Mt. Tanzawa — The Main Peak of the Tanzawa Range

Trail Overview

Mt. Tanzawa (丹沢山, Tanzawa-san) is a 1,567m peak in Kanagawa Prefecture and the principal peak of the Tanzawa mountain range. It is Hyakumeizan No. 42.

Fukada Kyuya, who selected Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, chose Mt. Tanzawa as the representative peak to honor the entire Tanzawa mountain range. With Shibusawa Station just about 70 minutes from Shinjuku, access from the Tokyo area is excellent, making it one of the most popular mountain destinations near the capital.

The standard route from Okura passes over Mt. To-no-dake and is known by the nickname “Baka-One” (Fool’s Ridge) for its relentless 1,200m of staircase climbing.

Hiking Registration

Hiking registration is recommended in the Tanzawa area. You can submit through:

• Trailhead: Registration post at the ranger station near Okura bus stop
• Online: Via the Kanagawa Prefectural Police hiking registration system
• Apps: YAMAP, Yamareco, and other hiking apps support online submission

Recommended Route: Okura Ridge Route (Okura → Mt. To-no-dake → Mt. Tanzawa)

The most popular route, ascending from Okura via Mt. To-no-dake to reach Mt. Tanzawa.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Okura bus stop → Miharashi Chaya	About 60 min
Miharashi Chaya → Komadome Chaya	About 40 min
Komadome Chaya → Hanatate-sanso	About 60 min
Hanatate-sanso → Mt. To-no-dake summit	About 30 min
Mt. To-no-dake → Mt. Tanzawa summit	About 70 min
Total (one way)	About 4.5 hours
Descent (Mt. Tanzawa → Okura)	About 3.5 hours
Round trip total	About 8–9 hours

Tip: The Okura Ridge climb is a relentless staircase that drains stamina. The ridgeline from Mt. To-no-dake to Mt. Tanzawa is more gentle and lets you enjoy the deep Tanzawa mountain scenery.

Access Information

• Train: Odakyu Line to Shibusawa Station (about 70 min by express from Shinjuku)
• Bus: Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from Shibusawa Station North Exit to Okura, about 15 min (frequent service)
• Car: About 20 min from Hadano-Nakai IC on the Tomei Expressway. Paid parking near Okura bus stop
• Early bus: Weekend buses start from around 6 AM — first bus recommended for day hikers

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)

• Seven-Eleven near Shibusawa Station (stop by before boarding the bus)
• Near Okura bus stop, “Donguri House” offers food and drinks but is not a convenience store — stock up at the station

Shops & Teahouses

• Miharashi Chaya: Drinks available
• Komadome Chaya: Drinks available (irregular holidays)
• Hanatate-sanso: Drinks and light meals, famous for their shaved ice in summer
• Sonbutsu-sanso (Mt. To-no-dake summit): Drinks and cup noodles available
• Miyama-sanso (Mt. Tanzawa summit): Drinks and light meals available

Restrooms

• Okura bus stop (next to ranger station)
• Mt. To-no-dake summit (next to Sonbutsu-sanso, donation-based)

Note: Restroom availability between Okura and Mt. To-no-dake depends on the teahouses being open. Use the facilities before departing.

Mountain Hut Information

Hut	Capacity	Season	Notes
Miyama-sanso	About 60	Year-round	Mt. Tanzawa summit, meals available, reservation required
Sonbutsu-sanso	About 50	Year-round	Mt. To-no-dake summit, meals available

Highlights

🌸 Spring (April–May)

• Fresh green foliage and mountain cherry blossoms along the Okura Ridge
• Beautiful young beech leaves

🍁 Autumn (October–November)

• Spectacular autumn foliage along the ridgeline between Mt. Tanzawa and Mt. To-no-dake
• Golden beech forests
• Clear air offers crisp views of Mt. Fuji

❄️ Winter (December–February)

• Winter views of Mt. Fuji from Mt. To-no-dake are breathtaking
• Crampons required when snow is present
• Exceptionally clear air provides the best visibility of the year

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking shoes (ankle support essential for the endless stairs)
• ✅ Water (at least 1.5L, 2L+ in summer)
• ✅ Rain gear (separates recommended)
• ✅ Warm layers (summit is about 10°C cooler than the base)
• ✅ Headlamp (for early morning starts)
• ✅ Energy food/snacks (plenty needed for the long route)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (protect your knees on the staircase descent)
• ⬜ Crampons (essential in winter)