Mount Kinpu

What it is

• A 2,599-meter mountain on the border of Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures.
• One of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains located within a national park.
• Site of the Kinzakura Shrine main sanctuary and former quartz mining operations.
• A natural divide between two major river systems also known as Koshu Mitakesan.

What to see

• The Gojo-iwa, a massive and distinctive rock formation at the summit.
• The Kinzakura Shrine main sanctuary building located at the highest point.
• A zone of dwarf stone pines surrounding the summit area.
• Panoramic views from the peak across the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.

When to go

• During the climbing season when bus services are operational.
• Daylight hours suitable for hiking the mountain trails.

Getting there

• Buses run to Mizugaki Sanso and Otarumi Pass during the climbing season.
• Hiking trails to the summit begin from Mizugaki Sanso and Kawakamidaira.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.