Mt. Ougiyama (1,138m) — 30,000 Azaleas and a Premier Fuji Viewpoint

Trail Overview

Mt. Ougiyama (扇山, 1,138m) rises above the city of Otsuki in Yamanashi Prefecture. Its name means “Fan Mountain” — a reference to its gracefully spreading silhouette that resembles an open folding fan. It is designated as Peak No. 6 of the Shūrei Fugaku Jūni-kei (Otsuki’s “Twelve Scenic Views of Mt. Fuji”).

Accessible from JR Torisawa Station, the trailhead is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Shinjuku by local train. The summit rewards you with an unobstructed panorama of Mt. Fuji, and in early-to-mid May, the trail passes through a spectacular colony of roughly 30,000 wild azaleas. A ridge trail connects to neighboring Mt. Momokura, making it possible to bag two Shūrei Fugaku peaks in a single day.

This is an excellent step-up hike for those comfortable with the lower mountains around Takao and Otsuki.

Recommended Routes

Route A: Torisawa Station – Nashinokidaira – Mt. Ougiyama (Out-and-Back)

The most straightforward route. Walk from Torisawa Station along paved roads to the Nashinokidaira trailhead, then climb to the summit and return the same way.

Route B: Mt. Ougiyama – Mt. Momokura Traverse (Torisawa Sta. → Saruhashi Sta.)

A traverse from Ougiyama to Mt. Momokura, descending to Saruhashi Station. This popular route lets you summit two Shūrei Fugaku peaks in one day. The traverse involves a steep descent followed by a demanding re-ascent, so it is best suited for fit hikers. Allow about 5–6 hours.

Course Time

Route A: Out-and-Back

Section	Duration
Torisawa Station → Nashinokidaira Trailhead	About 1 hr
Nashinokidaira Trailhead → Mt. Ougiyama Summit	About 1 hr 20 min
One way total	About 2 hr 20 min
Round trip (with breaks)	About 4–5 hours

Tip: From April to July and September to November, a bus runs from Torisawa Station to Nashinokidaira on weekends and holidays only — but just one departure per day. If you catch it, you can skip the 1-hour road walk.

Route Details

Torisawa Station → Nashinokidaira Trailhead

Exit the station, cross National Route 20, and follow the paved road uphill past the Katsura River. The walk takes about an hour, but the elegant fan-shaped profile of Mt. Ougiyama gradually reveals itself ahead of you. Nashinokidaira has restrooms and a small parking area — this is where the real hiking begins.

Nashinokidaira Trailhead → Mt. Ougiyama Summit

The trail climbs through a forested hillside. In early-to-mid May, the path is flanked by vast colonies of wild azaleas, creating a tunnel of vivid orange-red blooms. The final stretch to the summit steepens noticeably, but once you crest the top you are greeted by a sweeping panorama with Mt. Fuji front and center.

Highlights

🌸 Spring (Early to Mid-May)

• Roughly 30,000 wild azaleas line the trail in blazing color — Ougiyama’s peak season
• The contrast of fresh green foliage and fiery azalea blooms is unforgettable

🍁 Autumn (November)

• The mountain is draped in autumn color; crunching through fallen leaves on the trail is a joy
• Crisp, clear air delivers superb Fuji views on fine days

❄️ Winter (December–February)

• Snow-capped Mt. Fuji at its most photogenic against clear winter skies
• Bare trees open up panoramic views of the surrounding mountains

Summit and Teahouse Information

There are no teahouses or shops at the summit. The top is a broad, grassy clearing with benches and a summit marker — bring everything you need for lunch and enjoy it with a front-row view of Mt. Fuji.

Convenience Store and Shop Information

There are no convenience stores near Torisawa Station. Buy food and drinks at Otsuki Station or Takao Station before boarding the train to Torisawa. Both are stops along the JR Chuo Line en route.

Restroom Information

Location	Notes
Torisawa Station	Public restroom next to the ticket gate
Nashinokidaira Trailhead	Restroom available at the trailhead
Mt. Ougiyama Summit	No restroom

Note: There are no restrooms on the mountain itself. Be sure to use the facilities at Nashinokidaira before heading up. Bringing your own tissue paper is recommended.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: JR Chuo Main Line, Torisawa Station (about 1 hr 40 min from Shinjuku by local train)
• Limited Express option: Take the Kaiji or Azusa express to Otsuki Station (about 1 hr), then transfer to a local train (1 stop)
• Bus: Torisawa Station to Nashinokidaira (weekends and holidays only, April–July and September–November; 1 departure per day)
• Parking: Free parking at Nashinokidaira (about 10 spaces)
• On foot: Without the bus, walk paved roads from Torisawa Station to Nashinokidaira (about 1 hour)

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking shoes (unpaved trail with a steep section near the summit)
• ✅ Water (1.5L+ recommended — no resupply points on the mountain)
• ✅ Lunch and snacks (no shops at the summit — you must bring your own)
• ✅ Rain gear (mountain weather changes quickly)
• ✅ Tissue paper (for restrooms)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful for the long road approach)
• ⬜ Warm layers (at 1,138m the summit can be windy)

Important Notes

• ⚠️ No convenience stores near Torisawa Station — stock up on food and drinks at Otsuki or Takao Station before you arrive
• ⚠️ The Nashinokidaira bus runs on weekends and holidays only (Apr–Jul, Sep–Nov), once per day. Check the timetable in advance
• ⚠️ The traverse to Mt. Momokura involves a steep descent followed by a tough re-ascent — watch your knees and allow extra time
• ⚠️ No restrooms or shops on the mountain — use the facilities at Nashinokidaira before setting off

After the Hike

• Saruhashi Bridge (one of Japan’s Three Unusual Bridges): If you descend to Saruhashi Station via the Momokura traverse, this cantilevered bridge over a gorge is a 15-minute walk from the station and well worth a visit
• Dining near Otsuki Station: Torisawa Station has almost no restaurants, so head to Otsuki Station for post-hike meals

Related Trails

• Mt. Iwadono — A Castle-Ruin Summit Hike Steps from the Station — Another Shūrei Fugaku peak right from Otsuki Station. Pair it with Ougiyama for a full Otsuki-area weekend
• Mt. Momokura — Traverse from Ougiyama for a Two-Peak Day — The neighboring Shūrei Fugaku Peak No. 7, linked to Ougiyama by a popular ridge trail
• Mt. Takagawa — A Quick Fuji-View Hike from Otsuki — A shorter Shūrei Fugaku hike from Hatsukari Station with great Fuji views