Mt. Nabewari (1,272m) — Famous Nabeyaki Udon & Tanzawa Mountain Views

Trail Overview

Mt. Nabewari (Nabewari-yama, 1,272m) sits in the southwestern part of the Tanzawa mountain range in Kanagawa Prefecture, about 90 minutes from central Tokyo. While there are many wonderful reasons to hike in Tanzawa, Nabewari has earned a special place among hikers for one irresistible reason: the legendary nabeyaki udon served at the summit lodge.

Nabewari-sanso, the small mountain hut perched on the summit, has been dishing out steaming bowls of this thick, hearty udon for decades. The combination of a satisfying hike through beautiful forests, a hot meal on the mountaintop, and sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay makes this one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Kanto region.

The trail is well-maintained with few technical difficulties, making it suitable for hikers with some experience. Total distance is about 16km round trip with an elevation gain of roughly 1,000m.

Recommended Route: Okura Round Trip

The standard route starts from Okura bus stop, follows the Nishiyama Forest Road to Futamata, climbs via Ushirozawa-nokkoshi Pass, and reaches the summit. You return the same way.

Course Time

Section	Time
Okura Bus Stop → Nishiyama Forest Road Entrance	25 min
Forest Road Entrance → Futamata	50 min
Futamata → Ushirozawa-nokkoshi Pass	50 min
Ushirozawa-nokkoshi Pass → Nabewari Summit	1 hr 10 min
Total (ascent)	Approx. 3 hr 15 min
Nabewari Summit → Ushirozawa-nokkoshi Pass	50 min
Ushirozawa-nokkoshi Pass → Futamata	40 min
Futamata → Okura Bus Stop	1 hr
Total (descent)	Approx. 2 hr 30 min
Round Trip Total	Approx. 5 hr 45 min (excl. breaks)

Tip: Udon service ends at 13:00, so aim to leave Okura by 8:00 at the latest. During autumn weekends, catch the first bus to beat the crowds.

Route Details

Okura Bus Stop to Futamata (approx. 1 hr 15 min) From the bus stop, follow the paved road that transitions into the Nishiyama Forest Road — a flat gravel path along a stream. This gentle section is perfect for warming up.

Futamata to Ushirozawa-nokkoshi Pass (approx. 50 min) Past Futamata, the trail becomes a proper mountain path. There are a few stream crossings, so watch your footing after rain. The climb steepens as you approach the pass.

Ushirozawa-nokkoshi Pass to Nabewari Summit (approx. 1 hr 10 min) Once on the ridge, expect sustained steep climbing through beautiful beech forest. The effort pays off when you emerge onto the open summit.

Nabewari-sanso’s Famous Nabeyaki Udon

The highlight of any Nabewari hike — a bowl of piping hot nabeyaki udon at 1,272m above sea level.

Menu & Prices

Item	Price
Nabeyaki Udon	2,000 yen
Coffee	500 yen
Beer & Soft Drinks	Various

The udon comes in a clay pot, brimming with tempura, egg, shiitake mushrooms, kamaboko (fish cake), pumpkin, and fried tofu. On a cold day, there is nothing quite like it.

Serving Hours

Day	Hours
Tue / Wed / Thu	11:00 - 13:00
Sat / Sun / Holidays	10:00 - 13:00
Mon / Fri	Closed

Important: No reservations accepted. They close once sold out. During Golden Week and autumn season (late September through early December), udon can sell out well before 13:00.

Beating the Queue

• Take the earliest bus and aim to reach the summit by 10:00
• Weekday hikes (Tue-Thu) are far less crowded
• Order immediately upon arrival — enjoy the views after eating
• Peak-season wait times can reach 30-60 minutes

The Water Volunteer Tradition

Nabewari-sanso has no water source at the summit. For years, hikers have voluntarily carried water up the mountain to keep the lodge running — a beloved tradition unique to this mountain.

How It Works

Near the end of the forest road before Futamata, you will find stacks of 2-liter water bottles prepared by the lodge. Hikers with extra capacity in their packs grab a bottle and carry it to the summit.

What You Should Know

• Participation is completely voluntary — you can still order udon without carrying water
• Bottles are 2 liters. Even one bottle helps
• Pack the bottle in your backpack — do not carry it by hand on the steep sections
• There are no discounts or special perks for carrying water
• This tradition sustains the lodge and its famous udon

Cultural Note: Many hikers see it as carrying the water for their own bowl of udon. It is one of those wonderful unwritten mountain traditions that makes Japanese hiking culture special.

Seasonal Highlights

🌸 Spring (March - May)

• Fresh green beech forests from late April
• Wildflowers including violets and wild azaleas on the trail
• Clear views of snow-capped Mt. Fuji

☀️ Summer (June - August)

• Lush green canopy provides welcome shade
• The stream-side forest road section is refreshingly cool
• Warning: Leeches (yamabiru) are active May through October. Bring salt or leech repellent

🍁 Autumn (September - November)

• Peak foliage: Late October to mid-November
• Golden beech and maple leaves paired with hot udon — perfection
• Early snow on Mt. Fuji combined with autumn colors
• Extremely crowded on weekends — start at dawn

❄️ Winter (December - February)

• The clearest views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay
• Light crampons (microspikes) needed when snow is present
• Hot udon tastes even better in the cold
• Far fewer hikers — peaceful summit experience

Convenience Stores & Shops

Convenience Stores (Near Shibusawa Station)

Store	Location	Notes
Lawson Store 100 (Shibusawa Ekimae)	1 min walk from North Exit	24 hours. Stock up on onigiri and snacks here
FamilyMart (Shibusawa Minami)	2 min walk from South Exit	24 hours
7-Eleven (Hadano Shibusawa)	3 min walk from South Exit	24 hours

Important: There are no convenience stores at the Okura trailhead. Buy all food and drinks at Shibusawa Station before catching the bus.

Mountain Shops (On Route)

Shop	Location	What They Sell
Nabewari-sanso	Nabewari Summit	Nabeyaki udon (2,000 yen), coffee, beer
Hadano Visitor Center (Donguri House)	Near Okura Bus Stop	Drinks, light meals, trail maps

Note: There are no shops between Futamata and the summit. Carry enough water (1.5-2L) and snacks.

Restroom Information

Location	Details
Okura Bus Stop (Hadano Togawa Park)	Flush toilets. Always use these before departing
Nabewari-sanso (Summit)	Donation-based (100 yen). Non-flush. Paper provided. Carry out all trash

Note: There are no restrooms for the approximately 3-hour hike between Okura and the summit. Always use the facilities at Okura before setting off. Carry tissue paper and a small plastic bag.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: Shibusawa Station (Odakyu Odawara Line — 75 min express from Shinjuku, approx. 690 yen)
• Bus: From Shibusawa Station North Exit, Bus Stand 2. Take Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus to “Okura” (15 min, 210 yen). Runs 3-4 times per hour. Extra buses during peak season
• Driving: Parking available at Kanagawa Prefectural Hadano Togawa Park (paid). Fills up early on weekends
• Trail Registration: Submit a hiking plan at the post next to Okura Bus Stop (recommended)

Watch the Last Bus

The last bus from Okura to Shibusawa Station varies by season. Always check the timetable in advance and plan accordingly.

Gear Checklist

• ✅ Hiking boots (mid-cut recommended)
• ✅ Rain jacket and pants
• ✅ Water (1.5-2 liters)
• ✅ Lunch/snacks (in case udon is sold out)
• ✅ Headlamp
• ✅ Map/compass or smartphone trail app
• ✅ Toilet paper and plastic bag
• ⬜ Light crampons/microspikes (winter)
• ⬜ Leech repellent or salt (May-October)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful for the descent)

Traverse to Mt. Tonodake

For a longer day, you can continue from Nabewari summit along the ridge to Mt. Tonodake (1,491m), one of Tanzawa’s most popular peaks. This creates a rewarding loop hike.

Section	Time
Nabewari Summit → Kanehiyashi-no-kashira	Approx. 50 min
Kanehiyashi-no-kashira → Mt. Tonodake	Approx. 30 min
Mt. Tonodake → Okura Bus Stop (via Okura Ridge)	Approx. 2 hr 30 min

Total: The Okura → Nabewari → Tonodake → Okura loop takes about 9 hours and covers approximately 18km. An early start is essential.

Related Trails

• Mt. Tanzawa — Traverse the Main Ridge of the Tanzawa Mountains — Continue beyond Tonodake into the heart of Tanzawa
• Mt. Oyama — A Perfect Introduction to Tanzawa Hiking — An easier day hike in the same mountain range