Mt. Daibosatsu — Ridgeline Walk with Stunning Fuji Views

Trail Overview

Mt. Daibosatsu (大菩薩嶺, Daibosatsu-rei) is a 2,057m peak in Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and is Hyakumeizan No. 39. The mountain is also famous as the setting for the classic Japanese novel “Daibosatsu Pass” by Nakazato Kaizan.

The highlight is the open ridgeline walk between Daibosatsu Pass and Kaminari-iwa (Thunder Rock). With Mt. Fuji directly ahead, the Kofu Basin below, and the Southern Alps in the distance, this ridgeline offers one of the finest panoramas among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.

Since Kamihikawa Pass (1,585m) is accessible by car or bus, you only need to climb about 450m to reach a summit above 2,000m — making this an exceptionally rewarding hike for the effort required.

Recommended Route: Kamihikawa Pass Loop

The most popular route, looping through Daibosatsu Pass, along the ridgeline to the summit, and returning via the Karamatsu Ridge.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Kamihikawa Pass → Fukuchan-so	About 20 min
Fukuchan-so → Daibosatsu Pass (Kaizanso)	About 50 min
Daibosatsu Pass → Kaminari-iwa	About 50 min
Kaminari-iwa → Mt. Daibosatsu summit	About 10 min
Mt. Daibosatsu summit → Kaminari-iwa	About 10 min
Kaminari-iwa → Fukuchan-so (Karamatsu Ridge)	About 40 min
Fukuchan-so → Kamihikawa Pass	About 20 min
Total	About 3.5 hours

Tip: The ridgeline from Daibosatsu Pass to Kaminari-iwa is the highlight. Morning offers the clearest views of Mt. Fuji, so an early start is recommended.

Access Information

• Train: JR Chuo Line to Enzan Station (about 1 hr 40 min by limited express Kaiji/Azusa from Shinjuku)
• Bus: Yamanashi Kotsu bus from Enzan Station to Kamihikawa Pass, about 40 min (seasonal service, mainly weekends/holidays from mid-April to early December)
• Car: About 40 min from Katsunuma IC on the Chuo Expressway. Free parking at Kamihikawa Pass (about 100 spaces)
• Taxi: About 30 min from Enzan Station to Kamihikawa Pass (alternative when bus is not running)

Note: The bus to Kamihikawa Pass is seasonal. Outside the operating period, use a taxi or walk from Sakeishi (about 2 hours on foot).

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)

• FamilyMart near Enzan Station (stop by before boarding the bus)
• No convenience stores at Kamihikawa Pass — buy food and drinks at the station

Shops & Teahouses

• Lodge Chobei (Kamihikawa Pass): Light meals and drinks available, also offers accommodation
• Fukuchan-so: Light meals and drinks available
• Kaizanso (Daibosatsu Pass): Light meals, drinks, and souvenirs available

Restrooms

• Kamihikawa Pass (next to Lodge Chobei)
• Daibosatsu Pass (next to Kaizanso)

Mountain Hut Information

Hut	Capacity	Season	Notes
Kaizanso	About 30	Late April–late November	Located at Daibosatsu Pass, reservation recommended
Lodge Chobei	About 50	Year-round	Located at Kamihikawa Pass, meals available

Highlights

🌸 Spring (May–June)

• Refreshing ridgeline walk through fresh green foliage
• Azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in June

☀️ Summer (July–August)

• Cool hiking above 2,000m — a great escape from the summer heat
• Beautiful contrast of summer clouds and Mt. Fuji

🍁 Autumn (September–October)

• Larch trees along the ridgeline turn golden
• Stunning combination of autumn colors in the Kofu Basin with Mt. Fuji beyond

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking shoes (the Karamatsu Ridge descent can be somewhat steep)
• ✅ Water (at least 1L recommended)
• ✅ Warm layers (summit area is 12–13°C cooler than the lowlands)
• ✅ Rain jacket (separates recommended)
• ✅ Snacks/energy food
• ✅ Sunscreen (the ridgeline is very exposed)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful for the Karamatsu Ridge descent)