Mt. Iwadono — Castle Ruins with a Stunning Fuji View
A 634m mountain castle ruin walkable from Otsuki Station. Enjoy thrilling rock scrambles and one of the finest Mt. Fuji views in the region.
Nearest Station
🚉 Otsuki Station
JR Chuo Line (60 min limited express from Shinjuku)
Duration
⏱ About 3 hours (round trip)
Distance
📏 About 5km
Elevation
⛰ 634m
Best Season
Spring, Autumn, Winter
Trail Overview
Mt. Iwadono (岩殿山, Iwadono-yama) is a 634m peak in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. It’s the site of Iwadono Castle, a Sengoku-period mountain fortress. Its biggest draw? You can walk to the trailhead from JR Otsuki Station — no bus needed.
Selected as one of the “Twelve Scenic Views of Mt. Fuji from Otsuki” (秀麗富嶽十二景), the summit offers a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji framed by the town below.
Recommended Route
Otsuki Station → Mt. Iwadono Round Trip
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Otsuki Station → Trailhead | 20 min |
| Trailhead → Maruyama Park | 20 min |
| Maruyama Park → Summit | 40 min |
| Summit → Otsuki Station (descent) | About 1 hour |
| Total | About 2 hours 40 min |
Tip: After your hike, try Yoshida Udon in the Otsuki Station area — thick, chewy noodles that are the perfect post-hike reward.
Highlights
🏯 Iwadono Castle Ruins
A Sengoku-era mountain fortress once held by Oyamada Nobushige, a retainer of the Takeda clan. The castle was considered impregnable thanks to its natural rock walls. A must-visit for history enthusiasts.
🗻 Mt. Fuji View
The view of Mt. Fuji from the summit is rated among the finest in the region. The unique composition — Fuji rising behind the town of Otsuki — is unlike any other mountain viewpoint.
🪨 Chain Sections & Rock Scrambles
Near the summit, short but exciting chain-assisted rock sections add a touch of adventure. If you prefer to skip them, a bypass trail is available.
Access Information
- Nearest Station: JR Chuo Line, Otsuki Station (60 min by Limited Express Kaiji from Shinjuku, or about 100 min by local train)
- Trailhead: 20-minute walk from Otsuki Station (no bus needed!)
- Parking: Paid parking available near Otsuki Station
Important Notes
- ⚠️ Bring work gloves for the chain sections
- ⚠️ Rock sections are slippery when wet — check the weather
- ⚠️ A bypass trail is available if you’re uncomfortable with chains
- ⚠️ Fun fact: Its elevation (634m) is the same as Tokyo Skytree!
Related Trails
- Mt. Takagawa — Station-to-Summit Fuji Views — Nearby Shūrei Fugaku Peak No. 11 with unobstructed Fuji views from Hatsukari Station
- Mt. Momokura — Cherry Blossoms, Fuji Views, and Saruhashi Bridge — Shūrei Fugaku Peak No. 7 with a famous bridge to visit after
- Mt. Sekirozan — A Forest Trail Through Mystical Boulders — Intermediate hike in the Sagamiko area