Mount Tanzawa - Kanagawa, Japan
Mt. Tanzawa is one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, offering views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. I chose this hike for the challenge, aiming to hit three mountain peaks in one day. Knowing it would be a long day and with winter daylight hours shortened, I wanted to start as early as possible. I left my accommodation in Yokohama at 5:30 a.m., taking an early train to Shibusawa Station and then a bus to the trailhead. I arrived around 8 a.m., filled out the hiking registration with my contact information and itinerary (optional, but useful for safety in case of emergencies), and set off.
My first stop was Mt. Tonodake (1,491 m). The trail was well-maintained, with resting huts along the way, though they were closed for the off-season. I was glad I had my hiking pole — some sections were steep, and it made the ascent easier. I passed a few hikers along the way, including one gentleman hauling supplies up to the hut at Mt. Nabewari. Watching him climb the steep hills with heavy loads was incredible. I reached Mt. Tonodake in 2 hours and 15 minutes, took a short photo break to admire Mt. Fuji, and continued toward Mt. Tanzawa. The wind was brutal at Tonodake, so I moved quickly to avoid losing too much body heat.
The 2.75 km stretch to Mt. Tanzawa (1,567 m) was narrow, with some snow and muddy sections from melting snow. The trail itself wasn’t too difficult, and the views along the way were breathtaking — Mt. Fuji on the left and rolling mountain ranges on the right made each step light. There’s a large resting area and a hut with toilets at the summit. While the summit itself didn’t offer much of a view, the trail leading up to it more than made up for it.
Instead of continuing to Mt. Hirugatake (1,673 m), I turned back toward Mt. Tonodake and then hiked another 3 km to Mt. Nabewari (1,273 m). I had heard you could enjoy nabe (hot pot) at the hut, but they only serve a limited number each day. Since it was my last stop, I knew I’d likely miss it — and indeed, the hut was already closed. This section of the trail was mostly gentle, with a few short steep stretches. The highlight was the incredible view of Mt. Fuji directly ahead. I only saw a handful of other hikers here. I took a short break to soak in the scenery before beginning my descent.
The descent was steep — some sections at around 40% slope — and honestly, I wasn’t enjoying it much. My hiking pole was a lifesaver, and I kept wondering if it might have been easier to ascend via this route instead. Eventually, the trail levelled out into a forested area, leading to a forest road about 6 km from the bus stop. The entire hike took just under 8 hours with breaks. Despite the challenging descent, it was an incredibly rewarding day.
Background
Nestled in the Tanzawa Mountains of Kanagawa, Mount Tanzawa is a refreshing escape from city life. The hike takes you through thick forests and past rocky trails, with occasional clearings that reward you with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. It’s a spot where you can really slow down, listen to the sounds of nature, and feel a sense of solitude even on a popular trail. Perfect for a day hike that combines adventure with peaceful scenery.
Getting There
The usual way to reach Mount Tanzawa is to take the Odakyu Line to Shibusawa Station, then catch a bus to the Okura bus stop. Google Maps is handy for planning your route and showing the bus number. I started from a station in Yokohama and made my way to Shibusawa Station. The bus ride from Shibusawa to Okura takes about 15 minutes, and if you’re unsure which bus station bay to wait, there are usually other hikers heading the same way who can help.
Route Overview
Distance: 26.06 km out & back (Okura bus stop)
Total elevation gain: 1,859 m
Duration: 7 hr 23 min (with breaks 7 hr 43 min)
Difficulty: Challenging
Peaks: Mt Tonodake 塔ノ岳 1491m, Mt Tanzawa 丹沢山 1567m, Mt Nabewari 鍋割山 1273m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Bashamachi Station → Shibusawa Station — ¥860
Bus: Shibusawa Station → Okura Bus Stop — ¥250
Toilet: ¥100 (bring your own toilet paper)
