Mount Sengen, Kanagawa, Japan
I didn’t choose today’s hike for the views—I just felt like hiking. I started from Hakone-Yumoto Station and walked to the trailhead, which was near a busy road. Since there was no easy crossing, I had to walk a bit farther to get there. The trail went through a forest, but a fire break made it open and sunny, and I could really feel the heat.
I quickly reached Mt. Sengen (804m), then took a trail down to Chisuji Falls instead of heading straight to Mt. Takanosuyama (834m). I had to go downhill first and then climb up again, but the waterfall was worth it—thin streams of water, fitting the name "Chisuji" (thousand threads).
Next, I hiked back up toward Mt. Takanosuyama through denser forest, which gave me some nice shade. There wasn’t much at the top except a sign about a castle ruin, with little info. Then I headed to Hiryu Falls ("Flying Dragon" Falls). Just before reaching it, I met 4 younger hikers and they weren’t sure about the river crossing. I went first and they watched before following me. The waterfall wasn’t that impressive, maybe better in another season.
I descended to Hatajuku and then joined the old Hakone Path—a historic trade route with stones laid out to help drain water. Walking through the cedar-lined trail toward Motohakone was really enjoyable. I got there just 5 minutes before the bus arrived, so I didn’t have to wait long.
Route Detail
Distance: 17.63km from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Motohakone Bus Stop
Total elevation gain: 1458m
Time: 4h 35m (total time with breaks 4h 55m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Peaks: Mt Sengen 804m, Mt Takanosuyama 834m
Transportation & Miscellaneous
Train from Kawasaki Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station ¥1530
