Mt. Nokogiri, Okutama (1,109m) — Rocky Ridge Adventure & Post-Hike Onsen at Moegi-no-Yu

Trail Overview

Mt. Nokogiri (鋸山, Nokogiri-yama, literally “Saw Mountain”) stands at 1,109m in the town of Okutama, western Tokyo. The name comes from the jagged, saw-tooth profile of its ridgeline — and hiking it feels exactly like that. Chain-assisted rock scrambles, metal ladders, and exposed ridge walking make this one of the most exciting day hikes accessible from central Tokyo.

The trailhead is just a 5-minute walk from JR Okutama Station, making it one of the easiest mountains to reach without a bus. You climb through the Nokogiri Ridge (鋸尾根, Nokogiri-one), a rocky spine with technical sections that reward you with a real sense of accomplishment. After the hike, Moegi-no-Yu onsen is only 10 minutes on foot from the station — the perfect way to end the day.

Note: There is another Mt. Nokogiri in Chiba Prefecture (329m) that is a popular tourist spot with a ropeway. Okutama’s version is a completely different experience.

Recommended Route: Nokogiri Ridge Out-and-Back

The most straightforward route follows the Nokogiri Ridge from Okutama Station via Atago Shrine to the summit, then returns the same way. Experienced hikers can extend to Mt. Odake or Mt. Gozen, but the Nokogiri Ridge alone provides a thoroughly satisfying day.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Okutama Station → Tokei Trail Entrance	5 min
Tokei Trail Entrance → Atago Shrine	30 min
Atago Shrine → Mt. Nokogiri Summit	2 hr 15 min
Total (one way)	About 2 hr 50 min
Mt. Nokogiri Summit → Atago Shrine (descent)	1 hr 55 min
Atago Shrine → Okutama Station	20 min
Total (round trip)	About 5 hours (excluding breaks)

Tip: Every chain section on the Nokogiri Ridge has a bypass trail. A good strategy for first-timers is to try the chains on the ascent and use the bypass trails on the descent, where the slip risk is higher.

Highlights

Atago Shrine Stone Steps

The hike starts with a bang: 185 steep stone steps leading up to Atago Shrine. It is a leg-burning opener that gets your heart rate up immediately, but the shrine at the top is a welcome place to catch your breath. Atago Shrine has been a site of fire-prevention worship for centuries.

Nokogiri Ridge Rock Scrambles

The heart of this hike is the Nokogiri Ridge — a rocky spine where the trail threads between exposed rock faces, chain-assisted scrambles, and metal ladders. The longest chain section is about 6m high with good footholds. Use the three-point-contact technique and you will find it manageable. This is where the hike earns its reputation as one of Okutama’s most thrilling trails.

Deep Okutama Forest

Between the rock sections, the trail passes through dense old-growth forest typical of the Okutama region. The contrast between rugged rock and lush green canopy is striking.

Seasonal Appeal

• Spring (April-May): Fresh green leaves emerge and wild azaleas bloom along the ridge
• Summer (June-August): Shade from the canopy keeps things cooler on the ridge, but bring plenty of water
• Autumn (October-November): The Nokogiri Ridge is among the best spots in Okutama for autumn foliage — maples and beeches turn brilliant red and gold

Note: In winter, ice can form on the rock sections and snow may cover the trail. Micro-spikes are recommended. The winter Nokogiri Ridge is best left to experienced hikers.

Post-Hike Onsen: Moegi-no-Yu

The highlight after the hike is Moegi-no-Yu (もえぎの湯), a natural hot spring just 10 minutes on foot from Okutama Station. Renovated and reopened in April 2025, it draws water from ancient geological layers deep beneath Okutama.

Key Information

Item	Details
Water Source	100% natural spring from ancient rock layers
Outdoor Bath	Yes — overlooking the Tama River gorge and surrounding mountains
Indoor Bath	Yes
Adult Admission	1,050 yen (3 hours, includes 50 yen bathing tax)
Child (elementary)	600 yen
Extension	250 yen per additional hour
Preschool Children	Free
Hours (Apr-Nov)	10:00-20:00 (last entry 19:00)
Hours (Dec-Mar)	10:00-19:00 (last entry 18:00)
Closed	Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday)

Why Moegi-no-Yu Is Worth the Visit

The outdoor bath overlooks the Tama River gorge, with forested hillsides rising on both sides. Soaking in the hot mineral water after a day of scrambling over rocks is genuinely restorative. The facility also has a restaurant serving local dishes — perfect for refueling after the hike.

Beating the Crowds

• Autumn weekends (especially October-November) are the busiest — arrival queues are possible
• Visit on a weekday or arrive early on weekends for a more relaxed experience
• The 3-hour time limit is enforced, so plan accordingly if you want a longer soak (extension fees apply)

Getting There

From Okutama Station, walk west along the main road (Route 411) and turn at the side road next to the Shin-Hikawa Tunnel. It is about a 10-minute walk.

Convenience Store & Shop Information

Convenience Stores (Near the Station)

Store	Location	Notes
7-Eleven Okutama Kori	Near Kori Station (2 stops before Okutama)	The last convenience store before Okutama. Stock up here if you did not prepare at Shinjuku or Tachikawa

Important: There is no convenience store within walking distance of Okutama Station. Buy your snacks, lunch, and drinks at a major station (Shinjuku, Tachikawa, or Ome) before boarding the train, or stop at the 7-Eleven near Kori Station as a last resort.

Shops on the Trail

Shop	Location	Products
Small shops near station	Okutama Station area	Drinks, basic supplies, souvenirs
On-trail shops	None	There are no shops, vending machines, or huts on the Nokogiri Ridge route

Warning: There are absolutely no water sources, shops, or vending machines once you leave the station area. Carry everything you need. In summer, bring at least 1.5 liters of water.

Restroom Information

Plan your restroom stops before starting — there are none on the trail itself.

Location	Notes
Okutama Station	Just outside the ticket gates. Very clean and well-maintained
Tokei Garden (Tokei-enchi)	Near the trailhead, before the Atago Shrine steps
On the Nokogiri Ridge	No restrooms — use the station or Tokei Garden before departing

Note: There are zero restroom facilities between the trailhead and the summit. Use the facilities at the station or Tokei Garden before you start. Consider carrying a portable toilet bag.

Access Information

• Train: JR Ome Line to Okutama Station (about 1 hr 45 min from Shinjuku via Tachikawa; about 1 hr 10 min from Tachikawa)
• Trailhead: 5-minute walk from Okutama Station (Tokei Trail entrance)
• Parking: Okutama Town public parking at Hikawa is available but limited — arrives early on weekends

Getting There by Train (Recommended)

From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Rapid Line to Tachikawa (about 45 min), then transfer to the JR Ome Line bound for Okutama (about 1 hr 10 min). On weekends and holidays, the Holiday Rapid Okutama (ホリデー快速おくたま) runs direct from Shinjuku to Okutama in about 1 hour 40 minutes with no transfer required.

Gear Checklist

• ✅ Hiking boots (with ankle support for rocky terrain)
• ✅ Water (1.5L minimum in summer)
• ✅ Trail snacks and packed lunch
• ✅ Rain jacket (mountain weather changes quickly)
• ✅ Gloves (for chain sections — protects hands on rock and metal)
• ✅ Headlamp (in case of delays)
• ✅ Portable toilet bag
• ⬜ Trekking poles (stow them for rock sections)
• ⬜ Towel and change of clothes (for Moegi-no-Yu)

Related Trails

• Mt. Kumotori: Tokyo’s highest peak at 2,017m, also accessed from Okutama Station (plus bus). A long and demanding day hike for strong hikers
• Mt. Mitake: A beginner-friendly mountain with cable car access in the Okutama area. You can traverse from Nokogiri to Mt. Odake and down to Mt. Mitake for an epic one-day ridge walk