Mt. Kuratake (990m) — A Quiet Ridge Walk Between Two Stations
Traverse from JR Yanagawa Station to Torisawa Station via the peaceful ridgeline of Shūrei Fugaku Peak No. 9. Best in winter when bare trees reveal stunning Mt. Fuji views. A hidden gem for hikers seeking solitude.
Nearest Station
🚉 Yanagawa Station
JR Chuo Main Line (about 1h 30min from Shinjuku)
Duration
⏱ About 5-6 hours (traverse)
Distance
📏 About 10km
Elevation
⛰ 990m
Best Season
Winter, Spring, Autumn
Trail Overview
Mt. Kuratake (倉岳山, 990m) is located in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and is designated as Shūrei Fugaku Jūni-kei (Twelve Scenic Views of Mt. Fuji) Peak No. 9 — a curated list of the best Fuji viewpoints selected by Otsuki City. It’s paired with neighboring Mt. Takahata for this distinction.
What makes this hike special is the station-to-station traverse: start at JR Yanagawa Station, follow a stream valley up to the ridge, cross both summits, and descend to JR Torisawa Station. Compared to the popular Takao-Jinba area, this trail sees far fewer hikers — making it a hidden gem for those seeking solitude on the trail.
Yanagawa Station is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Shinjuku by local train on the JR Chuo Main Line, in the same Otsuki area as Mt. Momokura and Mt. Iwadono.
Recommended Route: Yanagawa Station → Mt. Kuratake → Mt. Takahata → Torisawa Station
This is the most popular route — a one-way traverse following the ridgeline between two stations. You’ll climb through a quiet stream valley, pass through the beech forest at Tateno Pass, summit both peaks, and descend to Torisawa Station.
Course Time
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Yanagawa Station → Trailhead | 15 min |
| Trailhead → Tateno Pass | 1 hr – 1 hr 25 min |
| Tateno Pass → Mt. Kuratake | 30–40 min |
| Mt. Kuratake → Anaro Pass → Mt. Takahata | 1 hr |
| Mt. Takahata → Torisawa Station | 1 hr 30 min |
| Total (traverse) | About 5–6 hours |
Tip: This is a point-to-point route. From Torisawa Station, you can take the JR Chuo Main Line directly back toward Shinjuku — no backtracking required.
Route Details
Yanagawa Station → Trailhead
Exit Yanagawa Station and walk through the small settlement along a paved road. Follow the signs for about 15 minutes to reach the trailhead, where you’ll enter the stream valley and leave civilization behind.
Trailhead → Tateno Pass
The trail follows a gentle stream valley upward. The sound of flowing water makes this a pleasant and cooling ascent, even in warmer months. The gradient steepens gradually as you approach Tateno Pass, with its beautiful beech forest marking the junction with the ridge.
Tateno Pass → Mt. Kuratake
From Tateno Pass, head south along the ridge. A final steep climb brings you to the summit of Mt. Kuratake. The summit clearing is modest in size, but in winter, when the deciduous trees are bare, a stunning Mt. Fuji panorama opens up directly ahead. From May through October, leaf cover significantly limits the view.
Mt. Kuratake → Anaro Pass → Mt. Takahata
Descend from Kuratake, pass through Anaro Pass (穴路峠), and climb back up to Mt. Takahata. The ups and downs are moderate, and the quiet ridge walk through the forest is one of the most enjoyable sections of the route. Mt. Takahata’s summit also offers Fuji views.
Mt. Takahata → Torisawa Station
A long descent through the forest brings you down to a paved road, and Torisawa Station is a short walk from there. Watch your footing on the way down — the trail can be steep in places.
Summit & Teahouse Information
There are no teahouses, shops, or vending machines anywhere on this route. Bring all food and drinks with you from the start.
The summit of Mt. Kuratake or Mt. Takahata is the ideal spot to sit down and enjoy a packed lunch — just you, your bento, and the mountain silence.
Convenience Store & Shop Information
There are no convenience stores near Yanagawa Station. Purchase all food and supplies at Otsuki Station or before you depart from central Tokyo.
Torisawa Station also has no convenience stores nearby, so don’t count on resupplying after the hike either. Bring extra snacks and water.
Restroom Information
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yanagawa Station | Restrooms available. Use before departing — this is your last chance |
| Along the trail | No restrooms anywhere on the route |
| Torisawa Station | Restrooms available after descending |
Important: There are absolutely no restrooms for the entire 5–6 hour traverse between the two stations. Plan accordingly.
Highlights
❄️ Winter (December–February)
- The best season for Mt. Fuji views — once the leaves have dropped, the Shūrei Fugaku Peak No. 9 panorama fully reveals itself
- Crisp, clear air means you can see mountain ranges far into the distance
🌸 Spring (March–April)
- Fresh green foliage along the stream valley makes for a refreshing climb
- The beech forest at Tateno Pass comes alive with new growth
🍁 Autumn (October–November)
- Beech and maple trees along the ridge turn brilliant shades of red and gold
- As leaves begin to fall, Mt. Fuji views gradually improve
Access Information
- Start: JR Chuo Main Line, Yanagawa Station (about 1 hr 30 min from Shinjuku by local train)
- Finish: JR Chuo Main Line, Torisawa Station (about 1 hr 20 min back to Shinjuku)
- Fare: About ¥1,340 one-way from Shinjuku to Yanagawa (IC card)
- Parking: No hiker parking near Yanagawa Station. Train access is strongly recommended
- Bus: No bus service to the trailhead. Walking only
- Train frequency: Local trains on the Chuo Main Line run 1–2 times per hour. Check the timetable in advance
Packing Checklist
- ✅ Hiking shoes (the entire route is unpaved mountain trail)
- ✅ Water (1.5L+ recommended; there is a stream along the route but drinking from it is at your own risk)
- ✅ Lunch and trail snacks (no shops or teahouses on the entire route — bring everything)
- ✅ Rain gear (weather on the ridge can change quickly)
- ✅ Bear bell (bear sightings have been reported in this area — carry one at all times)
- ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful for the long traverse)
- ⬜ Microspikes or chain crampons (for icy sections in winter)
Important Notes
- ⚠️ There are no restrooms, shops, or teahouses anywhere on this route. Prepare everything before you start
- ⚠️ This is bear country. A bear bell is strongly recommended
- ⚠️ From May through October, leaf cover blocks Mt. Fuji views from the summit. Visit in winter for the best panorama
- ⚠️ Check the Otsuki City website for trail closure information before your trip
After the Hike
From Torisawa Station, take the train one stop to Otsuki Station, where you’ll find restaurants in the area. Try the local specialty Yoshida udon — thick, hearty noodles perfect for refueling after a long day on the trail.
Related Trails
- Mt. Ougiyama (1,138m) — 30,000 Azaleas and a Premier Fuji Viewpoint — Another Shūrei Fugaku peak with spectacular azalea blooms in season
- Mt. Takagawa (976m) — Station-to-Summit Fuji Views on the Shūrei Fugaku Trail — A station-to-station Shūrei Fugaku hike starting from Hatsukari Station
- Mt. Iwadono — Castle Ruins with a Stunning Fuji View — Easy access from Otsuki Station. A castle ruin hike with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the Katsura River