosatsurei (see above), or head North towards Mt Kasa 笠取山 1953m. I
View from near the pass (June 2016)
Matsuhime toge 松姫峠 1250m
Update April 2025: The bus to Matsuhime pass is currently not running due to a landslide that occured in Autumn 2024
This is a good one I discovered recently. You only need to take the Chuo line to Uenohara 上野原 station, and there you can hop on a bus from the newly built bus terminal to Matsuhime toge. Granted the ride is a bit long and does a detour via Kosuge Onsen 小菅温泉, but with a name that translates in English as Princess Pine, that can be forgiven.
From the pass, you can walk down to the aforementioned onsen, or for a longer hike, head west and down to the Tsuru Valley, which runs parallel to the Akigawa valley North. Return is via bus to Uenohara. If you want a shorter bus ride then get off at Tsuru Toge 鶴峠 870m and hike to Mt Mito 三頭山 1531m (return bus can be had from Hinohara Tomin no Mori 檜原都民の森 1000m).
Yes! Mt Fuji can be seen from Matsuhime Pass (June 2017)
Mitsutoge Tozanguchi 三ツ峠登山口 1230m
Instead of hiking up or on Mt Fuji, how about hiking in a place that has great views of the volcano? Up until the beginning of July, Mt Fuji will still have some snow on it, so you’ll still be able to take some memorable photos. The bus leaves from Kawaguchiko 河口湖 station and takes you behind and up the Western side of Mitsutoge, to Mitsutoge tozanguchi 三ツ峠登山口. After that, it’s a short hike to the top, where there are good views. You can then walk back down to Kawaguchiko. Actually the bus continues a little further up to 1300m. However I feel that the hiking options there are less exciting than the ones offered by Mitsutoge.
Just follow the ridge all the way to get down…unfortunately Mt Fuji in the back, was head in the clouds (June 2016)
Kirifuri Kogen 霧降高原 1200m
This is a secret Nikko hiking spot, just East of Nikko town. Take the bus from JR Nikko station or Tobu-Nikko station to the Kirifuri highland stop. From there, you can walk up a 1445-step staircase to Komaruyama 小丸山 1601m, and then do a loop hike Mt Maru 丸山 1689m. Another option is to hike all the way down to Kirifuri waterfall, where you can catch the bus back to Nikko station.
The very long staircase (May 2016)
Mitsumine Shrine 三峰神社 1040m
Mitsumine Jinja is a very famous shrine located in the Chichibu area of Saitama. You’ll need to get a Seibu bus from Mitsumineguchi 三峰口 station. From there you can climb the nearby Mt Myoho 妙法ヶ岳 1332m or/and walk back down to one of the bus stops between the station and the shrine. You could venture up Mt Kumotori 雲取山 2017m but in that case you’ll need to spend the night at the lodge at the top.
Mitsumine Shrine and Mt Myoho as seen from a parallel ridge (June 2018)
Michizaka Zuido Iriguchi 道坂隧道入口 1000m
A one-hour bus from Tsurushi 都留市 station on the Fujikyuko line between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko will get you to this pass leading into Doshi valley 道志渓谷. Unfortunately you’ll need to climb a bit to get to the ridgeline. From there you can go left (North) to Mt Imakura 今倉 1470m, or right (South) to Mt Mishotai 御正体 1681m. My recommendation is the former peak, from the top of which you can turn left (West) – there is an onsen at the end the the end of the trail, as well as excellent views of Mt Fuji if the weather allows.
View from the top of Mt Matsutyama (June 2016)
Myojin Pass 明神峠 (900m)
Fujikyu runs a seasonal hiking bus from Suguru-Oyama station on the Gotemba line to Myojin-toge in the Tanzawa mountains on weekends from mid-April to mid-November. It’s the jump-off point for hikes to Mt Yubune and Mt Mikuni. The main drawback is that the bus departs relatively early in the morning, requiring a crack of dawn departure from Tokyo; there is also no return bus so hikers need to descend under their own steam. Heading west from Mt Mikuni, it’s possible to finish at a bus stop for Gotemba station, with great views of Mt Fuji along the way. Search for “明神峠ハイキングバス” to find the bus timetables and latest information.
I’ve already written a series of articles on the very useful Tokyo Wide Pass. Here are some of the latest hikes I’ve done using it, in reverse chronological order. A small side note before I start: an increase in the number of overseas tourists, combined with an increased awareness of the existence of the pass (because of this blog?) has led to longer lines at some sales points, notably Tokyo and Ueno stations. Allow enough time when purchasing it, or choose less central sales points.
May 5th 2018: Mt Shakagatake 釈迦ヶ岳 1795m. The highest peak of Mt Takaharayama 高原山, a 300 famous mountain in Tochigi Prefecture, one hour by car from Nasushiobara station 那須塩原 (Tohoku shinkansen). Views of the Kanto plain, Mt Nasu, the Ide range and the Nikko mountains. I met a fellow Belgian (living in Tochigi) on the way up and we ended up completing the hike together!
View of Mt Nasu from the Omama 大間々 parking area
May 4th 2018: Mt Takeyama 嵩山 789m. Located in Gunma prefecture on the Agatsuma line 吾妻 (from Takasaki), a ten-minute taxi drive from Nakanojo station 中之条 (return can be done on foot in less than an hour). Great views of Mt Haruna, Mt Onoko, Mt Myogi and the Joshinetsu mountains (mountains on the border of Gunma and Niigata prefectures). This was a short hike (2h1/2) so I combined it with the one below (one train stop away).
Koinobori from the Takeyama Michi no Eki (Service Station)
May 4th 2018: Mt Iwabitsuyama 岩櫃山 803m. Also located in Gunma prefecture on the Agatsuma line 吾妻. The trailhead is about 30 minutes on foot from either Gohara 郷原 or Gunma-haramachi 群馬原町 stations. WARNING: this hike has lots of chains and dangerous passages. Do not attempt this hike if you are a beginner or if you are afraid of heights. Also great views of Mt Haruna, Mt Onoko, Mt Myogi and the Joshinetsu mountains (mountains on the border of Gunma and Niigata prefectures). Mt Hotaka and Mt Akagi are also visible.
The impressive figure of Mt Iwabitsu
May 1st 2018: Mt Ogura 御座山 2112m. A 200 famous mountain, located in Nagano prefecture, it is about a 30 minute bus ride (one bus transfer necessary) from Komi 小海 station on the Komi line. By the way, this is a pretty extraordinary train line – the highest station is 1345m high (Nobeyama 野辺山 station)! The Komi line is accesssed from Sakudaira 佐久平 station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. This is also probably one of the furthest distances you can travel in one day using the pass – 200 km one way! this is because you have to go all the way around the mountainous area that is between the Kanto plain and Yatsugatake. Komi station is only 125km from Tokyo as the crow flies. Return to Komi station is also by bus but from the other (Northern) side of the mountain. Good views of Yatsugatake, Mt Kinpu and Mt Ryokami.
View from the top of Mt Ogura
April 30th: Tatsuiwa 立岩 1265. A Kanto 100 famous mountain in Gunma prefecture, accessed via train (Joshin railway 上信電鉄 from Takasaki), bus from Shimonita 下仁田 station and taxi from Nanmoku 南牧. The trailhead starts at the impressive Sengataki 線ヶ滝 waterfall. WARNING: This hike has a steep section along a gully with loose rocks – be careful not to send any rocks tumbling down below you. Also there is a short section with chains along a rockwall. You need to maintain 3 points of contact at all times when progressing along it. Great views to the south of the Nishijotsu area. Return via the neighbouring mountain (Mt Arafune) to avoid a long walk along on a road from the Tatsuiwa trailhead.
Trail near the top of Tatsuiwa
April 30th 2018: Mt Arafune 荒船山 1423m. A 200 famous mountain in Gunma prefecture, next to Tatsuiwa and shaped as a ship. It was my second time climbing it and it was simply a good way to end my hike at an onsen and bus stop (Arafunenoyu 荒船の湯). No views from the the top but before heading down to the onsen, there is a good viewpoint of Mt Myogi from tomoiwa 艫岩. This is on top of a cliff so be careful – the creator of Crayon Shin-Chan fell to his death here while taking a photo.
Photo of Mt Arafune, taken 3 years ago from the Uchiyama campsite.
April 29th 2018: Mt Yamizo 八溝 1022m. A Kanto 100 famous mountain and the highest peak of Ibaraki prefecture, also on the border of Fukushima prefecture. One hour by car from Nasushiobara 那須塩原 station, you can literally drive to the top where there is a small castle-shaped observation tower (good views of Mt Nasu, Mt Takahara and the Nikko mountains). However for hiking purposes, I stopped at a small parking area about an hour on foot from the top, and did a round trip to Mt Takasasayama 高笹山 (922m) along the southeastern ridge.
Mt Mitsumine (三峰山 meaning “3 peaks”, also known as Mt Ontake 御嶽山) is tucked away among the many mountains north of Tochigi city, and it only came to my attention thanks to its inclusion in the Tochigi hundred famous mountains. At first glance, I thought it could only be reached by car, but further research using Google Maps showed that the trail entrance was just a short walk from a Tochigi city bus stop near the Hoshino Archaeological site. I chose a warm, blue-sky Spring day to explore this sacred mountain.
The hiking trail, also used by pilgrims, starts directly behind Ontake shrine up a staircase lined with “toro” or lanterns. In this season, “tsutsuji“or azalea were in full bloom adding patches of pink to the new green scenery. Further up the path, I saw many”Reijin-hi” (霊神碑), or miniature stone Shinto shrines, contributing to the mystic feel to the climb. The mountain is connected to the Ontake Faith, centered on Mt Ontake in the Hida mountains; Kobo-daishi also spent time at this mountain. At the top of some weather-worn stone steps, I reached a bench with a partial view – the perfect spot for an early lunch break.
View of Mt Mitsumine from the Bus Stop
After some more ascending, I reached a fork in the path: a short way to the right was “oku no in” (奥の院) marked by a stone “tori“, or Shinto gate; past it, were 3 dignified statues, the gods of creation in Japanese mythology, and a narrow view through a gap in the vegetation. Retracing my steps, I resumed my climb, soon reaching the flat top part of the mountain. Plodding through the featureless forest, it was hard to determine the location of the three peaks, let alone the highest one.
Watch a Short Video of the Mitsumine Summit View
I finally arrived at the official summit marker, oddly enough not the real top, but a spot on the western side and free of trees. I could see ridgeline after ridgeline disappear into haze, no particular peak standing out; apparently in the winter, one can see the Oku-Nikko mountains. Directly below was a gigantic construction field, as this side of the mountain is being constantly mined, similar to Mt Buko. After admiring the view, I used a more direct route down the east side to get back to the bus stop for the return trip to Tochigi station.
For this hike, I drove a rental car from Takasaki city to a small parking area near the entrance of the trail to the mountain. Starting from an elevation of 1450m at 11am, the hike to the top took only one hour. Although the top of Mt Asamakakushi 浅間隠し, meaning “Hidden Asama” was similar to that of my previous hike, it was a lot colder, since I was further North.
Yatsugatake in the background
The view of snow covered Asamayama to the West was breathtaking. I could also see the entire Joshin-Estsu mountains forming the Northern edge of the Kanto plain; there are just too many mountains to list here. Southwards, I could make out the Yatsugatake range, Karuizawa and the Oku-Chichibu mountains. Finally the three holy mountains of Gunma – Myohgi, Haruna and Akagi – were all visible in the same panorama.
The Joshinetsu mountains
After an hour taking pictures and eating lunch in near freezing temperatures, I made my way down the same way I had come up. Once back to the car, I drove to the onsen at Hamayu Sanso at the base of the mountain. I got there just before 2pm and I was able to warm myself up, before driving back to Takasaki station.
I had already hiked parts of the Misaka mountains – the mountainous area between Mt Fuji and the Oku-Chichibu mountains (for example Mt Ou to Mt Oni). However, I had never hiked the central part, between Kawaguchi and Saiko lakes. I decided to approach from Ashigawa valley on the North side, and finish at lake Saiko, on the South side. I took the Chuo line to Isawa Onsen station, and then the bus to the farmer’s market in Ashigawa 芦川. I had a very good impression of the place since they offered me free tea while I got ready for my hike!
The Fujikyu bus from Isawa Onsen to Ogossoya (the Ashigawa farmer’s market) was discontinued in 2024. Access is now via car, or by bus from Kawaguchiko Station. However, since 2024, a free shuttle bus runs on weekends between Ogossoya and Suzuran.
Kawaguchiko City surrounded by nature
I started out after 10am, and walked along the road for about 20 minutes to the start of the trail, which then went straight up the side of the mountain, through trees completely bare of leaves. I reached Oishi pass (1515m) 大石峠 around noon. I had been there once before when hiking from Mt Kuro further to the East. This time I turned right and continued Westards along the ridge.
Kofu valley and beyond the Oku-chichibu mountains
The hiking path went up and down a wide ridge through beautiful evergreen forest. I had occasional views of Mt Fuji to my left, lake Kawaguchi behind me, and the Ashigawa valley to my right. I soon reached the top of Mt Settou 節刀ヶ岳 the third highest mountain along the ridge, after Mt Mitsumine and Mt Oni. From there I could see all the way to the Southern Alps, and the Kofu valley.
Against the sun, looking back towards Minobu
After admiring the view, I started to head down towards Saiko lake. Soon, I had to negotiate a slightly tricky bit involving some rocks and chains. After that, I arrived at the top of Mt Junigadake 十二ヶ岳 which translates simply as “Peak 12”, from where I had some more great views of Mt Fuji ahead of me. I now had two options. The path to the left was an exciting ridge including suspended bridges. Alternatively, I could head straight down to Izumi no Yu, a hot spring on the side of Saiko Lake. Since it was already 3pm, I decided to head down, and leave the exciting ridge for another hike.
Less than 100km away from the capital as the bird flies and smack in the middle of the Oku-Chichibu mountains of Saitama prefecture, lies Mt Nanten 南天山 1483m. Despite its relative closeness, accessing the start of the trail requires patience and a desire to explore new places.
Last Saturday, I rose at 6h30, got a seat on the Seibu line Red arrow limited express leaving around 7h30 from Ikebukuro station, hurried to catch the transfer to the Chichibu railway in the Seibu-chichibu station and got off at the last station, Mitsumineguchi at about 9h15.
Unfortunately the bus connection wasn’t ideal and I had to potter around for 45 minutes for the bus for Nakatsugawa 中津川, also the last stop and one hour away, making my arrival time a little past 11am. However I wasn’t there yet. I still needed to walk 30 minutes along a road which eventually turned into a dirt road, till I finally got to the entrance of the mountain trail, leading up a small river valley cleaved into the side of the mountain.
The path crossed a stream several times over narrow wooden bridges
After removing my inner layer, fixing my bear bell onto my bag and having a quick bite, I was officially ready to start up the mountain, a little before noon or nearly six hours after getting up. Fortunately, unlike my previous trip the week to Okutama the week before, the further I progressed the less people there were – just one other passenger on the bus who got off before the end. This was probably because the autumn leaves season was already over.
First views of the highest peaks of the Okuchichibu Area
The valley I walked up following a small stream was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. I could only imagine what it must look like in the spring or the autumn. There was a fair amount of stream crossing along fairly new wooden bridges and the path goes up and down the side of the valley, making for a good warmup. Halfway up the valley, I came upon the spectacular Hojirushi waterfall 法印の滝. Even if you don’t climb to the top, it is well worth walking 20 minutes to check it out.
The Hojirushi waterfall along the Kamakura River
Twenty minutes further upstream, a zigzagging easy to walk path on the left takes you up to the top ridge where you progressively make your way to the highest point. The last part gets rather rocky and feels rather wild – hard to believe that you are in Saitama, especially when you reach the top and see nothing but mountains in all directions. Directly opposite one could see the massive bulk of Mt Ryokami and in the background Mt Asama already covered in snow,
I headed down a little after 2pm down another zig-zagging path and then joined up with the previous stream valley and legged it back to the road. I was able to take a quick bath before getting on the return bus a little after 4pm. This bus, the last one of the day, took me directly to Seibu Chichibu station in about 90 minutes where after a thirty minute wait, I got the next Red arrow limited express back to Ikebukuro, arriving at 8pm, taking me only a little less time than on the way there.
The summit marker of Mt Nanten with Mt Ryokami in the background
Enjoy the contrast between the rushing water and the silent summit
Winter is around the corner – I saw snowflakes fall on my hike last week – so it’s time to introduce more low-altitude destinations for the colder months, this time on the Northern edges of the Kanto plain. Admittedly there are fewer all-year round snow-free options but the adventurous hiker will be rewarded with beautiful vistas of the snow-capped peaks of the Joushin-Etsu that ranges from Mt Asama to Tanigawa, and the peaks of Oku-Nikko. The hikes presented below are in clockwise order from West to East.
Mt Kuwagara 鍬柄岳 and Mt Oogeta 大桁山, Gunma prefecture
These 2 peaks, 598m and 836m respectively, are located North of Sendaira 千平 Station the stop before Shimonita on the Joushin Dentetsu line running from Takasaki station. Mt Kuwagawara is the highlight and can be done by itself for a shorter hike. The last part requires some scrambling up a rocky face – nothing technical since there are set chains in place to assist but a good sense of balance and agility are required, and you’ll also need to come back the same way in order to continue the hike. However the view from the top is quite rewarding.
PROS: Roundtrip with station access, an exciting bit with chains, good views
CONS: Some road walking, not recommended for beginners
View towards Nishi Joushuu with the flat-topped Mt Arafune on the right
Mt Okono 小野小山 and Mt Juuni 十二ヶ岳, Gunma prefecture
Mt Okono 1208m and Mt Juuni 1201m are part of the same mountain – just 2 peaks on the same ridge that sits between Mt Haruna in the West and Mt Akagi in the East. Despite their relatively high altitude, I did them without snow in January but this may not always be the case so check beforehand. Access is from Onogami 小野上 station on the Agatsuma line, North of Takasaki, and return is one station further down, Onogamionsen 小野上温泉 station. There are some ups and downs along the ridge but your efforts will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360° panorama at the top of Mt Juuni.
PROS: Station access, great views, onsen at the end
CONS: Some road-walking, risk of snow, longish hike
The Tanigawa Ridgeline from the top of Mt Juuni
Mt Daishou 大小山 and Mt Daibou 大坊山, Tochigi Prefecture
Mt Daishou 314m and Mt Daibou 286m are lowish peaks sitting on a semi-circular ridge East of Ashikaga city, accessible from Tomita station on the Ryoma line which connects Ooyama and Maebashi stations. From the top of Mt Daishou, and other viewpoints along the way, there are sweeping views to the South of the Kanto plain. Looking Northwards, there are mountains as far as the eye can see, with the Mt Fuji look-alike, Nikko’s Mt Nantai at the very back. This is a popular trail especially in the winter so expect to meet many hikers along the way.
PROS: Roundtrip with station access, very good views, relatively easy hiking
CONS: Some parts pass through the town, lots of people
Mt Daibou as seen from near Mt Daishou
Mt Kogashi 古賀志山, Tochigi Prefecture
This low-lying but rocky mountain cuts quite an impressive figure when seen from below. At any only 583m it will surprise you with its rocky but roped steep bits and plunging views to the plain below – agility and surefootedness are necessary. Placed somewhat East off the JR Nikko line connecting Utsunomiya and JR Nikko stations, you’ll need to take a bus or a taxi from Kanuma 鹿沼 station to get closer to the start of the hiking trail. There are plenty of trails up and down but the best, and most exciting route is to follow the ridge all the way to Mt Akaiwa 赤岩山 553m.
PROS: Roundtrip, great views, onsen at the end
CONS: Bus there and back, some tricky parts
Mt Kogashi with Akagawa Lake in the foreground
March 2019…Somehow I never completed the final part of the where to hike in winter series from 2017, and just rediscovered the draft. Although winter is officially over, these hikes below are also good in Spring and Autumn. However, these two Ibaraki and Chiba are the ideal places to go when it gets really cold since they combine relatively easy access and low altitude mountains that get little if any snow. These four hikes only scratch the surface of what can be done in these areas. I’ve added then to this blog post since they wouldn’t fit in with my latest series of blogs.
Mt Tsukuba (877m), Ibaraki Prefecture
Like Mt Takao, Mt Tsukuba 筑波山 is an extremely popular hiking spot close to the Tokyo metropolis. You cannot rule out snow in the winter but is is rare and melts quickly. A bus is required to get to the start of the trail, but they run frequently from Tsukuba or Tsuchiura stations. A multitude of trails go up and down the mountain through beautiful cedar forests at the base, and interesting rock formations higher up. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Kanto plain and perhaps Mt Fuji if you’re lucky. There is a ropeway and a cable car so you can just climb up or climb down if you prefer.
PROS: Easy to follow trails, Airplane-like views, Hot springs
CONS: Crowded on weekends & holidays, Summit area is overdeveloped, Access by bus
Enjoying the view from the summit
Hokyo (461m), Ibaraki Prefecture
I only recently discovered Mt Hokyo 宝篋山 but it is the perfect place for a winter escapade. There are many well-marked trails that you can follow to the top and back down, a couple of which follow beautiful mountain streams. There are great views of Mt Tsukuba from the top which you can enjoy while sitting in some longchairs. There are frequent buses from and to Tsuchiura station. Apparently there are some mountain sakura so it’s also a good place for hiking in April when they are in bloom.
PROS: Lots of trails, Seats and tables at the top, Great views
CONS: Short hike, Access is by bus, No hot springs
Lots of place to sit on the top of Mt Hokyo
Mt Nokogiri (330m), Chiba Prefecture
Mt Nokogiri 鋸山 is a fun place to visit and hike. It can be accessed by train but I find it worthwhile to do at least one leg of the trip by ferry across Tokyo Bay from Kurihama. There is a ropeway that goes to the top and if you choose that option, you should at least walk down a little explore the base of the cliffs on the front and then descend the path on the other side. There are giant Buddha statues on both sides. On the ragged top ridge (Nokogiri means saw in Japanese), there is a great lookout point over the cliffs called “jigoku nozoki” or “a peek into hell”. There are great views of the Boso and Miura peninsulas, and Tokyo Bay. If you’re hungry, there is an excellent kaiten sushi right next to Kanaya port.
PROS: Combines hiking and cultural sightseeing, Ferry ride, Sea views
CONS: A little far, Short hiking, Summit ridge area can be crowded
Mt Nokogiri from Kanaya Port
The Yoro River Valley, Chiba Prefecture
This is the classic Chiba hike and highly recommended if you haven’t been to the Yoro river Keikoku 養老渓谷 yet. The train from Goi station is charming and will deposit you smack in the middle of the countryside. The walk is mainly along a picturesque river valley so there is little climbing or descending. You can start two stations earlier from Tsukisaki for a longer hike. The highlight is the Awamata waterfall . The railway deviates from the river after Yoro Keikoku station so you’ll need to take a bus back.
PROS: Easy Hiking, River Walking, Hot springs
CONS: A little far, Bus for the return, Proximity to a road
Hiking Around Tokyo 