Mount Omuro - Shizuoka, Japan
I wanted to see this perfectly conical dormant volcano, Mount Omuro, known for its symmetrical shape and panoramic views. Hiking up the volcano isn’t allowed in order to preserve its delicate ecosystem, so the only way to reach the top is by chairlift. On the day I visited, strong winds threatened to shut it down, but luckily, it was still operating.
Once at the summit, the wind was intense, making walking around the crater challenging. Despite the gusts, the views were spectacular, stretching across Mt. Fuji, the Izu Seven Islands, and Sagami Bay. Inside the crater sits a small shrine dedicated to the mountain goddess Iwanaga-hime. Archery activities are usually available, but they were closed due to the weather. I spent most of my time photographing the volcanic landscape, exploring the crater rim, and browsing the small souvenir shop before taking the chairlift back down.
Since visiting the top of Mount Omuro doesn’t take long, it pairs well with other nearby attractions such as the Izu Shaboten Zoo, botanical gardens, or local coastal walks. I stopped by after completing a hike elsewhere, making it a convenient addition to my day.
Background
Mount Omuro (大室山) is a dormant volcano located on the eastern Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Rising 580 metres above sea level, it formed approximately 4,000 years ago and is famous for its nearly perfect conical shape. The crater at the summit, roughly 300 metres in diameter, is protected to preserve fragile grasslands and native flora. A small shrine dedicated to Iwanaga-hime, the mountain goddess, sits inside the crater. Today, Mount Omuro is a popular sightseeing destination, offering panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, the Izu islands, and Sagami Bay, while its grass-covered slopes are maintained for ecological and recreational purposes.
Getting There
Mount Omuro is easily reached from Ito or nearby cities by taking the Izu Kyuko Line to Izu-Kogen Station. From there, local buses or taxis bring visitors to the base of the volcano and the chairlift. For those driving, parking is available at the visitor centre near the chairlift station. Once at the top, the paved path around the crater provides safe access to the summit views, and the chairlift allows for a quick and scenic ascent and descent.
Route Overview
Distance: 1.05 km out & back (Mt Omuro Gondola Lift Summit Station)
Total elevation gain: 83 m
Duration: 20 min (with breaks 21 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Peak: Mt Omuro 大室山 580m
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Izukogen Station → Shaboten Park Bus Stop — ¥430
Mount Omuro Climbing Chairlifts: ¥1,000
Souvenir: ¥500
