Mt. Kawanori (1,363m) — Hyakuhiro Falls and Deep Okutama Forests

Trail Overview

Mt. Kawanori (川苔山, Kawanori-yama) stands at 1,363m in the Okutama area of western Tokyo. It is one of the most popular mountains in the Okutama region, attracting hikers with its blend of waterfalls, deep forests, and satisfying ridge walking.

The star attraction is Hyakuhiro Falls (百尋ノ滝), a powerful 40-meter waterfall along the trail that ranks as one of the largest in the Okutama area. Many hikers visit specifically for this waterfall alone.

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Okutama mountains, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa range are visible. The mountain is rewarding from spring through autumn.

Recommended Route: Loop from Hatonosu Station

Hatonosu Station → Daikon-no-Yama-no-Kami → Funaido → Mt. Kawanori summit → Hyakuhiro Falls → Kawanori-bashi bus stop → Okutama Station

This loop route starts from Hatonosu Station, climbs through a forested ridge via Daikon-no-Yama-no-Kami, reaches the summit, then descends past Hyakuhiro Falls to Kawanori-bashi bus stop. From there, a bus takes you to Okutama Station.

The reverse direction (starting from Kawanori-bashi and descending to Hatonosu) is equally popular. Since buses to Kawanori-bashi run infrequently, plan carefully around the bus schedule.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Hatonosu Station → Daikon-no-Yama-no-Kami	About 50 min
Daikon-no-Yama-no-Kami → Funaido	About 1 hr 30 min
Funaido → Mt. Kawanori summit	About 30 min
Ascent total	About 2 hr 50 min
Mt. Kawanori summit → Hyakuhiro Falls	About 1 hr 30 min
Hyakuhiro Falls → Hosokurabashi	About 40 min
Hosokurabashi → Kawanori-bashi bus stop	About 30 min
Descent total	About 2 hr 40 min
Grand total	About 5.5–6 hours

Tip: If doing an out-and-back from Hatonosu Station, allow about 6 hours. For the loop route, factor in bus waiting time. Always check the last bus departure from Kawanori-bashi.

Highlights

Hyakuhiro Falls

The centerpiece of the Kawanori hike. This 40-meter waterfall is one of the largest in the Okutama area, with a powerful flow that is especially impressive after rain. You can get close to the base of the falls for a refreshing break.

Caution: The area around Hyakuhiro Falls has slippery rock surfaces and there have been slip-and-fall accidents. Take extra care on the wet rocks.

Summit Views

While the summit is partially surrounded by trees, there is an opening to the west providing panoramic views of the Okutama mountains. On clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible. Benches at the top make it a popular lunch spot.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (April–May): Fresh green forests and streams. Azaleas and shiroyashio (white rhododendrons) bloom along the trail.
• Summer (June–August): Deep forest shade provides cool hiking. The spray from Hyakuhiro Falls offers a welcome respite from the heat.
• Autumn (October–November): Brilliant fall colors blanket the mountain, creating a stunning backdrop for the waterfall.

Post-Hike Onsen

Moegi-no-Yu (Okutama Onsen)

A natural hot spring about a 10-minute walk from Okutama Station. The water comes from ancient geological layers deep underground.

Detail	Information
Location	Hikawa 119-1, Okutama Town, Tokyo
Access	About 10 min walk from JR Okutama Station
Hours	Apr–Nov: 10:00–20:00 / Dec–Mar: 10:00–19:00
Closed	Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday)
Facilities	Outdoor bath, indoor bath, foot bath, restaurant, shop

Tip: The onsen gets crowded with returning hikers on weekends. Arriving before 3 PM is recommended.

Convenience Stores & Shops

Store	Location	Distance from Trailhead	Notes
Seven-Eleven Okutama Station	In front of Okutama Station	One stop from Hatonosu	Accessible if using the bus route
Small shops near Hatonosu Station	Near Hatonosu Station	1 min walk	Limited selection

Important: Once you leave Hatonosu Station for the trailhead, there are no shops or vending machines on the trail. Stock up on food and drinks before you start. There are no shops on the mountain.

Restroom Information

Location	Type	Notes
Hatonosu Station	Station restroom	Use before departure
Hosokurabashi (Kawanori-bashi route)	Public restroom	Only on the Kawanori-bashi side
Near Kawanori-bashi bus stop	Public restroom	Available when descending to the bus stop

Important: There are no restrooms between Hatonosu Station and the summit. Make sure to use the facilities before starting. The Kawanori-bashi route has a public restroom at Hosokurabashi.

Access Information

By Train

• JR Ome Line, Hatonosu Station: About 1 hour 40 minutes from Shinjuku via JR Chuo Line rapid service and JR Ome Line
• JR Ome Line, Okutama Station: If using the Kawanori-bashi bus stop route. About 2 hours from Shinjuku

By Bus

• Kawanori-bashi bus stop: About 15 minutes from Okutama Station on the Nishi Tokyo Bus bound for Higashi-Nippara or the Limestone Cave
• Bus frequency is limited — check the timetable in advance

By Car

• Municipal parking near Hatonosu Station is available (free, limited spaces)
• About 50 minutes from Ome IC on the Ken-O Expressway

Advice: Public transport is recommended. If you plan to use the loop route via Kawanori-bashi bus stop, driving means you will need to return to your car at a different trailhead.

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking shoes (essential — rocky and wet sections near the falls)
• ✅ Water (at least 1L — no water sources on the trail)
• ✅ Rain gear (separates recommended)
• ✅ Lunch and snacks (bring enough for the full day)
• ✅ Map and compass (or hiking app)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful on steep ascents and descents)
• ⬜ Headlamp (in case of unexpected delays)

Related Trails

• Mt. Kumotori — Tokyo’s Highest Peak
• Mt. Mitake — Sacred Mountain and Valley Walks