How difficult is the hike to Mitsutogeyama summit?

The main A Course trail is considered moderately challenging, requiring 7-8 hours round trip and covering 10.8 miles with an elevation gain of 3,645 feet. The hike begins with a 30-minute walk on paved roads before entering forested terrain. While suitable for regular hikers, the trail demands good physical fitness due to its length and steep sections. The path is well-marked with 88 stone Buddha statues serving as landmarks along the route.

What is the best time to visit Mitsutogeyama for Mount Fuji views?

Early morning hours provide the clearest views of Mount Fuji, particularly during autumn and winter months when atmospheric conditions are most favorable. Many photographers stay overnight in mountain huts to capture sunrise views. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so checking forecasts before departure is essential. Spring offers the added attraction of cherry blossoms, though this period also brings larger crowds.

How do I get to Mitsutogeyama from Tokyo?

Take the Fujikyuko Line to Mitsutoge Station, which requires approximately 2 hours from downtown Tokyo. Alternative routes include traveling to Kawaguchiko Station and taking seasonal bus service to trailheads. During winter months when bus service is suspended, taxi service is available from Kawaguchiko Station for approximately 6,200 yen. Visitors with cars can access parking facilities near the trailhead restroom areas.

Are there facilities available on the mountain?

The Mitsutoge Green Center near the Nishikatsura trail exit provides lodging, rest areas, hot spring baths, and dining facilities. Mountain huts operate year-round on the summit for overnight stays, making multi-day visits possible. Basic restroom facilities are available at parking areas near trailheads. Hikers should bring adequate water and food supplies, as options are limited once on the trail.

Is there an entrance fee to hike Mitsutogeyama?

No admission fees are required for hiking Mitsutogeyama itself. The mountain trails are free to access for day hikers. However, overnight accommodation in mountain huts requires advance booking and payment. Facilities at the Mitsutoge Green Center, including hot spring baths and dining, charge separate fees. Parking near trailheads is typically free, though some private lots may charge nominal fees.

Yamanashi

Mitsutogeyama

4.6 (128)Natural FeatureEstablishment

Mitsutogeyama (1,786 meters) stands as one of Yamanashi Prefecture's premier hiking destinations, renowned for offering spectacular panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. Located in the Mitsutoge mountain range, this peak consists of three summits: Kaiun-yama (the highest viewpoint), Osutaka-yama, and Kenashi-yama, with Kaiun-yama providing the most scenic vantage point for Mount Fuji photography.

The mountain holds significant cultural importance as the location of Misuzu Gongen Shrine, where devotees have traditionally visited seeking good fortune. Known locally as "the mountain of flowers," Mitsutogeyama showcases diverse wildflower displays throughout the seasons, most notably the rare large-flowered cypripedium (lady slipper orchid) with its vivid magenta blooms. Spring draws particularly large crowds when cherry blossoms create dramatic displays across the mountainside.

Hikers can choose from several trail options, with the most popular A Course requiring 7-8 hours round trip and covering approximately 10.8 miles with an elevation gain of 3,645 feet. The trail begins with a 30-minute walk along paved roads before reaching the forest entrance, marked by a traditional Daruma stone that symbolizes luck and perseverance. The path winds through dense forest, passing shrines and 88 stone Buddha statues before reaching the summit viewing areas.

The Mitsutoge Green Center near the Nishikatsura trail exit provides essential visitor amenities including lodging, rest areas, hot spring baths, and a cafeteria. Mountain huts operate year-round on the summit, making multi-day visits possible for serious hikers and photographers seeking sunrise views of Mount Fuji.

Access to Mitsutogeyama is available via Mitsutoge Station on the Fujikyuko Line, approximately 2 hours from downtown Tokyo. Alternative access points include bus service from Kawaguchiko Station (seasonal operation only), with taxi service available during winter months at approximately 6,200 yen. The mountain also connects to Kawaguchiko via hiking trails that pass the Kachi Kachi Ropeway Station. Parking facilities are available near restroom facilities for visitors arriving by car. No admission fees are required for hiking the mountain, though fees may apply for overnight accommodation in mountain huts.

The area

Address

Mitsutogeyama, Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Mitsutogeyama

I started the hike from the upper station of the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. The information sign at the trailhead recommends preparing for a 6-hour round trip, but it’s definitely doable in 4 hours. The path leads through a forest with a couple viewpoints of Fuji. The ascent isn’t steep, but it can get a bit slippery because of fallen leaves and after rain. There are tables with benches near the top, so I’d recommend bringing a stove and having lunch there. I hiked this route on November 16 and can guess that the ideal timing is likely about a week earlier. As always, the views depend on the weather - I was only lucky during the first part of the hike.

Nearby attractions to see

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Fujiyoshida City

Former Takano Family Residence Kanzo Yashiki

Nearby attractions to see

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Fujiyoshida City

Former Takano Family Residence Kanzo Yashiki

Frequently Asked Questions

For the love of god, I strongly suggest you read up on the trail from Mitsutoge station to the peak and then back down to Kawaguchi station. You’re pretty much going uphill gradually for most of the trail and then you have to deal with a very steep incline during that last mile or so when you’re already tired. Many people online, like on Alltrails, suggested this particular route but we were the only ones going in that direction. All of the other people we saw along the way were going the opposite route than us, and I soon found out why. The higher you go, the more poorly maintained the trail is. Rocks everywhere, stairs were uneven, some places with a very narrow edge along the mountainside had guardrails that were already collapsed, and there was a wooden bridge we had to cross that felt very unstable. We were happy with the views of Mt Fuji about two hours into our ascent. Had we known how absolutely trash the way down was going to be, we would NOT have completed the rest of the hike, The route to Kawaguchi station was the worst hike we’ve ever done. Literally no one was else was on there except my husband and me. The path is nonexistent at some points, just leaves everywhere that covered rocks and tree roots going down a waterway, not even an actual trail. Barely any signage and barely any markings on the trees. At one point, there were pink ties LEADING US THE WRONG WAY and ended at a dead end in the woods as the sun was setting. We had to double back and rush down the mountain before the sun was completely down. Didn’t even complete the Kawaguchi station trail. We got to the road and called a cab because we frankly didn’t feel like it was safe continuing. We’ve done a few difficult and long hikes in the US and we both agreed this was the worst one we’ve ever done.

Najirae Balonkita

Nov 8, 2025