Tanzawa Main Ridge Traverse — Ōkura to Tōnodake, Tanzawasan & Hirugatake

Route Overview

The Tanzawa Main Ridge Traverse is a serious undertaking that links Mt. Tōnodake (1,491m), Mt. Tanzawa (1,567m), and Mt. Hirugatake (1,673m) — Kanagawa Prefecture’s highest peak. Covering approximately 22km with 2,000m of cumulative elevation gain, this route is typically done over 1 night and 2 days.

The approach via the Ōkura Ridge, nicknamed “Baka-One” (Fool’s Ridge) for its relentless climb, gives way to rewarding ridgeline views of Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Sagami Bay. Mt. Tanzawa is one of Japan’s Hyakumeizan (100 Famous Mountains), and the 360-degree panorama from Mt. Hirugatake is the finest in the entire Tanzawa range.

The route is best from spring through autumn: white azaleas bloom in late May, summer brings lush green ridges, and autumn foliage peaks in late October.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ōkura to Mt. Hirugatake (7-8 hours)

Time	Section	Duration	Notes
7:00	Depart Ōkura Bus Stop	—	Restrooms, small shop
7:25	Ōkura Trailhead	25 min	Submit hiking plan
8:10	Komadome-chaya	45 min	—
8:50	Horiyama-no-Ie	40 min	Good rest spot
9:40	Hanatate Hut	50 min	Steep stair sections
10:00	Kanabiyashi	20 min	Junction to Mt. Nabewari
10:30	Mt. Tōnodake (1,491m)	30 min	Sonbutsu-sansō hut. Grand views
11:30	Mt. Tanzawa (1,567m)	60 min	Miyama-sansō hut. Hyakumeizan peak
13:00	Mt. Fudō (1,614m)	60 min	Undulating ridge
13:40	Tanazawa-no-Kashira	30 min	—
14:30	Mt. Hirugatake (1,673m)	50 min	Hirugatake Mountain Hut — overnight

Day 2: Mt. Hirugatake to Yakeyama Trailhead (4-5 hours)

Time	Section	Duration	Notes
6:00	Depart Hirugatake Mountain Hut	—	Watch the sunrise
6:30	Jizōdaira	30 min	—
7:10	Himetsugu	40 min	Excellent Mt. Fuji viewpoint
7:50	Mt. Sodehira	30 min	—
8:30	Mt. Kibigara	40 min	—
9:20	Mt. Yakeyama (1,060m)	50 min	Observation tower
10:30	Yakeyama Trailhead Bus Stop	60 min	Bus to Mikegi

Tip: Sunrise from Hirugatake Mountain Hut is spectacular. Depending on the season, you may see the sun rise beside Mt. Fuji — well worth the early wake-up.

Access Information

Start: Ōkura Bus Stop

Detail	Info
Nearest station	Shibusawa Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
Bus	Kanachu Bus to “Ōkura” (~15 min)
From Shinjuku	~1 hour 20 min (Odakyu + bus)
First bus	~6:48 AM (weekends)

Goal: Yakeyama Trailhead Bus Stop

• Yakeyama Trailhead to Mikegi (Kanachu Bus, ~20 min)
• Mikegi to Hashimoto Station (Kanachu Bus, ~35 min)
• From Hashimoto: JR Yokohama Line or Keio Sagamihara Line to central Tokyo

Important: Buses from Yakeyama Trailhead are infrequent. Check the timetable before you go.

Trailhead Facilities

Near Shibusawa Station / Ōkura (Start)

• 7-Eleven Hadano Shibusawa-eki Kitaguchi: 1-minute walk from Shibusawa Station. Stock up on 2 days of food
• FamilyMart Hadano Shibusawa: 2-minute walk from the station
• Ōkura Bus Stop shop: Light meals and drinks available
• Restrooms: Inside Shibusawa Station and at Ōkura Bus Stop

Near Yakeyama Trailhead (Goal)

• Convenience stores: None in the area
• Restrooms: Available near the bus stop

Mountain Huts

• Sonbutsu-sansō (Mt. Tōnodake): Year-round. Accommodation and drinks
• Miyama-sansō (Mt. Tanzawa): Year-round. Reservation required. Meal plans available
• Hirugatake Mountain Hut (Mt. Hirugatake): Year-round. Reservation required. Kanagawa’s highest mountain hut

Highlights

Mt. Tōnodake Panorama

After conquering the Ōkura Ridge, the summit of Mt. Tōnodake offers sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, Sagami Bay, the Hakone mountains, and the Southern Alps. Rest at the benches in front of Sonbutsu-sansō and take in the reward.

Mt. Tanzawa — A Hyakumeizan Peak

Selected by Fukada Kyuya for his famous “100 Mountains of Japan” list, Mt. Tanzawa sits at the heart of the Tanzawa mountain range. Miyama-sansō is known as a comfortable mountain hut and makes an excellent base for a more relaxed itinerary.

Mt. Hirugatake — Kanagawa’s Highest Peak

At 1,673m, Mt. Hirugatake is the highest point in Kanagawa Prefecture. The summit panorama stretches 360 degrees, encompassing Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, Okutama, and Okuchichibu. Spending the night at the hut offers memorable city lights below and a starlit sky above.

White Azaleas on the Ridge

From late May to early June, white Shiroyashio azaleas bloom along the ridge between Mt. Tanzawa and Mt. Hirugatake, creating tunnels of white flowers against the green ridgeline — a seasonal spectacle unique to this period.

Cautions

• Fitness and experience required: With 2,000m cumulative elevation and 22km distance, this route is for intermediate to advanced hikers. Prior experience with a day trip to Mt. Tōnodake is recommended
• Mountain hut reservations: Reserve Hirugatake Mountain Hut and Miyama-sansō well in advance, especially during peak season
• Water supply: No natural water sources on the route. You can purchase water at huts, but carry at least 2L
• Leeches: From June to October, Tanzawa is known for yamabiru (mountain leeches). Bring leech repellent and salt, and check your legs regularly
• Weather judgment: The ridgeline is exposed to wind and rain, and fog can reduce visibility significantly. Be prepared to turn back at Mt. Tōnodake if conditions deteriorate
• Escape routes: From Mt. Tanzawa, you can descend toward Shiomizu Bridge; from Mt. Hirugatake, toward Aone — but both are long routes
• Winter conditions: Snow and ice require crampons or chain spikes. Winter traverse to Mt. Hirugatake is for experienced winter hikers only