Mt. Kinpu — The Iconic Five-Jō Rock of Okuchichibu

Trail Overview

Mt. Kinpu (金峰山, Kinpu-san) stands at 2,599m on the border of Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures, making it the highest peak in the Okuchichibu range. It is Hyakumeizan No. 25.

The summit is crowned by the Five-Jō Rock (Gojō-iwa), a massive 15m granite monolith that has been an object of worship since ancient times. From the summit, you can see Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, Yatsugatake, and even the Northern Alps in a spectacular 360-degree panorama.

The day hike from Mizugaki-sanso is a demanding route suited for experienced hikers, but an overnight stay at Kinpu-san Koya makes it more manageable.

Recommended Route: Mizugaki-sanso Route

The most popular approach, ascending through forests and above the treeline to the summit.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Mizugaki-sanso → Fujimi-daira Koya	About 50 min
Fujimi-daira Koya → Dainichi Koya	About 50 min
Dainichi Koya → Dainichi-iwa	About 30 min
Dainichi-iwa → Sunaharai-no-Kashira	About 60 min
Sunaharai-no-Kashira → Mt. Kinpu summit	About 40 min
Total (one way)	About 3.5–4 hours
Descent	About 3 hours
Round trip total	About 7–8 hours

Note: Beyond Sunaharai-no-Kashira, the trail enters alpine terrain above the treeline. There is no shelter from weather, so check the forecast carefully before starting.

Odarumi Pass Route (Reference)

For those with a car, Odarumi Pass (2,360m) offers a shorter approach.

Section	Duration
Odarumi Pass → Mt. Asahi	About 60 min
Mt. Asahi → Mt. Kinpu summit	About 90 min
Total (one way)	About 2.5 hours

• Forest road open: Early June to mid-November
• Free parking at Odarumi Pass (about 30 spaces, fills early on weekends)

Access Information

• Train: JR Chuo Line to Nirasaki Station (about 1 hr 30 min by limited express Azusa from Shinjuku)
• Bus: Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu bus from Nirasaki Station to Mizugaki-sanso, about 50 min (seasonal service)
• Car: About 40 min from Sutama IC on the Chuo Expressway. Free parking at Mizugaki-sanso (about 100 spaces)

Note: The bus to Mizugaki-sanso runs on a limited seasonal schedule. Check the Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu website for current timetables.

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)

• Lawson near Nirasaki Station (stop by before boarding the bus)
• No convenience stores at Mizugaki-sanso — stock up on food and drinks at the station

Shops & Teahouses

• Mizugaki-sanso: Light meals and drinks available
• Fujimi-daira Koya: Drinks and light meals available (during operating season)
• Kinpu-san Koya: Drinks and light meals available (during operating season)

Restrooms

• Mizugaki-sanso
• Kinpu-san Koya (donation-based)

Note: There are no restroom facilities for about 3 hours between Mizugaki-sanso and Kinpu-san Koya. Use the facilities before departing.

Mountain Hut Information

Hut	Capacity	Season	Notes
Kinpu-san Koya	About 30	Late April–mid-November	Just below the summit, reservation required
Dainichi Koya	—	Year-round	Unmanned emergency shelter, water source nearby

Recommended: If a day hike feels too ambitious, staying at Kinpu-san Koya is highly recommended. The sunrise from near the summit is spectacular.

Highlights

☀️ Summer (July–August)

• Alpine hiking above the treeline through dwarf pine zones
• 360-degree panorama in clear mountain air
• Alpine flowers including rhododendron and cowberry

🍁 Autumn (September–October)

• Gradient of autumn colors from base to summit
• Beautiful golden larch foliage
• Clear autumn skies reveal a stunning silhouette of Mt. Fuji

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Sturdy hiking boots (rocky terrain requires solid footwear)
• ✅ Water (at least 1.5L — water sources on the trail are limited)
• ✅ Rain gear (full separates are essential)
• ✅ Warm layers (fleece or down — summit can drop below 10°C even in summer)
• ✅ Headlamp (for early starts and emergency backup)
• ✅ Energy food/snacks
• ✅ Map and compass
• ✅ Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• ⬜ Trekking poles (reduce fatigue on the long route)
• ⬜ Emergency shelter/bivy (for unexpected weather)