Mt. Momokura (1,003m) — Cherry Blossoms, Fuji Views, and the Famous Saruhashi Bridge

Trail Overview

Mt. Momokura (百蔵山, 1,003m) is located in Ōtsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and is designated as Shūrei Fugaku Jūni-kei Peak No. 7 — one of twelve scenic viewpoints for Mt. Fuji selected by the city. The summit offers an unobstructed panorama of Mt. Fuji rising above the Dōshi Mountain range, and in mid-April, the mountaintop cherry blossoms add a stunning foreground to the view.

Accessible on foot from JR Saruhashi Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes from Shinjuku by local train), the loop course takes roughly 4.5 hours — a solid day hike for intermediate hikers. After the descent, you can visit the historic Saruhashi Bridge, one of Japan’s Three Most Unusual Bridges, making this a rewarding combination of mountain and cultural sightseeing.

Recommended Routes

Route A: Saruhashi Station → Mt. Momokura Loop (About 4.5 hours)

A loop course from Saruhashi Station with the option of clockwise or counterclockwise circulation. The final approach to the summit involves steep climbing with chains and ropes — manageable but requiring care.

Route B: Saruhashi Station → Mt. Momokura → Mt. Ōgi → Torisawa Station Traverse (About 6 hours)

A ridge traverse connecting Mt. Momokura to neighboring Mt. Ōgi, descending to Torisawa Station. This route covers two of the Shūrei Fugaku Jūni-kei peaks in a single day.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Saruhashi Station → Trailhead	30 min
Trailhead → Mt. Momokura Summit	1 hr 30 min
Mt. Momokura Summit (break)	30 min
Summit → Trailhead (opposite side)	1 hr 10 min
Trailhead → Saruhashi Station	50 min
Total (loop)	About 4.5 hours

Tip: Ascending via the east route and descending via the west adds variety. The steep chain section is safer to tackle on the way up rather than down.

Route Details

Saruhashi Station → Trailhead

From the north exit of Saruhashi Station, follow signs through a residential area for about 30 minutes on paved roads. Mt. Momokura gradually comes into view ahead.

Trailhead → Mt. Momokura Summit

The trail begins gently through forested slopes. As you gain elevation, the gradient steepens considerably, and the final approach features steep pitches with chains and ropes. Take your time and secure your footing. The summit opens into a broad, grassy clearing with a breathtaking Mt. Fuji panorama over the Dōshi Mountains.

Mt. Momokura Summit → Descent (Loop)

Descend via the opposite route. Some steep sections require care — trekking poles help. The path winds through forest back to a trailhead, and a paved road returns you to Saruhashi Station.

Highlights

🗻 Shūrei Fugaku Jūni-kei Peak No. 7

The summit is officially designated as one of Ōtsuki City’s Twelve Scenic Fuji Viewpoints. The view of Mt. Fuji rising beyond the Dōshi Mountains is wide open and dramatic. The spacious grassy summit makes an ideal lunch spot — spread out a mat and enjoy the view.

🌸 Spring (April–May)

Cherry blossoms peak in mid-April, framing Mt. Fuji in a quintessentially Japanese scene
Mountain azaleas color the trail in May

🍁 Autumn (October–November)

Beautiful autumn foliage along the trail, especially in the beech forest around 800m
Crisp air brings sharper Fuji views

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Snow-capped Mt. Fuji at its most photogenic
Bare trees reveal sweeping views of surrounding peaks

Summit Facilities

There are no teahouses or shops on the summit. Bring your own lunch. The broad, grassy summit is ideal for laying out a picnic blanket and enjoying a leisurely meal with Mt. Fuji in the background.

Convenience Store and Shop Information

There is a convenience store near the north exit of Saruhashi Station. Vending machines are scattered along the road to the trailhead, but there are no shops or vending machines on the mountain. Purchase all food and drinks near the station before setting out.

Restroom Information

Location	Notes
Saruhashi Station (inside and outside gates)	Use before departing
Near trailhead junction (2 locations)	Basic toilets. Bring your own tissue
Mt. Momokura Summit	No restrooms

Note: There are no restrooms on the summit. The trailhead facilities are the last ones available until you return, so be sure to stop there.

Access Information

Nearest Station: JR Chuo Main Line, Saruhashi Station (about 1h 30min from Shinjuku by local train)
Limited Express: Take the Kaiji express to Ōtsuki Station (about 1 hour), then one stop to Saruhashi
To the Trailhead: About 30 minutes on foot from Saruhashi Station’s north exit (no bus service)
Parking: Limited free parking near the trailhead (only a few spaces)
Bus: No regular bus service. The entire route is on foot

Packing Checklist

✅ Hiking boots (essential for steep sections with chains and ropes)
✅ Water (1L+ recommended; no resupply on the mountain)
✅ Lunch and snacks (no shops on the summit)
✅ Work gloves (for chain and rope sections)
✅ Rain gear
✅ Tissue paper (for restrooms)
⬜ Trekking poles (helpful on the descent)
⬜ Picnic mat (for summit lunch)

Important Notes

⚠️ The approach to the summit includes steep climbs with chains and ropes. Use three-point contact and take your time
⚠️ There are no restrooms or shops on the mountain. Bring all supplies including tissue paper
⚠️ The trail may be closed due to forestry work or winter conditions. Check Ōtsuki City’s hiking information before you go
⚠️ The 30-minute road walk from the station to the trailhead is exposed to sun in summer — bring a hat and sunscreen

After Your Hike

Saruhashi Bridge — One of Japan’s Three Most Unusual Bridges

A 15-minute walk from Saruhashi Station. This remarkable wooden bridge spans a deep gorge without using any central pillars — it is supported entirely by layered cantilever beams. Designated as a National Monument, it’s well worth a visit to cap off your hiking day.

Mt. Ōgi — Traverse the Shūrei Fugaku Peaks — Connected to Momokura by ridge, Shūrei Fugaku Peak No. 6
Mt. Iwadono — Ōtsuki’s Iconic Rock Fortress — A rocky scramble in the same Ōtsuki area
Mt. Takagawa — Easy Fuji Views from Hatsukari Station — Another Shūrei Fugaku peak near Ōtsuki