Mount Nokogiri or Nokogiriyama is an outdoorsman’s paradise not far from the bustling city streets of Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures just across the Tokyo Bay. You can go there as a day trip for hiking, having a nice view from cable car, getting amazed by a big statue of Buddha.
Mt. Nokogiri, Chiba
Mount Nokogiri makes for a wonderful day trip if you’re staying in Tokyo, Kanagawa, or Chiba prefectures. Mount Nokogiri is a 349 meter (1,080 ft) mountain located near the south end of the Bōsō Peninsula in Japan’s Chiba prefecture.
If you’re an experienced hiker or backpacker looking for a challenge, well this isn’t it. But it is an incredibly scenic journey that an avid hiker such as myself absolutely enjoyed!
About the Hike at Mt Nokogiri
Preparation
Mount Nokogiri isn’t a difficult hike on paper but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go well prepared. The trails offer quite a few switchbacks and some up and downs. You’ll definitely use your fair share of energy here. So please go prepared with snacks and plenty of water. Take a backpack and fill it with anything else you deem necessary.
Depending on what time of year you go dress accordingly. We went in August in the dead heat (and humidity) of a Japanese summer! I had never been hiking in high humidity before this hike, and wow, is it a different kind of beast. If you go during this time, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, breathable clothing, and a towel are necessary! Be prepared to sweat a lot! Even when you’re not moving. A extra change of clothes, for after the hike, might be nice if you have the space in your pack.
The Base
At the base of the mountain there is a tram/ropeway that will take you a fair way up the mountain to where all of the trails are. It’s not too expensive and is the best way to get to the trails unless you have a car. In which case you can drive to a parking lot on the other side of the mountain.
The tram ride is quite nice and offers some great views on the way up. If you aren’t good with heights, this might be a little scary. But rest assured, it’s very safe and as someone who’s isn’t too fond of heights myself, despite being abnormally tall (2m), I felt secured.
- The tram costs ¥500 for one way ticket
- ¥950 for a round-way ticket
- Tram address: 4052-1 Kanaya, Futtsu-shi, Chiba-ken
The Top (sort of) of the Mountain
Once you’ve reached the end of the tram ride, a short walk up a few stairs to the top of the tram building will offer a breathtaking view! The beginning of the hike is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Stunning!
The view of the left side looking south.
The view off the right side looking north. From this view you can see the port in which our ferry across Tokyo Bay from Kanagawa docked.
From here you’re able to take one of two paths and make your way about the mountain. Maps are available at the tram stations. Paths are easily marked and are more like cement sidewalks for much of the trail. There are some places in the trails that are only dirt paths, but they’re easy to follow nevertheless. Stay on them and you won’t get lost.
What To See on Mt. Nokogiri
Hyaku-Shaku-Kannon 百尺観音
Carved directly into the mountain is the 30m (98ft) tall Buddhist goddess of mercy.
From this angle you can see our next destination!
Jigoku Nozoki 地獄覗き
A steep hike from our previous location is Jigoku Nozoki. Can you spot the shape of a lion head in the cliff side? Is it carved or natural??
You can walk on the top of the cliff, if you’re brave enough! There isn’t much room on the top so we needed to wait. Since Japan is the most polite place on earth, there was a queue lined up so everyone could get their turn for a great photo op!
We waited for about 10 minutes until we were up. It is quite scary but the handrail is very sturdy and seems safe enough. It’s actually quite steep to get to the top, but kids and older folks alike were able to make it up without much hassle.
Jigoku Nozoki (地獄覗き) means a peek into hell!
It is a looooong way down!
Nihonji Daibutsu 日本寺大仏
Nihonji Daibutsu is the tallest Buddha statue in Japan; coming in at over 30 meters (100 ft) tall! This Buddha was carved in the late 18th century.
The Trails
The paths connecting the three major sites around Mount Nokogiri are serene and a gorgeous walk through nature.
High cliffs…
Jungle tunnels…
Moss covered stone…
Along the trails sit hundreds, if not thousands, of these little statues. Some of them are a bit creepy.
Ending the Hike
When you’re finished seeing everything, head back to the tram/ropeway area.
Make sure to check your map. If you went to Nihonji Daibutsu last, there is a quicker path leading back to the beginning of the trail, but it’s easy to miss.
At the tram building there is a small cafe and food vendors. It’s a nice place to end the hike before taking the tram back to the bottom.
How To Get Nokogiri yama
I’ll explain the way we used to get there in detail and also provide an alternative route.
By Ferry
This is the route we took. We took a ferry from Yokohama, Kanagawa across Tokyo Bay to the small town right below Mount Nokogiri.
From Yokohama Station take the Keikyu Line (platform 1) to Keikyu-Kurihama Station
From there take a bus to Tokyo Wan-Ferry Kurihama Port.
There you’ll be able to purchase ferry tickets. Either one way or round trip.
The ticket machine for the ferry.
- ¥720 for an adult one way ticket.
- ¥1320 for round trip.
Purchase the tickets then head upstairs and wait for the ferry to begin boarding.
The ferry ride takes about 40 minutes. There are many great seats that have a nice view of the bay. The ferry is a bit old fashioned and the interior seems quite outdated but it’s serviceable.
The view from the ferry pulling into the small harbor near Mount Nokogiri.
By Train
If you’d rather skip the ferry, then I’ll give you a route from Tokyo Station.
- Take the JR Keiyo Line rapid express from platform 4.
- At Soga Station change trains and board the Uchibo Rapid Line at platform 6. (Tokyo Station to Soga Station takes about 40 minutes.)
- At Kimitsu Station change trains again and board the Uchibo Local Line at platform 2.
- Ride 4 stops to Kazusa-Minato Station.
- Get off the train and find the bus stop. Get on the bus headed for the Tokyowan Ferry. 東京湾フェリー
- Ride for about 15 minutes and you’ll be where the ferry docks.
- Tokyo Station to the harbor will take about 2.5 hours.
When you get to the harbor
There are signs pointing in the direction of which way to go, although they are in Japanese. The signs to look for will have this written on them 鋸山ロープウェイ.
Also you can just walk along the main road heading south. You should see a 7 Eleven convenience store on your left hand side very quickly. It’s also a good idea to stop there to get snacks and drinks. Japanese 7 Eleven’s have really great food. They’re nothing like the ones in the states.
Keep walking straight on the road. You’ll cross a bridge and keep going. After the bridge turn left at the next stoplight and that road will lead you to the tram.
Looking back now…
Hiking around Mount Nokogiri was one of the best things I’ve done in Japan. It’s was really fun and the views are breathtaking! It feels great to get away from the city for a while and enjoy some fresh air and small town vibes. I’d recommend this as a must do day trip if you like hiking and being outside. It’s also fun for those who aren’t that into hiking or exercise, as it keeps you interested with incredible things to see all the way through.
