10 Best Day Hikes Near Tokyo — A Local's Guide for Every Level
The 10 best day hikes from Tokyo, sorted by difficulty. From beginner-friendly Mt. Takao (1 hour from Shinjuku) to challenging Mt. Tanzawa — with train access, time, and post-hike onsen for each.
Why Hike Near Tokyo?
Within 1–2 hours of Shinjuku, you’ll find mountains with dense forests, alpine ridges, temple trails, and hot springs. Japan’s train network makes it remarkably easy — no rental car needed, no complex logistics. Just tap your Suica and go.
This guide covers 10 day hikes sorted by difficulty, from paved paths a beginner can walk in sneakers to serious mountain routes that demand proper gear. Each entry includes train access, round-trip time, and a post-hike onsen recommendation.
Beginner (Difficulty ★☆☆☆☆)
1. Mt. Takao (599m) — The Gateway Mountain
The world’s most-climbed mountain and the perfect first hike in Japan.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | Keio Line, 50 min from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi |
| Time | 3 hours round trip |
| Distance | ~7 km |
| Best for | Absolute beginners, families, tourists |
Trail 1 is fully paved with restaurants, a temple, and a cable car option. The summit offers clear-day views of Mt. Fuji. After hiking, walk straight into Gokurakuyu hot spring next to the station.
Why it’s #1: No other mountain near Tokyo combines this level of accessibility, infrastructure, and beauty. If you’ve never hiked in Japan, start here.
Read the full Mt. Takao guide →
2. Mt. Tsukuba (877m) — Twin Peaks & Shrine
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | Tsukuba Express, 45 min from Akihabara to Tsukuba |
| Time | 3–4 hours round trip |
| Distance | ~5 km |
| Best for | Beginners who want more than Takao |
Two summits (Nyotai-san and Nantai-san) connected by a short ridge walk. Cable car available for one direction. Famous for its shrine and seasonal wildflowers.
Read the full Mt. Tsukuba guide →
3. Mt. Kagenobu (727m) — Quiet Chuo Line Gem
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | JR Chuo Line, Takao Station |
| Time | 2–3 hours round trip |
| Distance | ~5 km |
| Best for | Those who want a quiet alternative to Takao |
Just one station past Mt. Takao, but with a fraction of the crowds. A peaceful forest walk perfect for a morning hike.
Read the full Mt. Kagenobu guide →
Intermediate (Difficulty ★★☆☆☆)
4. Mt. Mitake (929m) — Rock Garden & Shrine Village
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | JR Ome Line to Mitake Station, then bus + cable car |
| Time | 4–5 hours |
| Distance | ~8 km |
| Best for | Nature lovers, families with older children |
A mountain-top shrine village with a famous moss-covered Rock Garden. The cable car takes you most of the way up, then you explore the atmospheric trails through cedar forests and along streams. Combine with Moegi no Yu onsen in Okutama.
Read the full Mt. Mitake guide →
5. Mt. Oyama (1,252m) — Historic Pilgrimage Peak
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | Odakyu Line to Isehara Station, then bus |
| Time | 4–5 hours |
| Distance | ~7 km |
| Best for | History buffs, intermediate hikers |
A sacred mountain worshipped for over 1,000 years. The cable car covers the first section, then you climb stone steps through ancient cedar groves to the summit shrine. Stop at Afuri Saryo café with its stunning views. Combine with Tsurumaki Onsen on the way home.
Read the full Mt. Oyama guide →
6. Mt. Jinba (857m) — Ridge Walk with the Best View
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | JR Chuo Line to Fujino Station or Keio Line to Takaosanguchi |
| Time | 4–5 hours |
| Distance | ~10 km |
| Best for | Those ready to step up from Takao |
Famous for its white horse statue and panoramic summit views of Mt. Fuji. Often combined with Mt. Takao as a traverse route — one of the most popular ridge walks in the Kanto region.
Read the full Mt. Jinba guide →
7. Mt. Sekirozan (694m) — Mossy Boulders & Lake Views
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | JR Chuo Line to Sagamiko Station, then bus (7 min) |
| Time | ~4 hours |
| Distance | ~8 km |
| Best for | Photographers, those who enjoy atmospheric forests |
A hidden gem with giant moss-covered boulders, an ancient temple (Kenkyo-ji), and summit views of Lake Sagami and Mt. Fuji. Much quieter than Takao despite being nearby.
Read the full Mt. Sekirozan guide →
Advanced (Difficulty ★★★☆☆)
8. Mt. Kumotori (2,017m) — Tokyo’s Highest Peak
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | JR Ome Line to Okutama Station, then bus |
| Time | 9–10 hours (long day) or 2 days with hut stay |
| Distance | ~20 km |
| Best for | Experienced hikers wanting a serious challenge |
The highest point in Tokyo Prefecture. A demanding but rewarding out-and-back through deep Okutama forests. Stay at Kumotori Sanso hut if you prefer to split it over two days. Finish with Moegi no Yu onsen.
Read the full Mt. Kumotori guide →
9. Mt. Tanzawa (1,567m) — Serious Mountain, Easy Access
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | Odakyu Line to Shibusawa Station, then bus |
| Time | 8–9 hours |
| Distance | ~14 km |
| Best for | Fit hikers training for bigger mountains |
The main peak of the Tanzawa range, with steep climbs and a well-maintained trail network. Popular as training ground for Mt. Fuji. The Tanzawa Main Ridge route is an epic multi-peak traverse.
Read the full Mt. Tanzawa guide →
10. Mt. Daibosatsu (2,057m) — Easiest 2,000m Peak
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | JR Chuo Line to Enzan Station, then bus |
| Time | 3.5–4 hours from Kamihikawa Pass |
| Distance | ~7 km |
| Best for | Intermediate hikers ready for altitude |
Thanks to a high trailhead (1,580m), this is one of the most accessible 2,000m peaks in Japan. The Daibosatsu Loop offers stunning ridge walking with panoramic Fuji views — all doable in a single day.
Read the full Mt. Daibosatsu guide →
Quick Comparison Table
| Mountain | Elevation | Difficulty | Train Time | Round Trip | Onsen Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Takao | 599m | ★☆☆☆☆ | 50 min | 3 hrs | Gokurakuyu |
| Mt. Tsukuba | 877m | ★☆☆☆☆ | 45 min | 3–4 hrs | Tsukuba Onsen |
| Mt. Kagenobu | 727m | ★☆☆☆☆ | 55 min | 2–3 hrs | Gokurakuyu |
| Mt. Mitake | 929m | ★★☆☆☆ | 75 min | 4–5 hrs | Moegi no Yu |
| Mt. Oyama | 1,252m | ★★☆☆☆ | 70 min | 4–5 hrs | Tsurumaki Onsen |
| Mt. Jinba | 857m | ★★☆☆☆ | 65 min | 4–5 hrs | Gokurakuyu |
| Mt. Sekirozan | 694m | ★★☆☆☆ | 60 min | 4 hrs | Sagamiko Onsen |
| Mt. Kumotori | 2,017m | ★★★☆☆ | 100 min | 9–10 hrs | Moegi no Yu |
| Mt. Tanzawa | 1,567m | ★★★☆☆ | 80 min | 8–9 hrs | Tsurumaki Onsen |
| Mt. Daibosatsu | 2,057m | ★★★☆☆ | 120 min | 3.5–4 hrs | Yamato Tenmeikan |
Essential Gear by Level
Not sure what to bring? Check our Gear Guide by Level for a complete breakdown.
Beginner trails: Comfortable shoes, water (500ml+), rain jacket, sun protection. Intermediate trails: Hiking shoes, 1L+ water, layered clothing, headlamp, first aid kit. Advanced trails: Full hiking boots, 2L+ water, navigation tools, emergency bivvy, bear bell.
Getting There: IC Cards & Train Tips
All mountains on this list are reachable by train. Get a Suica or PASMO card before your trip — it works on every train, bus, and most convenience stores.
For early morning starts on the JR Chuo Line (serving Takao, Sagamiko, Otsuki, and beyond), the new Green Car guarantees a comfortable seat for just ¥780 extra.