Tag: Mt Fuji View

Mt Kumotori (2017m), Tokyo, Saitama & Yamanashi Prefectures

Mt Kumotori is the highest point of Tokyo prefecture, first climbed in December 2006, and then again in December 2013 and 2015, staying in the summit hut each time. The purpose of my last 2 visits was for Hatsuhinode. The 2 main trails leading to the summit start from Okutama Lake in Tokyo and Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama and can be reached by bus from Okutama and Chichibu stations respectively; both are best done with an overnight stay in the summit lodge. The panoramic view of the Okutama and Chichibu mountains, as well as Mt Fuji, is definitely worth the effort of the lengthy ascent. Due to its relatively high elevation, the summit area has snow and ice in the winter months and crampons are recommended if climbing in that season.

The Long Ridge Leading to Mt Kumotori on the Okutama Side

Hiking in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park

秩父多摩甲斐国立公園

雲取山 くもとりやま kumotori-yama

Japan 100 Famous Mountain 日本百名山

Mt Fuji at Dusk from the Top of Mt Kumotori

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Mt Nokogiri (329m), Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture

Mt Nokogiri (鋸山 のこぎりやま nokogiriyama), literally “Saw Mountain”, due to its jagged summit, is a popular sightseeing spot situated on the Tokyo side of the Boso peninsula. In the Edo period, it used to be a quarry, which explains its smooth cliffs below the top ridge. It can be reached from Hama-Kanaya station on the Sazanami limited express (about 2 hours from Shinjuku), or by using the Tokyo Bay ferry from Kurihama on the Miura peninsula, Kanagawa prefecture (40 minutes each way).

View south of Minami-Boso from the top of the ropeway

View of the Kanaya ferry port

Most visitors prefer to take the Nokogiriyama ropeway up, and then make the roundtrip along the ridgeline to the observatory at Jigoku Nozomi (地獄のぞみ), meaning ” A peak into hell”, a ledge of rock overhanging a cliff. Looking west, one can gaze upon Tokyo bay and Mt Fuji in the distance. Although an entrance fee is required, it also gives access to Nihon-ji temple (日本寺) and the Nihon-ji Daibustu (日本寺大仏), both worthwhile sights on the south side of the mountain.

A peak into hell, the highlight of a visit to Mt Nokogiri

Kannon carved into the cliffside

For those wanting more exercice, it’s possible to walk down to the base of the ropeway on the north side via the Kangetsudai trail (観月台コース), also part of the Kanto Fureai no Michi. On the way, you’ll pass by the impressive Haykushaku-Kannon (百尺観音), carved into the cliffside. For a longer hike, it’s possible to start from Hota station and approach via the Ura-Nokogiri trail (裏鋸コース, the Nokogiri back trail), leading around the back of the mountain and over its highest point. Whichever option you choose, Mt Nokogiri makes a fun and interesting daytrip from Tokyo.

See the views of Mt Nokogiri

Mt Tsukuba (877m), Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Mt Tsukuba was one of the first mountains I climbed in Japan; its also one of the mountains I’ve been up the most. The shrine at its base is about a 40 minute bus ride from Tsukuba station, itself a 45-minute train ride from Akihabara station with the Tsukuba Express. The mountain is best known for the interestingly shaped rocks below the summit area. The view of the Kanto plain from the top is stunning, and on clear days, even Mt Fuji can be seen. A cable car and a ropeway can shorten the hike for those who’s rather just walk up or down. After the hike it’s possible to take a hot both at one of the several Onsen hotels clustered around Tsukuba Shrine.

Hiking in the Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park

水郷筑波国定公園

Tsukuba-san (筑波山 つくばさん)

Nyoto-san 女体山 (877m) & Nantai-san 男体山 (871)

Japan 100 Famous Mountain 日本百名山

Climbed in December 2006, November 2009, November 2010, February 2013

View North from the top of Mt Tsukuba

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