Mt. Kagenobu (727m) — Mountain Hut Cuisine and Panoramic Views on the Okutakao Trail

Trail Overview

Mt. Kagenobu (景信山, 727m) stands on the border of Hachioji City (Tokyo) and Sagamihara City (Kanagawa), midway along the Okutakao ridge trail that connects Mt. Takao and Mt. Jinba. From Kobotoke Bus Stop, you can reach the summit in about one hour — making it one of the most accessible peaks in the area.

What sets Kagenobu apart are its two summit teahouses — Kagenobu Chaya Aoki and Sankakuten Kagenobu Goya — serving up legendary wild vegetable tempura and nameko mushroom soup. The summit offers a sweeping panorama of the Kanto Plain, with Tokyo’s skyline and even Tokyo Skytree visible on clear days.

At just 20 minutes by bus from JR Takao Station and a 2.5-hour round trip from the trailhead, this is an excellent choice for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a quieter alternative to the crowds on Mt. Takao.

Recommended Routes

Route A: Kobotoke Bus Stop Round Trip (Beginner-Friendly)

The simplest option. Walk along a paved road from the bus stop to the trailhead, then climb to the summit through forest.

Route B: Mt. Takao → Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama → Mt. Kagenobu Traverse (For Experienced Hikers)

The full Okutakao ridge trail from Takaosanguchi Station, crossing Mt. Takao and Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama before reaching Kagenobu. A rewarding one-way trek of about 3.5 hours.

Course Time

Route A: Kobotoke Bus Stop Round Trip

Section	Duration
Kobotoke Bus Stop → Trailhead	15 min
Trailhead → Mt. Kagenobu Summit	About 1 hr
Mt. Kagenobu Summit → Trailhead	About 45 min
Trailhead → Kobotoke Bus Stop	10 min
Round trip total (with breaks)	About 2.5–3 hours

Tip: If you plan to enjoy a leisurely meal at the summit teahouses, add an extra 30–60 minutes to your schedule.

Highlights

Kanto Plain Panorama

The star attraction of Mt. Kagenobu is its wide-open eastern view. From the summit, the entire Kanto Plain stretches before you — on clear days you can spot Shinjuku’s skyscrapers, Tokyo Skytree, and even distant Mt. Tsukuba. To the west, the Tanzawa Mountains line the horizon.

🌸 Spring (March–May)

• Walk through tunnels of fresh green foliage
• Wild vegetable tempura at the teahouses is at its seasonal best

🍁 Autumn (October–November)

• Beautiful autumn colors along the trail
• Crisp air brings excellent long-distance visibility

❄️ Winter (December–February)

• The best season for city views — on clear winter days, the Kanto Plain is visible in stunning detail
• Mt. Fuji stands sharp and clear on the western horizon

Summit Teahouse Menu

Mt. Kagenobu’s summit hosts two teahouses, making it one of the best spots for “mountain dining” on the Okutakao ridge.

Menu Item	Notes
Nameko Mushroom Soup	Generous portions of nameko mushrooms in miso — the ultimate trail comfort food
Wild Vegetable Tempura	Kagenobu’s signature dish. Freshly fried with seasonal mountain greens
Onigiri (Rice Balls)	Simple but satisfying at the summit
Beer and Soft Drinks	Because nothing beats a cold drink at 727m

• Kagenobu Chaya Aoki: East side of the summit. Famous for nameko soup
• Sankakuten Kagenobu Goya: West side of the summit. Known for tempura

Note: Teahouses are mainly open on weekends and holidays. On weekdays, they are often closed — always bring your own food and drinks as backup.

Convenience Store and Shop Information

• 7-Eleven near Takao Station North Exit: 2-minute walk (about 127m) from the station. Located right by the bus stop, so you can stock up while waiting for the bus
• There are no convenience stores or shops near Kobotoke Bus Stop. Buy everything you need at Takao Station
• The summit teahouses (weekends only) sell drinks and light snacks

Restroom Information

Location	Notes
JR Takao Station	Clean restrooms inside the station. Use before departing
Kobotoke Bus Stop	Public restroom near the bus stop
Mt. Kagenobu Summit	Basic restroom available (portable toilet)

Note: The summit restroom is a basic portable toilet. Bring your own tissue paper.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: JR Chuo Line, Takao Station (about 50 min from Shinjuku on the Chuo Special Rapid)
• Bus: Keio Bus from Takao Station North Exit, bound for “Kobotoke” → get off at the last stop “Kobotoke” (about 20 min, ¥220 one-way)
• Bus frequency: About once per hour on weekdays; extra services on weekends. Check the timetable before your trip
• Parking: Free parking spaces near Kobotoke Bus Stop (limited capacity; fills up early on weekends)
• Walking alternative: Takao Station to Kobotoke Bus Stop is about 1 hour on foot along a paved road. An option if you miss the bus, but riding is recommended to save energy for the hike

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking shoes (the trail is unpaved; stable footwear is essential, especially for the descent)
• ✅ Water (500ml–1L; teahouses may be closed)
• ✅ Lunch and trail snacks (teahouses are often closed on weekdays)
• ✅ Tissue paper (for the summit restroom)
• ✅ Towel
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful on the descent)
• ⬜ Warm layers (winter; the summit can be chilly when windy)

Important Notes

• ⚠️ The bus to Kobotoke runs only once per hour on weekdays. Missing it means a long wait — always check the timetable in advance
• ⚠️ The trail is quieter than Mt. Takao. If hiking solo, let someone know your plans
• ⚠️ The traverse route (Route B) is significantly longer and requires proper hiking shoes. Assess your fitness level before attempting it
• ⚠️ Teahouses are often closed on weekdays — always carry your own food and water

After Your Hike

• Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu: A day-use hot spring directly connected to Keio Line Takaosanguchi Station. From Takao Station, take the JR one stop (admission ¥1,000)
• Restaurants near Takao Station: Soba noodle shops and casual eateries around the station — perfect for a post-hike meal

Related Trails

• Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama — Beyond Takao: Ridge Walking with Teahouse Treats and Fuji Views — Kagenobu’s neighbor on the Okutakao ridge, with its own famous teahouses
• Mt. Jinba — One Step Beyond Takao — Continue past Kagenobu to the endpoint of the Okutakao ridge with 360-degree views
• Mt. Takao — Complete Guide to All 6 Trails — The starting point for the Kagenobu traverse and Japan’s most popular mountain