Mt. Tonodake (1,491m) — Tanzawa's Premier Viewpoint via the Okura Ridge
Mt. Tonodake offers the finest panoramic views in the Tanzawa Mountains, with Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Sagami Bay spread before you. The Okura Ridge route climbs 1,200m of elevation over 7km — a classic day hike from Tokyo accessible in under 2 hours.
Nearest Station
🚉 Shibusawa Station
Odakyu Line (about 70 min by express from Shinjuku) + bus about 15 min
Duration
⏱ About 6–7 hours (round trip)
Distance
📏 About 14km
Elevation
⛰ 1491m
Best Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Trail Overview
Mt. Tonodake (塔ノ岳, 1,491m) is the most popular peak in the Tanzawa Mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, located just 90 minutes from central Tokyo. Its summit provides what many consider the finest panoramic view in the entire Tanzawa range — Mt. Fuji rising directly ahead, the Southern Japanese Alps stretching to the west, and Sagami Bay glittering to the south.
The most popular route is the Okura Ridge (大倉尾根), famously nicknamed “Baka-One” (Fool’s Ridge) by Japanese hikers for its seemingly endless staircases that climb 1,200 meters of elevation over 7 kilometers. Despite the tough climb, the trail is well-maintained and the numerous tea houses along the way make it approachable for fit intermediate hikers.
Recommended Route: Okura Ridge Round Trip
This out-and-back route starts at the Okura bus stop, climbs the Okura Ridge to the summit, and returns the same way.
Course Times
| Section | Distance | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Okura Bus Stop → Kannon-chaya | About 1.5km | About 30 min |
| Kannon-chaya → Miharashi-chaya | About 0.7km | About 15 min |
| Miharashi-chaya → Komadome-chaya | About 1.4km | About 40 min |
| Komadome-chaya → Horiyama-no-ie | About 1.0km | About 30 min |
| Horiyama-no-ie → Hanatate-goya | About 1.1km | About 50 min |
| Hanatate-goya → Kana-yashi | About 0.5km | About 20 min |
| Kana-yashi → Mt. Tonodake Summit | About 0.5km | About 15 min |
| Ascent Total | About 6.8km | About 3 hr 20 min |
| Descent Total | About 6.8km | About 2 hr 20 min |
| Round Trip | About 14km | About 6–7 hours |
Tip: The long staircase section just before Hanatate-goya is the crux of the climb. Once you push past it, you emerge onto the ridge with your first clear view of Mt. Fuji. On the descent, trekking poles are highly recommended to protect your knees.
Highlights
Summit Panorama
The broad, flat summit of Mt. Tonodake offers a full 360-degree panorama. Mt. Fuji dominates the western horizon, flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Looking east, you can see Sagami Bay and the Miura Peninsula, and on clear days, the Boso Peninsula and Izu Oshima island are visible.
Winter days offer the best visibility, making the cold-weather months particularly popular despite the chill.
Seasonal Appeal
- Spring (Apr–May): Fresh green leaves on the Okura Ridge; mountain cherry blossoms and beech forests come alive
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Lush, green trails; start early to beat the heat and humidity
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Golden beech foliage; crisp air makes Mt. Fuji strikingly clear
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow-capped Fuji at its most dramatic; crampons required when snow is on the trail
The Sonbutsu-sanso Cat
The mountain hut on the summit is known for its resident cat, a beloved mascot that greets weary hikers at the top. It has become something of a local celebrity among Tanzawa regulars.
Mountain Hut Information
| Hut | Capacity | Season | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonbutsu-sanso | About 50 | Year-round | 9,000 yen/night (2 meals, tax included) | On the summit, reservation required |
- Reservations: Call 070-2796-5270 (9:00–19:00)
- Check-in: By 16:00
- Meals: Dinner and breakfast included; curry rice is the standard dinner
- Shop: Drinks, cup noodles, and beer available for purchase
Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms
Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)
| Store | Location | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven Hadano Shibusawa | 2 min walk from Shibusawa Station north exit | 24 hours | Stock up here before catching the bus |
| FamilyMart Shibusawa Minami | 2 min walk from Shibusawa Station south exit | 24 hours | On the opposite side of the station |
Important: There are no convenience stores near the Okura bus stop. Buy all food, snacks, and drinks at Shibusawa Station before boarding the bus.
Tea Houses Along the Trail
| Shop | Location | Menu Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Donguri House | Next to Okura bus stop | Light meals, drinks, hiking supplies |
| Kannon-chaya | Lower Okura Ridge | Soba noodles, sweets, drinks |
| Miharashi-chaya | Lower-middle Okura Ridge | Drinks |
| Komadome-chaya | Mid Okura Ridge | Drinks (irregular holidays) |
| Horiyama-no-ie | Mid Okura Ridge | Drinks, light meals |
| Hanatate-goya | Upper Okura Ridge | Udon, kakigori shaved ice (summer), oshiruko sweet bean soup (winter) |
| Sonbutsu-sanso | Summit | Cup noodles, drinks, beer |
Restrooms
| Location | Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Okura Bus Stop (Hadano Visitor Center) | Flush | Free |
| Kannon-chaya | Bio-toilet | 100 yen |
| Miharashi-chaya | Bio-toilet | 100 yen |
| Above Hanatate-goya | Bio-toilet | 100 yen |
| Mt. Tonodake Summit (next to Sonbutsu-sanso) | Bio-toilet | Donation |
Note: There are no natural water sources on the Okura Ridge. Tea houses may be closed on weekdays or in bad weather, so always carry sufficient water.
Access Information
By Train
- Shibusawa Station on the Odakyu Line: about 70 minutes by express from Shinjuku, about 20 minutes from Odawara
- Fare from Shinjuku: about 700 yen (IC card)
By Bus
- Shibusawa Station North Exit → Okura Bus Stop: Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus, Route “Shibu-02,” about 15 minutes
- Fare: 210 yen (IC card)
- Weekends and holidays: buses run from around 6:00 AM, roughly every 15–20 minutes
- Extra buses may be added on busy hiking weekends
By Car
- Tomei Expressway Hadano-Nakai IC to Okura: about 20 minutes
- Paid parking available near the Okura bus stop (limited spaces; fills up early on weekends)
Sample Day-Hike Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Around 06:30 | Board bus at Shibusawa Station North Exit |
| Around 06:45 | Arrive at Okura Bus Stop; prepare and submit hiking registration |
| 07:00 | Start hiking |
| Around 10:30 | Arrive at Mt. Tonodake summit; lunch and rest |
| 11:30 | Begin descent |
| Around 14:00 | Return to Okura Bus Stop |
Gear Checklist
- ✅ Hiking boots (ankle support recommended for the many stair sections)
- ✅ Water (minimum 1.5L; 2L+ in summer)
- ✅ Rain gear (jacket and pants, separate type)
- ✅ Warm layer (summit is about 10°C cooler than lowlands)
- ✅ Trail snacks and lunch
- ✅ Sunscreen and hat
- ⬜ Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the descent)
- ⬜ Crampons (essential in winter when snow is present)
- ⬜ Headlamp (for early starts or in case of late descent)
Hiking Registration
Submitting a hiking plan is recommended in the Tanzawa area.
- At the trailhead: Submission box at the Okura Bus Stop ranger station
- Online: Kanagawa Prefectural Police online hiking registration system
- Apps: YAMAP or Yamareco apps also support plan submission
Related Trails
- Mt. Tanzawa — Continue beyond Tonodake to the highest peak of the Tanzawa range
- Mt. Nabewari — A neighboring Tanzawa peak famous for its summit nabe-yaki udon noodles
- Mt. Oyama — A beginner-friendly Tanzawa peak with cable car access and ocean views