Mt. Tono-dake

Mt. Tōno-dake (塔ノ岳) stands at 1,491 meters in the southern section of the Tanzawa Mountains in Kanagawa Prefecture. The mountain forms part of the larger Tanzawa mountain range, one of Japan's most accessible highland areas from Tokyo. Mt. Tōno-dake serves as a gateway peak to the deeper Tanzawa range, with hikers often using it as a waypoint before continuing to Mt. Tanzawa, which is designated as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains.

The Tanzawa Mountains have served as a natural barrier and water source for the Kantō region throughout Japanese history. The area's forests and peaks have provided timber and mountain vegetables to surrounding communities for centuries. Mt. Tōno-dake ranks as the second highest peak in the immediate Tanzawa area, with Mt. Tanzawa holding the distinction of being the highest. The mountain's name, meaning "tower peak," reflects its prominent position overlooking the surrounding landscape.

The summit offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view, with Mount Fuji clearly visible on clear days from the opposite side during the ascent and even more dramatically from the peak itself. The summit provides an absolutely worthy 360-degree lookout that attracts hikers year-round. The mountain serves as an excellent vantage point for viewing the Tokyo metropolitan area, Sagami Bay, and the Japanese Alps on exceptionally clear days.

The primary hiking route covers approximately 7 kilometers from the main bus station to the summit, typically requiring 4 hours of steady hiking. The trail includes several steep sections that challenge beginners, while portions of the route offer breathtaking city views. The Okura Ridge trail features numbered signboards for emergency reporting and includes rest stops such as Kannon Chaya tea house, famous for its fruit-filled milk pudding. Overnight hiking options exist with mountain huts available for those wanting to extend their experience or continue to Mt. Tanzawa.

Access to Mt. Tōno-dake begins with the Odakyu Line from either Shinjuku or Tokyo Station, taking approximately 80 minutes to reach Shibusawa Station. From Shibusawa Station, frequent buses operate to the Okura trailhead, which serves as the most popular starting point. The hike from Okura Bus Stop to the trailhead takes about 50 minutes, while the actual trailhead is reached in about 40 minutes. While parking exists at trailheads, public transportation is recommended due to the mountain's popularity and limited parking availability. No admission fees are required for hiking Mt. Tōno-dake, though hikers should budget for transportation costs and any refreshments purchased at mountain tea houses along the route.