How difficult is the hike to Mount Nabewari's summit?

Mount Nabewari is a moderate hike with a 1,200-meter elevation gain over 6 kilometers. The ascent takes 4-5 hours and descent 3-4 hours. The trail is well-marked with chains on steeper sections. Winter conditions require crampons and ice axe skills.

What is the best time of year to climb Mount Nabewari?

April-May and October-November offer the best conditions with clear visibility for Mount Fuji views and comfortable temperatures. Summer has afternoon thunderstorms and haze. December-March provides excellent visibility but requires winter mountaineering equipment. Avoid June and early July during rainy season.

Are there facilities or mountain huts along the trail?

Kayagatake Sansō and Hanazawa Goya mountain huts operate spring through autumn, offering meals, drinks, and dormitory accommodation. The summit has only a small shrine and basic shelter with no permanent facilities. Carry your own water and food.

Can Mount Nabewari be climbed as a day trip from Tokyo?

Yes. The journey takes 90 minutes from Shinjuku to Shibusawa Station, plus 15 minutes by bus to the trailhead. Start early to catch buses arriving by 8-9 AM. Total time from Tokyo is 10-12 hours including the hike. Check return bus schedules before departing.

How crowded does Mount Nabewari get?

Weekends and holidays, especially in spring and autumn, see heavy traffic with queues forming on narrow trail sections. The summit can host 100+ hikers simultaneously during peak times. Weekdays are significantly quieter. Early morning starts help avoid crowds. Winter has the fewest visitors.

Kanagawa

Mount Nabewari (Nabewariyama)

4.2 (255)Mountain PeakNatural FeatureEstablishment

Mount Nabewari, rising 1,273 meters above sea level, stands on the border between Kanagawa and Shizuoka Prefectures in Japan's Tanzawa mountain range. The mountain takes its name from its distinctive summit shape, which resembles an upturned pot or "nabe" in Japanese. This accessible peak has been a popular hiking destination since the Edo period, when pilgrims would traverse these mountains as part of religious journeys to Mount Fuji.

The mountain holds particular significance as part of the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park, designated in 1965 to protect the region's rich biodiversity and natural landscapes. Mount Nabewari's slopes support dense forests of Japanese beech, oak, and cedar, while the summit area is known for its alpine flora, including azaleas that bloom in spring. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views extending to Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Sagami Bay, making it one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Kanto region.

The primary hiking route begins at Okura Bus Stop and follows a well-maintained trail that takes approximately four to five hours to reach the summit. The ascent passes through the forested Okura Ridge before emerging onto the open summit plateau, where a small shrine and emergency shelter are located. More experienced hikers often combine Mount Nabewari with nearby Mount Oyama as part of a longer traverse. The mountain attracts visitors year-round, though spring for wildflowers and autumn for foliage are considered prime seasons. Winter ascents are possible but require proper equipment due to ice and snow.

Accessing Mount Nabewari begins with travel to Shibusawa Station on the Odakyu Line, approximately one hour from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. From Shibusawa, the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus runs to Okura Bus Stop, the main trailhead, with the journey taking about 15 minutes. The bus fare is approximately ¥220. There is no admission fee to hike the mountain, as it is public land within the quasi-national park.

The area

Address

Nabewariyama, Yadoriki, Matsuda, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa 258-0001, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Mount Nabewari (Nabewariyama)

An interesting one-day trekking. From Shibusawa station, we took the bus to Okura bus stop. The hike was medium level with some steep areas. The highlight was the Udon noodle you can eat at the lodge, located near the top of the mountain. A nice hike along the riverside. It may get wet at the top so bring rainwear.