Can beginners climb Mt. Daibosatsu?

From Kamihikawa Pass, the elevation gain is only about 500m with a 3.5-4 hour round trip, making it one of the most accessible 2,000m peaks in Japan. The trail is well-maintained, ideal for beginners stepping up. However, bring warm layers and rain gear as conditions can change quickly at altitude.

When do the buses to Kamihikawa Pass operate?

Buses from Enzan Station and Kai-Yamato Station to Kamihikawa Pass run from mid-April to late November. They do not operate in winter, when you would need a car or taxi. During peak autumn foliage weekends, take an early bus as they can fill up.

Which direction should I hike the loop?

Clockwise is recommended: Kamihikawa Pass to Karamatsu Ridge to Mt. Daibosatsu to Daibosatsu Pass and back. This gets the steeper climb done first via Karamatsu Ridge, and the descent from Daibosatsu Pass is gentle and easy on the knees.

Mt. Daibosatsu Loop Course — A 2,000m Ridge Walk You Can Do in a Day

Route Overview

Mt. Daibosatsu (2,057m) is one of Japan’s Hyakumeizan (100 Famous Mountains) located in Yamanashi Prefecture. The loop course from Kamihikawa Pass (1,585m) offers a rare opportunity to enjoy ridge walking above 2,000m as a day trip from Tokyo.

At just 7km and 3.5-4 hours, this loop is surprisingly accessible for a mountain of this stature. The highlight is the open ridgeline from Kaminari-iwa (Thunder Rock) to Daibosatsu Pass, offering sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and the Kofu Basin.

Autumn (early to mid-October) is the most popular season, when Japanese larch trees turn the ridgeline golden. But spring wildflowers and summer greenery make this a rewarding hike from April through November.

Itinerary

Time	Section	Duration	Notes
9:00	Depart Kamihikawa Pass (1,585m)	—	Prepare after bus arrival
9:25	Fukuchan-sō (1,720m)	25 min	Restrooms, small shop
10:15	Kaminari-iwa / Thunder Rock (2,040m)	50 min	Steep Karamatsu Ridge climb. Grand Fuji views
10:25	Mt. Daibosatsu summit (2,057m)	10 min	Forested summit, no views
10:35	Return to Kaminari-iwa	10 min	Recommended lunch spot
11:15	Sai-no-Kawara (2,000m)	20 min	Emergency shelter
11:35	Daibosatsu Pass (1,897m)	20 min	Kaizansō lodge, shop, restrooms
12:05	Former Fujimi-sansō site	15 min	—
12:25	Fukuchan-sō	20 min	—
12:50	Kamihikawa Pass	25 min	Catch return bus

Tip: The actual summit of Mt. Daibosatsu is in a forest with no views. The real scenic highlight is the ridge between Kaminari-iwa and Daibosatsu Pass. Have your lunch at Kaminari-iwa to enjoy the panorama.

Access Information

By Bus (Recommended)

From Enzan Station:

Yamanashi Kotsu bus from Enzan Station south exit via “Daibosatsu-no-Yu” to Kamihikawa Pass
Travel time: ~60 minutes
Operating period: mid-April to late November (no service in winter)

From Kai-Yamato Station:

Eiwa Kotsu bus from Kai-Yamato Station to Kamihikawa Pass
Travel time: ~40 minutes
Extra services during autumn foliage season

By Car

Free parking at Kamihikawa Pass (~100 spaces)
~40 minutes from Katsunuma IC on the Chuo Expressway via Prefectural Route 218
Parking fills early on autumn weekends — arrive before 8 AM

Trailhead Facilities

Near Enzan Station (Start/Goal)

7-Eleven Enzan Ekimae: 2-minute walk from the station. Trail snacks and drinks
Daily Yamazaki Enzan Kamiozō: 3-minute walk from the station
Restrooms: Available inside the station

Kamihikawa Pass

Lodge Chōbē: Small shop with drinks and light snacks
Restrooms: Public restrooms next to the parking lot

On the Route

Fukuchan-sō: Restrooms, shop with drinks and snacks
Kaizansō (Daibosatsu Pass): Shop with badges, drinks, light meals. Restrooms available

Highlights

Grand Panorama from Kaminari-iwa

After climbing the Karamatsu Ridge, Kaminari-iwa (Thunder Rock) rewards you with the route’s best viewpoint. Mt. Fuji dominates the scene, flanked by the Southern Alps peaks of Kaikomagatake and Kitadake, with the Kofu Basin spread below. On clear days, the Yatsugatake range is visible to the north.

Open Alpine Ridgeline

The approximately 2km ridge between Kaminari-iwa and Daibosatsu Pass is the highlight of this hike. Walking through dwarf pines and bamboo grass with Mt. Fuji on your left, the gentle ridgeline feels surprisingly alpine for a mountain so accessible from Tokyo.

Historical Daibosatsu Pass

Daibosatsu Pass has been an important mountain crossing between Koshu (Yamanashi) and Musashi (Tokyo area) since ancient times. It is also the setting of the famous Japanese novel “Daibosatsu Toge” by Nakazato Kaizan.

Autumn Golden Larch

In early to mid-October, Japanese larch trees paint the ridgeline in brilliant gold. Walking the golden ridge with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop is one of the most photogenic autumn scenes in the Kanto region.

Cautions

Alpine weather: At over 2,000m, ridgeline winds can be strong and temperatures low even in summer. Always pack a windproof and insulating layer
Bus schedules: Only a few buses per day run to Kamihikawa Pass. Confirm return bus times before starting and plan with margin
Winter closure: Buses stop running from late November to mid-April. Winter hiking requires crampons and full cold-weather gear, making it advanced-level only
Wind at Kaminari-iwa: The ridge is fully exposed with no wind protection. Check wind forecasts before departure
No natural water sources: There are no streams on the route. Carry at least 1L of water