Is it open on weekdays?

No, it is generally open only on weekends and holidays. If hiking on a weekday, bring all your food and drinks.

Is cash the only payment method?

Yes, only cash is accepted at this mountaintop tea house. Bring plenty of small bills and coins.

Is it open in winter?

The tea house may close during winter months (approximately December through February). Check before visiting.

Shimizu-chaya on Mt. Jinba — Hilltop Tea House with Kenchin-jiru

Overview

Shimizu-chaya is one of several tea houses on the summit of Mt. Jinba (855m). Among them, it is especially popular for its homemade kenchin-jiru — a hearty vegetable soup with daikon radish, carrot, tofu, and konnyaku — that has become the mountain’s signature dish.

Mt. Jinba is the western endpoint of the famous Takao–Jinba ridge traverse, and many hikers arrive at the summit after walking approximately 15km from Mt. Takao. A warm bowl of kenchin-jiru at the end of that journey has become a beloved hiking tradition.

Facility Information

Kenchin-jiru: from ¥500 (hearty vegetable soup packed with root vegetables and tofu)
Oden: from ¥500
Udon: from ¥600
Nameko-jiru: from ¥400 (nameko mushroom soup)
Beer: from ¥500
Amazake: from ¥300 (sweet fermented rice drink)

*Menu items and prices are subject to change

Hours

Open: Weekends and holidays only
Hours: Approximately 10:00–15:00
Winter: Closed (approximately December–February)
Payment: Cash only

Seating

Outdoor tables and benches are set up around the summit area. Some covered seating is available, but it is primarily an open-air dining experience.

Access

Multiple routes lead to the Mt. Jinba summit.

From Jinba-Kogen-Shita Bus Stop (Shortest Route)

Take a bus from JR Chuo Line Takao Station to Jinba-Kogen-Shita bus stop (about 40 minutes)
Hike the Shin-Hiking Course for about 1.5 hours to the summit

From Fujino Station

Take a bus from JR Chuo Line Fujino Station to Jinba trailhead
Hike the Ichinoo Ridge Course for about 1.5 hours to the summit

From Mt. Takao (Traverse)

Start at Takaosanguchi Station, hike over Mt. Takao, and follow the ridge for about 4–5 hours to reach the summit

Tip: The traverse can be done in either direction. Starting from Mt. Jinba and finishing at Mt. Takao lets you end at Takaosanguchi Station’s Gokurakuyu hot spring — a great way to round off the day.

Highlights

Legendary Kenchin-jiru

Shimizu-chaya’s kenchin-jiru is a generous bowl brimming with local vegetables. On cool autumn and winter days, it warms you from the inside out and is the ultimate mountain-top comfort food.

The White Horse Statue and Panoramic Views

Mt. Jinba’s summit features its iconic white horse statue. Enjoy your meal with views that can stretch from Mt. Fuji to the Kanto Plain, and on clear days all the way to Mt. Tsukuba and Tokyo Skytree.

A Traverse Tradition

Finishing the 15km Takao–Jinba traverse with a bowl of hot soup has become a hiking ritual in the Tokyo area. The combination of achievement and comfort makes for a memorable experience.

Nearby Trails

Mt. Jinba (855m): A summit with 360-degree panoramic views and the iconic white horse statue
Takao–Jinba Traverse: A popular 15km, 4–5 hour ridge walk — one of Tokyo’s premier day hikes