Can I traverse both Mt. Takahata and Mt. Kuratake in one day?

Yes. The full traverse from Torisawa Station over both peaks to Yanagawa Station takes about 5 hours. The elevation gain is modest, and it's very doable as a day hike even at a relaxed pace.

Should I start from Torisawa or Yanagawa Station?

Starting from Torisawa is recommended. You'll reach Mt. Takahata first, getting the best chance for clear morning views of Mt. Fuji. After the traverse, Yanagawa Station takes you directly back toward Shinjuku.

What about snow in winter?

Both peaks are under 1,000m, so heavy snow is rare. However, from December to February, you may encounter ice or thin snow on north-facing slopes and shaded sections. Microspikes are a good idea. Winter is actually the best season for Mt. Fuji views, as the bare trees open up the panorama.

Mt. Takahata & Mt. Kuratake — A Quiet Traverse on the Shūrei Fugaku Trail

Trail Overview

Mt. Takahata (高畑山, 982m) and Mt. Kuratake (倉岳山, 990m) are located in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and together form Shūrei Fugaku Jūni-kei (Twelve Scenic Views of Mt. Fuji) Peak No. 9 — a curated list of the finest Fuji viewpoints selected by Otsuki City. Both summits offer different angles of Mt. Fuji, making the traverse doubly rewarding.

Compared to the crowded trails of Mt. Takao or the Takao-Jinba ridge, this route sees remarkably few hikers. It’s a hidden gem for those who want genuine solitude on the trail. The route follows a stream valley up to the ridge, crosses both summits, and descends to a different station — a satisfying station-to-station traverse where you never retrace your steps.

Torisawa Station is about 80 minutes from Shinjuku by local train on the JR Chuo Main Line, making this an easy day trip from Tokyo.

Recommended Route: Torisawa Station → Mt. Takahata → Mt. Kuratake → Yanagawa Station

Starting from Torisawa Station, follow the Ozasa stream valley through quiet forest to the Sennin Goya (hermit’s hut) ruins, then climb to Mt. Takahata. Continue along the ridge over Anaro Pass to Mt. Kuratake, and descend via Tateno Pass to Yanagawa Station.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Torisawa Station → Ozasa Trailhead	30 min
Ozasa Trailhead → Sennin Goya Ruins	1 hr 10 min
Sennin Goya Ruins → Mt. Takahata (982m)	20 min
Mt. Takahata → Mt. Tenjin → Anaro Pass	35 min
Anaro Pass → Mt. Kuratake (990m)	25 min
Mt. Kuratake → Tateno Pass → Yanagawa Station	1 hr 30 min
Total (traverse)	About 5 hours

Tip: This is a point-to-point route — you start and finish at different stations. From Yanagawa Station, take the JR Chuo Main Line directly back toward Shinjuku. No backtracking required. The reverse direction (Yanagawa → Torisawa) is covered in our Mt. Kuratake article.

Route Details

Torisawa Station → Ozasa Trailhead

Exit Torisawa Station and turn right. Walk along Route 20 for about 500 meters, then follow the signpost for Mt. Takahata to the right. Duck under the railway underpass, turn left, and cross the Katsura River. Continue along the paved forest road for about 30 minutes total to reach the Ozasa Trailhead.

Ozasa Trailhead → Sennin Goya Ruins

The trail enters a quiet stream valley. You’ll walk alongside the water — a pleasant and cooling ascent even in warmer months. The gradient increases gradually as you climb. Along the way, you’ll pass a small stone Jizo statue. Eventually you’ll reach the Sennin Goya (Hermit’s Hut) ruins — according to local legend, a man who lost his wife built a hut here and lived as a hermit, earning the nickname “the hermit of Mt. Takahata.” Today, a wooden bench marks the spot and makes a good rest stop.

Sennin Goya Ruins → Mt. Takahata

A steep 20-minute push from the ruins brings you to the summit of Mt. Takahata (982m). The summit clearing is compact but the south-facing view is spectacular — Mt. Fuji rises beyond the foreground peaks of Mt. Mishōtai, Mt. Shakushi, and Mt. Mitsutōge. This is Peak No. 9 of the Shūrei Fugaku series at its finest.

Mt. Takahata → Mt. Tenjin → Anaro Pass

From Takahata, head east along the ridge. Small ups and downs lead over Mt. Tenjin to Anaro Pass (穴路峠) — a historic pass that was once used by villagers traveling between neighboring settlements. The ridge walking here is peaceful and atmospheric.

Anaro Pass → Mt. Kuratake

Climb back up from the pass for about 25 minutes to reach Mt. Kuratake (990m) — the highest point of the day. The summit isn’t large, but when the deciduous trees are bare (winter), Mt. Fuji appears directly ahead. The view of Fuji from here has a subtly different character than from Takahata, making the two-peak traverse especially rewarding.

Mt. Kuratake → Tateno Pass → Yanagawa Station

Descend north from Kuratake through the beech forest at Tateno Pass, then follow the stream valley down to the settlement of Yanagawa. Total descent time is about 1 hour 30 minutes. Some sections are steep — watch your footing, especially on wet days.

Highlights

Mt. Fuji Views from Two Angles

Both summits are designated Shūrei Fugaku Peak No. 9, and each offers a slightly different perspective on Mt. Fuji. Winter (December–February) is the prime viewing season — crisp air and bare branches create unobstructed panoramas. On exceptionally clear days, you can see as far as the Southern Alps. In summer, leaf cover limits visibility significantly.

Stream Valley and Forest Solitude

The Torisawa-side approach follows a stream valley where the only sounds are flowing water and birdsong. Once on the ridge, broadleaf forest surrounds you — beautiful with fresh green in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

Sennin Goya (Hermit’s Hut) Ruins

A charming rest stop with a local legend. Sit on the wooden bench and enjoy a quiet moment in the forest before the final push to the summit.

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 summits of Mt. Takahata and Mt. Kuratake are the best spots to enjoy a packed lunch.

Convenience Store & Shop Information

Store	Distance from Station	Notes
7-Eleven Otsuki Torisawa	About 5 min walk from Torisawa Station (along Route 20)	Open 24 hours. Located on the way to the trailhead
Near Yanagawa Station	—	No convenience stores. No resupply possible after the hike

Key point: Starting from Torisawa gives you access to a convenience store on Route 20 before the hike. Yanagawa Station has no nearby stores, so bring extra snacks and water — you won’t be able to buy anything after descending.

Restroom Information

Location	Notes
Torisawa Station	Public restroom in the station plaza. Use before departing — this is your last chance
Along the trail	No restrooms anywhere on the route
Yanagawa Station	Restrooms available after descending

Important: There are absolutely no restrooms for the entire 5-hour traverse between the two stations. Plan accordingly.

Access Information

This route starts and finishes at different stations — a key planning point.

Getting There (to Torisawa Station)

Starting station: JR Chuo Main Line, Torisawa Station (about 1 hr 20 min from Shinjuku by local train)
Fare: About ¥1,340 one-way from Shinjuku (IC card)
Recommended departure: Take a 7:00–8:00 AM train from Shinjuku to arrive at Torisawa around 8:30–9:00 AM

Getting Back (from Yanagawa Station)

Finishing station: JR Chuo Main Line, Yanagawa Station (about 1 hr 30 min back to Shinjuku)
Fare: About ¥1,340 one-way to Shinjuku (IC card)
Train frequency: Local trains run 1–2 times per hour. Check the timetable in advance

Other Notes

Parking: Neither Torisawa nor Yanagawa Station has hiker parking. Train access is strongly recommended
Bus: No bus service to the trailhead. Walking only

Packing Checklist

✅ Hiking shoes (the entire route is unpaved mountain trail)
✅ Water (1.5L+ recommended; there is a stream on the route but drinking from it is at your own risk)
✅ Lunch and trail snacks (no shops or teahouses anywhere — bring everything)
✅ Rain gear (ridge weather can change quickly)
✅ Bear bell (bear sightings have been reported in this area — always carry one)
⬜ Trekking poles (helpful for the ups and downs of the ridge 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 summits. Visit in winter for the best panorama
⚠️ Check the Otsuki City website for trail closure information before your trip
⚠️ You start and finish at different stations — check return train times from Yanagawa Station before you set out

After the Hike

From Yanagawa Station, ride two stops to Otsuki Station, where you’ll find restaurants. Try the local specialty Yoshida udon — thick, chewy noodles that are perfect for refueling after a long day on the trail. Otsuki Station also has a small shop for souvenirs.

Mt. Kuratake (990m) — A Quiet Ridge Walk Between Two Stations — The reverse-direction traverse starting from Yanagawa. Same Shūrei Fugaku Peak No. 9 designation
Mt. Jinba — An Easy Hilltop Escape from Tokyo — Another popular Chuo Line ridge hike. Can be combined with Mt. Takao for a longer traverse