Mount Tonosu - Saitama, Japan
I arrived in Hanno the night before from Sendai, planning to take it easy after spending the last few days hiking parts of the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Although my plan was to rest, I figured hiking Mount Tenran and Mount Tonosu wouldn’t be too strenuous since the elevation was minimal. I slept in until about 10 a.m., got ready, and walked to the trailhead.
The trail begins near Hanno City Park and is well marked. The climb up Mount Tenran was short and pleasant, leading to an observation deck with panoramic views of Hanno below. After a quick break, I continued on toward Mount Tonosu. The first section descended down muddy, rain-soaked steps — the wooden planks were slippery, so I took extra care. The ascent up Mount Tonosu involved quite a few stairs, with side trails leading to small shrines along the way. I took a few detours to explore them before reaching the peak, where a few other hikers were resting. After taking some photos, I began my descent toward Atsuma Gorge.
The first part of the descent was slick, so I was relieved to make it down safely. The trail exits onto a main road, and it took me a few minutes to figure out how to reconnect to the Atsuma Gorge path. Following my offline GPS, I navigated through smaller side roads until I found the trail again. This section runs right alongside the river, and the air immediately felt cooler. It’s easy to see why this area is popular with locals in summer—it’s a peaceful escape from the heat. Fallen leaves covered parts of the trail, making some stretches hard to follow, but the scenery more than made up for it.
The trail exits near the Hanno Riverbank, a well-known spot for camping and BBQs during the warmer months. I passed a couple of groups grilling by the river and enjoying the crisp air. I’ve heard it’s nearly impossible to find a free spot here in summer, and I can believe it. From there, I walked back to my hotel and took the rest of the day to relax.
History & Background
Mount Tenran (195 m) – A beloved local peak in Hanno, Mount Tenran offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains despite its modest height. It’s known as a gentle hike perfect for locals and beginners, especially during cherry blossom season.
Mount Tonosu (271 m) – Slightly taller than Tenran, Mount Tonosu is connected by scenic forest trails and is home to small shrines that have long served as places of worship for local mountain spirits. The area has a peaceful, community feel that reflects Hanno’s deep ties to nature.
Atsuma Gorge – A tranquil riverside area known for its clear waters and lush greenery. In summer, it becomes a favourite retreat for locals seeking to cool off, offering an easy escape into nature just minutes from the city.
Getting There
There are a few ways to reach Hanno depending on where you start. From Ikebukuro, you can take a direct train to Hanno Station. Since I began my journey in Sendai, it took a couple of transfers—I first took the Shinkansen to Omiya, then transferred to the Kawagoe Line toward Higashi-Hanno Station. Hanno Station and Higashi-Hanno Station are only about a 10-minute walk apart.
Route Overview
Distance: 10.38 km out & back (Hanno Station)
Total elevation gain: 289 m
Duration: 2 hr 29 min (with breaks 2 hr 38 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Peaks: Mt Tenran 天覧山 197m, Mt Tonosu 多峯主山 271m
Cost Breakdown
Food: ¥1,432
