Mount Kintoki in Hakone is widely considered to have one of the best views of Mount Fuji. At 1,212m above sea level, on a clear day, you will get an unobstructed panorama of the great mountain. Another of Mount Kintoki’s claims to fame is its legendary history. Mount Kintoki is home to Kintaro, the Hercules of Japan. Kintaro was known to ride a bear and sumo wrestle all the animals of the forest, never losing a match. Mount Kintoki is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Japan while being immersed in nature and enjoying some of the best views imaginable.

Mount Kintoki is located on the edge of Hakone, a hot spring resort town bursting with volcanic life. It is full of sites and attractions including Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Hakone Open Air Museum, Hakone Ropeway, and much more. It is regularly part of people’s first trip to Japan and the “Golden Route”. However, not many people dive as deep into Hakone as to hike Mount Kintoki. This is great for those wishing to get out and be active in nature.

During the Edo Period (1603-1868) Mount Oyama was arguably Tokyo’s most important pilgrimage. It’s said that as many as one-third of all Tokyoites took on the pilgrimage in a single year, meaning that hundreds of thousands of pilgrims took to the slopes annually. Completing it was thought to bring wealth and plentiful crops as Afuri Shrine, on the summit, is a shrine dedicated to rain. Because of all of the foot traffic on the mountain, a market town grew at the base which still exists today. It is famous for its excellent mountain water, which the locals use to make tofu and sake.

The tour will start at Hakone Yumoto Station which is accessible by direct train from Shinjuku in less than two hours. This is a private tour, so if this arrangement doesn’t work for you or you would prefer to be picked up, please let us know and we can customize the tour to fit your needs. From Hakone Yumoto Station it is a 30-minute bus ride to the base of Mount Kintoki. From there the hike begins at Kintoki Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Sakata-no-Kintoki, the samurai which the legend of Kintaro is based on. After praying the hike can begin. It passes through deep forests and climbs steeply, though not over long distances. Along the way you’ll giant boulders, one of which has been sliced in half by Kintaro. In about 75 minutes you will reach the peak. Lunch will be eaten on the mountain top. Served by one of the friendliest mountain huts in Japan. Curry Udon is the recommended specialty. From there, dependent on time and energy, we will loop around and come back via the Otome Pass, with more stunning views of Mount Fuji. After the hike a local onsen trip is an optional bonus to end the day.