Mt. Kumotori — Tokyo's Highest Peak
At 2,017m, Mt. Kumotori is the highest point in Tokyo. The long but rewarding Kamosawa Route is a classic test of endurance, while the Kumotori-sanso mountain hut offers a more relaxed overnight option.
Nearest Station
🚉 Okutama Station
JR Ome Line (about 2 hours from Shinjuku) + bus about 35 min
Duration
⏱ About 9–10 hours (round trip)
Distance
📏 About 22km
Elevation
⛰ 2017m
Best Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Registration
📋 Required
Gear Level
🎒 Standard Gear
Mountain Huts
🏠 Kumotori-sanso
🏠 Nanatsu-ishi Koya
Trail Overview
Mt. Kumotori (雲取山, Kumotori-yama) stands at 2,017m at the junction of Tokyo, Saitama, and Yamanashi Prefectures. It is Tokyo’s highest peak and Hyakumeizan No. 41.
Located at the eastern end of the Okuchichibu range, the summit offers views of Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and the surrounding Okuchichibu mountains. It provides a genuine mountain experience while technically remaining within Tokyo.
The day hike via the Kamosawa Route covers about 22km with 9–10 hours of walking, making it a popular challenge for strong hikers.
Hiking Registration
Mt. Kumotori requires hikers to submit a registration form. You can submit through:
- Trailhead: Registration posts at Kamosawa trailhead and Kosode-goshi parking area
- Online: Via the “Compass” system (Japan Mountain Guides Association)
- Apps: YAMAP, Yamareco, and other hiking apps support online submission
Recommended Route: Kamosawa Route
The most popular and well-established route, following a long but well-marked ridge trail.
Course Time
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Kamosawa bus stop → Kosode-goshi | About 30 min |
| Kosode-goshi → Dokoro | About 60 min |
| Dokoro → Nanatsu-ishi Koya junction | About 50 min |
| Nanatsu-ishi Koya junction → Buna-zaka | About 30 min |
| Buna-zaka → Former Okutama Koya site | About 30 min |
| Former Okutama Koya site → Mt. Kumotori summit | About 50 min |
| Total (one way) | About 4.5–5 hours |
| Descent | About 3.5–4 hours |
| Round trip total | About 9–10 hours |
Tip: A bypass trail around Mt. Nanatsu-ishi saves about 20 minutes, but if time permits, the summit of Mt. Nanatsu-ishi offers excellent views and is worth the detour.
Access Information
- Train: JR Ome Line to Okutama Station (about 2 hours from Shinjuku via Chuo Line rapid and Ome Line)
- Bus: Nishi Tokyo Bus from Okutama Station to Kamosawa, about 35 min
- Car: About 1.5 hours from Ome IC on the Ken-O Expressway to Kosode-goshi parking area. Free parking (about 30 spaces, fills early on weekends)
Note: Buses to Kamosawa run infrequently. For day hikes, take the first bus of the day and pay attention to the last return bus schedule.
Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms
Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)
- Seven-Eleven near Okutama Station (stop by before boarding the bus)
- No convenience stores or shops at Kamosawa — buy all supplies at the station
Shops & Teahouses
- Nanatsu-ishi Koya: Drinks and light meals available
- Kumotori-sanso: Drinks and cup noodles available
Restrooms
- Kamosawa bus stop (public restroom)
- Nanatsu-ishi Koya (donation-based)
- Kumotori-sanso
Note: There are no restroom facilities for about 3 hours between Kamosawa and Nanatsu-ishi Koya. Use the facilities before starting.
Mountain Hut Information
| Hut | Capacity | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumotori-sanso | About 200 | Year-round | 15 min below summit, meals available, reservation recommended |
| Nanatsu-ishi Koya | About 15 | Year-round | Tent sites available, drinks and light meals sold |
Highlights
🌸 Spring (April–May)
- Fresh green beech forests along the Okutama ridge
- Spring wildflowers including katakuri and iwauchiwa
☀️ Summer (June–August)
- Cool hiking above 2,000m
- Lush green scenery along the Ishi-one (Stone Ridge)
🍁 Autumn (October–November)
- Golden larch foliage near the summit
- Autumn colors with Mt. Fuji in the background
- Clear air provides excellent visibility
Packing Checklist
- ✅ Hiking shoes (comfortable fit is essential for 22km)
- ✅ Water (at least 1.5L)
- ✅ Rain gear (separates recommended)
- ✅ Warm layers (summit is 12°C+ cooler than the base)
- ✅ Headlamp (essential for early morning starts)
- ✅ Energy food/snacks (frequent refueling on the long route is important)
- ✅ Map and compass
- ⬜ Trekking poles (very effective for reducing fatigue on long distances)
- ⬜ Athletic tape (for blister prevention)