19 Mountains in Saitama worth your time

A 1,426-meter peak in the Okuchichibu range offering challenging hiking trails for experienced climbers seeking a rugged mountain experience.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing at 1,426.5 meters in the Okuchichibu mountain range.
• A destination for experienced hikers with an elevation gain of approximately 1,100 meters.
• A site known for a high frequency of distress calls and mountain accidents.
• Part of a ridge system extending from the Nagasawa Ridge in Saitama Prefecture.

What to see

• The mountain summit located on a ridge near Toritani Mountain.
• A hiking route that follows a natural stream along the Hino path.
• The Toritani evacuation hut located in the surrounding mountain area.
• Views from the ridge along the Shiroyama climbing route.

Getting there

• Access the trailheads from Bushu-Hino Station or Shiroku Station.
• The Hino route takes three hours of walking from the station area.
• The Shiroyama ridge route requires a two-hour hike to reach the top.
• The Shiroku forest road route involves a two and a half hour ascent.

Read more about Mount Kumakura

A scenic 497-meter peak in Nagatoro featuring a historic shrine, seasonal flower gardens, and a ropeway with mountain views.

What it is

• A mountain standing 497.1 meters tall in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture.
• Home to Hodosan Shrine, one of the three major shrines in the Chichibu region.
• The site features an inner sanctuary located at the mountain summit.
• A scenic area near the national monument of Nagatoro Valley and Arakawa River.

What to see

• Hodosan Shrine buildings located at the base and the summit of the mountain.
• A plum garden and a wintersweet garden situated near the upper ropeway station.
• A small animal park located near the top of the mountain.
• The historic former residence of the Arai family.
• The nearby site of the Nishiura Copper Mine.
• Views of the Nagatoro Valley, a designated national monument since 1924.

When to go

• Visit during the blooming seasons for the plum and wintersweet gardens.
• Daytime trips allow for use of the Chichibu Railway ropeway service.

Read more about Mount Hodo

A 299-meter mountain in Saitama featuring a park with a long roller slide and diverse seasonal flowers throughout the year.

What it is

• A mountain peak with an elevation of 299 meters in Ogawa Town.
• Home to Miharashi no Oka Park located on the mountainside.
• Features the former Shimozato Branch School building at the base of the mountain.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Ogawa Town and Mount Haruna from the peak.
• A large roller slide located within the mountainside park.
• Great purple emperor butterflies that appear during the summer months.

When to go

• Late March for blooming katatukuri and soft windflowers.
• April to see cherry blossoms and lilies of the valley.
• Early May for the blooming of azaleas and wisteria.
• Late June to observe the great purple emperor butterflies.

Getting there

• A twenty minute walk from Ogawa-machi Station to the trailhead.
• Six minutes on foot from the Michi-no-Eki Ogawamachi to the trailhead.

Read more about Mount Sengen

A rugged 1,723-meter peak in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park featuring unique wolf statues and challenging chain-assisted climbing routes.

What it is

• A 1,723-meter mountain in Saitama Prefecture within the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park
• One of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains and part of the Chichibu Sanzan trio
• A sacred site enshrining the deities Izanagi and Izanami
• A mountain primarily composed of hard chert rock that was closed to women until 1914

What to see

• Distinctive wolf statues standing at the shrines instead of traditional guardian dogs
• Akayashio azaleas blooming near the summit during the late spring season
• The Hinata-ohtani trail which serves as the primary climbing route for visitors
• Kiyotaki Hut which provides an unmanned shelter for hikers on the mountain
• The Hach丁 Pass route featuring numerous technical sections with fixed chains

When to go

• Late spring to see the Akayashio azaleas in bloom near the summit

Read more about Mount Ryōkami

A 1,294-meter peak in the Chichibu Range offering forested trails and ridge views of the Urayama district.

What it is

• A mountain standing 1,294.1 meters tall on the border of Chichibu and Yokoze.
• Part of the Chichibu Mountain Range connected to Mount Komochi and Mount Buko.
• A peak surrounded by trees with a ridge line overlooking the Urayama district.

What to see

• The forested summit and the surrounding Chichibu Mountain Range landscape.
• Unotawa, an open depression located between the mountain and Torikubi Pass.
• Views of the Urayama district from the connecting ridge line.
• Mountain vistas including Mount Takegawa to the east and Arima Mountain to the south.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Hanno Station to the Nago bus stop.
• Follow the trail leading from the Bushidaira settlement to the peak.
• Hike for one and a half hours from Tsumasaka Pass to reach the summit.

Read more about Mount Ōmochi

A 2,036-meter peak in Chichibu known as Mount Shiroishi, listed among Japan's 200 famous mountains for dedicated hikers.

What it is

• A 2,036-meter mountain located in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.
• Also known by the alternative name Mount Shiroishi.
• Recognized as one of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains.
• A remote peak situated near Mount Kumotori and Mount Kasatori.

What to see

• Larch plantations and bamboo grass covering the long ridge lines.
• Rhododendron communities growing near the prefectural border.
• A summit marker at the peak, though it offers no scenic views.
• Nitta Hut, which is used for forest management and closed to the public.

Getting there

• The main climbing route begins from Shogen Pass in Yamanashi Prefecture.
• A round trip from Shogen Hut takes eight to nine hours.
• Saitama access routes include Futase Ridge, Hirumeshi Ridge, and Senba Ridge.

Read more about Mount Wanakura

A 305-meter peak in Saitama offering panoramic views of Tokyo and accessible hiking trails for all skill levels.

What it is

• A 305-meter mountain located in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture.
• One of the Kanto 100 Famous Mountains featured in the series Yama no Susume.
• A hiking destination with trails connecting to Takasashi Mountain and Monomi Mountain.

What to see

• Panoramic views of the Shinjuku skyline and Tokyo Skytree from the summit.
• The Kinpira Shrine located along the mountain hiking path.
• A view of the Kinchakuda fields from the trail.
• Steep rocky sections known as Otokozaka for more challenging climbs.
• The Otoiwa and Onnaiwa rock formations where climbing is currently prohibited.

Getting there

• The trailhead is a twenty-five minute walk from Koma Station.
• The summit is reached in forty minutes from the Kinchakuda parking area.

Read more about Mount Hiwada

A scenic 134.9-meter peak in the Hiki Hills featuring a public park with 40,000 azaleas and historic pilgrimage connections.

What it is

• The highest peak of the Hiki Hills standing at an elevation of 134.9 meters.
• A designated Saitama Prefectural Scenic Spot managed as a public park.
• A historic lookout point allegedly used by the general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.
• A site located near Shohoji Temple, the tenth stop on the Bando pilgrimage route.

What to see

• Approximately 40,000 azalea plants spread throughout the park grounds.
• Panoramic views of the surrounding Higashimatsuyama City area.
• The Hinodeya restaurant located directly at the mountain summit.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus departing from Takasaka Station.
• A one-minute walk from the Daito Bunka University bus stop.
• Saitama Prefectural Road 212 provides vehicle access near the summit.

Read more about Mount Monomi

A 2,469-meter peak in the Okuchichibu Mountains offering rhododendron blooms and access to the Toku-chan Shindo hiking trail.

What it is

• A peak standing on the border of Yamanashi and Saitama prefectures.
• Part of the main ridge of the Okuchichibu Mountains reaching 2,469 meters.
• Also known by the name Mount Kumokiri with a triangulation point labeled Hafu.
• A mountain situated between Mount Kobushi and the Karisaka Pass.

What to see

• The Toku-chan Shindo trail which passes directly through the mountain area.
• A summit surrounded by trees that provides a secluded atmosphere without a view.
• Views of Mount Kobushi and Mount Kinpu from a nearby viewpoint.
• The Kobushi Hut located twenty minutes away from the mountain summit.

When to go

• Visit from May to June to see rhododendrons blooming in the area.

Read more about Mount Tokusa

A 1,603-meter peak in the Okuchichibu Mountains offering forest trails and a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the summit.

What it is

• A 1,603-meter mountain peak located within the Okuchichibu Mountains of Chichibu City.
• The name originates from the large and flat shape of the mountain.
• The summit area consists of a small clearing situated within a forest zone.

What to see

• A triangulation station marker and a handwritten wooden board at the mountain top.
• Views of Mount Fuji visible through the trees from the summit clearing.
• Natural habitats of Adonis ramosa flowers along the climbing trail.
• A hiking route that passes through the Hosokubo area and forest roads.

Getting there

• Access the mountain via the Tenmokusan Forest Road.
• A climbing route begins from the Hosokubo area of Chichibu.

Read more about Mount Ohira

A 1,523-meter peak in the Okuchichibu range named by Prince Chichibu, offering mountain views and historical royal reliefs.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing at 1,523.1 meters in the Okuchichibu mountain range.
• Named in 1933 by Prince Chichibu Yasuhito after the local Usnea lichens.
• Also known by the alternative names Mount Kuroiwa and Tsubameiwa.
• Located in Chichibu City within the Saitama Prefecture region.

What to see

• A relief carving of Prince Chichibu and his wife located near the peak.
• The Kirimogamine Rest Area providing a place for hikers to stop.
• Views of the adjacent peaks including Mount Myoho and Mount Shiraiwa.
• The Shiraiwa Hut situated in the area surrounding the mountain.

Getting there

• The peak is accessible by hiking from the direction of Mitsumine Shrine.

Read more about Mount Kirimogamine

A 375-meter limestone peak in Saitama offering forested hiking trails and seasonal flowers within the Oku-Musashi mountain range.

What it is

• A limestone mountain peak reaching an elevation of 375.4 meters.
• Part of the Oku-Musashi range on the border of Hidaka and Moroyama.
• A destination featuring steep slopes covered in dense tree growth.

What to see

• Views of the surrounding landscape visible through the summit woods.
• Wild violets and iris japonica growing along the mountain paths.
• Plum and cherry trees that bloom on the slopes.
• A summit area accessible by both hiking trails and a nearby road.

When to go

• Spring equinox to see the plum and cherry trees in bloom.

Getting there

• Accessible via a hiking course starting from Koma Station.

Read more about Mount Monomi

A 197-meter peak in Hanno offering views of Mount Fuji and historical connections to Emperor Meiji and local anime.

What it is

• A 197-meter mountain in Hanno City originally known as Mount Atago.
• Renamed Mount Tenran after a visit by Emperor Meiji in 1883.
• A featured setting in the popular anime series Yama no Susume.
• Home to diverse local wildlife including giant flying squirrels and badgers.

What to see

• Sixteen Arhat stone statues donated by Keishoin located on the slopes.
• Panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Hanno City from the summit.
• Noninji Temple situated at the base of the mountain.
• The Hannou-tsutsumi azalea species which was discovered here in 1915.

Getting there

• A 20-minute walk from Hanno Station leads to the mountain area.

Read more about Mount Tenran

A 850-meter peak in the Hanno Alps offering panoramic views of Tokyo skyscrapers and the Seibu Dome.

What it is

• A mountain peak with an elevation of 850.9 meters in Hanno City.
• Part of the Hanno Alps mountain range in Saitama Prefecture.
• A point along the Kanto Fureai no Michi hiking trail.
• Located near the Iruma and Koma rivers and Shomaru Pass.

What to see

• Views of the Seibu Dome from the mountain summit.
• Tokyo skyscrapers visible from the peak on clear days.
• Vistas of Mount Asama and Mount Nantai from the top.
• Nearby landmarks including Nenogongen Tenryu-ji Temple.
• A detour route connecting the Otoko-zaka and Onna-zaka paths.

When to go

• Clear days are best to see the distant Tokyo skyline.

Read more about Mount Izu

A 271-meter peak in the Hanno Alps featuring historical graves, a mountain shrine, and a unique bamboo habitat.

What it is

• A 271-meter mountain located on the eastern side of the Okumusashi Mountains.
• Part of a popular hiking trail known as the Hanno Alps.
• Home to the Hanno-zasa bamboo habitat, a Saitama Prefecture Natural Monument.

What to see

• A summit sutra mound containing 12,000 inscribed stones.
• The grave of Edo period official Kuroda Naokuni.
• Ontake Hachiman Shrine located on the southern climbing path.
• Amagoi-ike, a 20-meter wide pond situated near the summit.
• A stone pagoda marking the reported grave of Tokiwa Gozen.

Getting there

• The mountain is accessible from Hanno Station and Koma Station.

Read more about Mount Tōnosu

A 1,329-meter peak in the Okuchichibu range featuring the remote inner shrine of the historic Mitsumine Shrine complex.

What it is

• A mountain peak reaching an elevation of 1,329 meters in Saitama Prefecture.
• One of the three peaks that comprise the Mount Mitsumine area.
• The site of the Mitsumine Shrine Okumiya, the shrine's inner sanctuary.
• A listed peak within the official Mountains of Japan index.

What to see

• The Mitsumine Shrine Okumiya located directly at the mountain summit.
• A traditional stone shrine structure situated at the highest point.
• Views of the surrounding Okuchichibu mountain range and nearby Kirimogamine.
• The natural landscape of the three peaks including Mount Shiraiwa and Mount Kumotori.

Read more about Mount Myōhō

A 875-meter peak in Saitama featuring a former astronomical observatory repurposed into a campground and forestry experience center.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing at 875.8 meters in Saitama Prefecture.
• One of the three mountains known as Hiki Sanzan.
• A former Tokyo Astronomical Observatory station that reopened as a creation center.
• A recreational site featuring a campground and forestry experience facilities.

What to see

• The repurposed astronomical observation station building at the summit.
• A first-class triangulation point located at the highest elevation.
• Hiking trails connecting the peak to Kasayama and Jiko-ji Temple.
• A mountain landscape featured in a Sword Art Online movie.

Read more about Mount Dōdaira

A 2,077-meter peak in the Okuchichibu Mountains offering a challenging hike through the border of Saitama and Yamanashi prefectures.

What it is

• A 2,077-meter mountain located on the border of Saitama and Yamanashi prefectures.
• One of the Yamanashi 100 Famous Mountains and part of the Okuchichibu range.
• A sacred site where the deity Hiryu Gongen is enshrined.
• The primary source of the Obora River, also known as Mount Obora in Saitama.

What to see

• A triangulation point located at an elevation of 2069.17 meters.
• Views of neighboring peaks including Mount Kumotori, Mount Karamatsuo, and Maehiryu.
• Mountain huts in the vicinity including Sanjo no Yu, Kumotori Sanso, and Shogen Koya.

Read more about Mount Hiryū

A 1,921-meter peak in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park known for its distinctive white limestone formations and mountain views.

What it is

• A 1,921.2-meter peak located within the Okuchichibu Mountains in Saitama Prefecture.
• One of the three mountains that comprise the Mitsumine Mountain group.
• A natural landmark situated inside the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.
• A mountain named for the white limestone rocks found at the site.

What to see

• Distinctive white limestone rock formations that give the mountain its name.
• Views of the surrounding peaks including Mount Kirimogamine and Mount Kumotori.
• The exterior of the Shiraiwa Hut which is now closed to the public.

Read more about Mount Shiraiwa