How difficult is the Bukō to Ōmochi loop?

At 12km with 1,200m cumulative elevation gain and 6-7 hours of hiking, this is an intermediate-level route. The climb to Mt. Bukō is well-maintained, but the ridge between Mt. Komochi and Mt. Ōmochi involves rocky sections and continuous ups and downs requiring fitness and some scrambling ability. Prior day-hiking experience is essential.

Does the limestone quarrying on Mt. Bukō affect the hiking trail?

The north face of Mt. Bukō has been extensively quarried for limestone, dramatically changing the mountain's appearance. However, the hiking trail runs along the south face and is unaffected by quarrying operations. On weekdays, watch for dump trucks on the forest road approach.

Which direction should I hike the loop?

Clockwise is recommended: Yokoze Station to Ichi-no-Torii to Mt. Bukō to Mt. Komochi to Mt. Ōmochi to Tsumazaka Pass and back. The ascent trail to Mt. Bukō is well-graded and easier to climb, while the descent from Mt. Ōmochi via Tsumazaka Pass is relatively gentle.

Mt. Bukō to Mt. Ōmochi Loop — A Rugged Ridge Circuit in Chichibu

Route Overview

Mt. Bukō (1,304m) is the iconic symbol of Chichibu City, distinguished by its dramatic north face carved by limestone quarrying. This 12km loop from Yokoze Station traverses Mt. Bukō, Mt. Komochi (1,273m), and Mt. Ōmochi (1,294m), offering a satisfying 6-7 hour intermediate-level day hike.

The summit of Mt. Bukō commands sweeping views across the Chichibu Basin, with the mountains of Okuchichibu, Mt. Ryōkami, and even Mt. Asama visible on clear days. Beyond Mt. Bukō, the ridge to Mt. Komochi and Mt. Ōmochi transitions into quiet, rocky terrain through natural forest — a stark contrast to the busy summit.

Spring brings katakuri lilies and other wildflowers, while autumn foliage paints the ridgeline in vivid colors.

Itinerary

Time	Section	Duration	Notes
7:30	Depart Yokoze Station	—	Paved road walk to trailhead
8:10	Ichi-no-Torii (Trailhead)	40 min	Parking, restrooms
8:30	Fudō-taki Falls	20 min	Water source (purification recommended)
9:30	Ōsugi-no-Hiroba	60 min	Sacred cedar tree
10:00	Mt. Bukō summit (1,304m)	30 min	Ontake Shrine. Panoramic views
10:40	Shirajikubo	25 min	Junction. Steep descent
11:20	Mt. Komochi (1,273m)	40 min	Rocky ascent. Good views
12:00	Mt. Ōmochi (1,294m)	40 min	Quiet summit. Best lunch spot
12:30	Ōmochi-yama-no-Kata	15 min	Turn toward Tsumazaka Pass
13:10	Tsumazaka Pass	40 min	Historic pass
13:50	Ichi-no-Torii	40 min	Forest road walk
14:30	Yokoze Station	40 min	Paved road walk

Tip: Mt. Ōmochi’s summit is spacious and peaceful — ideal for lunch. Mt. Bukō can get crowded, so enjoy the views and move on.

Access Information

Start / Goal: Yokoze Station

Detail	Info
Line	Seibu Chichibu Line
From Ikebukuro	~1 hour 20 min (Seibu Laview Express)
Local trains	~1 hour 50 min (transfer at Hannō)
IC Card	Suica / PASMO accepted

Getting to Ichi-no-Torii (Trailhead)

40-minute walk from Yokoze Station (~3km on paved road)
By car: Free parking at Ichi-no-Torii (~20 spaces)
Taxi: ~10 minutes from Yokoze Station

Trailhead Facilities

Near Yokoze Station

Lawson Yokoze Ekimae: 2-minute walk from the station. Trail food and drinks
7-Eleven Yokoze: 5-minute walk from the station
Restrooms: Inside the station

Ichi-no-Torii (Trailhead)

Restrooms: Public restrooms at the parking area
Shops: None. Buy all food and drinks near Yokoze Station

On the Route

Fudō-taki area: Water source (raw water — purification recommended)
Mt. Bukō summit: No restrooms
Tsumazaka Pass: No restrooms

After the Hike

Matsuri-no-Yu: Hot spring facility directly connected to Seibu-Chichibu Station (one stop from Yokoze). Outdoor baths, restaurant (1,100 yen for adults)

Highlights

Mt. Bukō’s Unique Profile

Extensive limestone quarrying has carved away the north face of Mt. Bukō, creating a staircase-like profile visible from across the Chichibu Basin. The contrast between the mountain’s quarried face and its forested south side tells a thought-provoking story of humanity’s relationship with nature.

Panoramic Views from Mt. Bukō Summit

From behind the Ontake Shrine at the summit, you can survey the entire Chichibu Basin below. On clear days, the view extends to Mt. Ryōkami, the Okuchichibu mountains, Mt. Asama, and even distant Northern Alps peaks. The combination of the town below and surrounding mountains is uniquely compelling.

Rocky Ridge to Mt. Komochi

The section from Mt. Bukō to Mt. Komochi features adventurous rocky terrain with occasional scrambling (no chains, but three-point contact is needed in places). It provides a welcome technical challenge for those seeking more than just walking.

Spring Wildflowers

From mid-April through May, katakuri lilies, anemones, and other spring ephemerals line the trail. The katakuri colonies on Mt. Bukō’s northern slopes are particularly impressive.

Historic Tsumazaka Pass

Tsumazaka Pass has served as a mountain crossing between Chichibu and Naguri since ancient times. Legends link it to Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and the old trail atmosphere still lingers.

Cautions

Long road walk: The 3km paved road between Yokoze Station and Ichi-no-Torii adds time. On weekdays, dump trucks use this road — stay on the shoulder
Rocky sections on the ridge: The Komochi-Ōmochi ridge has loose rock and exposed sections. Wear hiking boots with good grip, especially in wet conditions
Limited water: After Fudō-taki Falls, there are no reliable water sources. Carry at least 2L
Steep descent at Shirajikubo: The drop from Mt. Bukō to Shirajikubo is steep and can be slippery. Trekking poles are helpful
Summer heat: The road approach and south-facing climb to Mt. Bukō can be very hot in summer. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and extra water
Bear awareness: Asian black bears have been spotted in the Chichibu area. Carry a bear bell
Post-hike onsen: Matsuri-no-Yu at Seibu-Chichibu Station is the best option, but it can be crowded on peak days — plan accordingly