Mount Nokogiri - Chiba, Japan
This was one of the most memorable hikes I’ve done in Japan. Mt. Nokogiri (330 m) was once a massive stone quarry and is also home to the historic Nihon-ji Temple at the summit. There are three ways to reach the top—by hiking, ropeway, or car—but with the ropeway closed for maintenance and no car available, I opted for the hike.
Starting from the nearest train station, I took the Sharikimichi trail, a historic path once used by women carrying heavy stones down from the quarry three times a day. Old cart wheel marks are still visible in the stone, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible effort it must have taken to transport those rocks by hand.
Along the way, I reached a viewpoint overlooking Tokyo Bay. Although the area was crowded with hikers resting, the panoramic vista of the bay and surrounding hills was stunning. The summit of Mt. Nokogiri itself offers limited views, so I continued to Nihon-ji Temple, stopping to take photos at the summit marker.
The climb to Nihon-ji Temple was steep but incredibly rewarding. The temple is home to a massive stone Buddha (the largest premodern carved Buddha in Japan) and striking Kannon carvings in the quarry walls. Exploring the temple grounds involves climbing many steps, which adds to the physical challenge while offering an intimate experience of the temple’s scale and history.
For the descent, I followed the Kanto-Fureainomichi trail. The steep stone steps and sandy slopes were slippery, as the temple staff had warned, but I managed to make it down safely and caught my train on time. Overall, the hike was a fascinating combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the most memorable experiences of my Japan adventures.
History & Background
Mt. Nokogiri (鋸山, “Saw Mountain”) earned its name from its jagged ridgeline resembling a saw. The mountain has a long history as a quarry, dating back to the Edo period, when stone from Nokogiri was used to construct temples, roads, and other structures in the region. The Sharikimichi trail reflects the incredible labour of women who carried heavy stones down the mountain three times a day, leaving marks still visible today.
Nihon-ji Temple, founded in 725 AD, sits at the summit and features the largest premodern carved Buddha in Japan, along with several impressive Kannon statues carved directly into the quarry walls. The temple grounds showcase a remarkable blend of religious devotion, historical engineering, and artistic craftsmanship, making Mt. Nokogiri both a spiritual and cultural destination. Today, the mountain is part of Nokogiriyama Prefectural Natural Park, attracting hikers, history enthusiasts, and pilgrims alike.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Mt. Nokogiri is from Hamakanaya Station on the JR Uchibo Line. From there, the Sharikimichi trailhead is about a 10-minute walk. Local buses can also reach the ropeway station for those choosing the lift option. For drivers, parking is available near the temple and ropeway stations.
Once at the trailhead, hikers follow well-marked paths with a combination of stone steps, forest trails, and steep quarry sections. Care should be taken on slippery sections, particularly in wet or icy weather.
Route Overview
Distance: 9.77 km out & back (Hama-Kanaya Station)
Total elevation gain: 772 m
Duration: 3 hr 18 min (with breaks 3 hr 30 min)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peak: Mt Nokogiri 鋸山 330m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Kimitsu Station → Hama-Kanaya Station — ¥510
Entrance Fee: Nihon-ji Temple — ¥700
