Spot: Takatoriyama
Date Visited: May 18, 2019
More than hiking, Takatoriyama is a destination for rock climbers, given that there’s a dedicated spot in the mountain where people practice. For people want an easy day hike from Tokyo, however, Takatoriyama also has a relatively easy trail, albeit with a few narrow paths and steep slopes that some may find challenging.
Takatoriyama Hiking Trail
Jinmuji Station
The hike starts at Jinmuji Station of the Keikyu Line. This a mostly a residential area, but as you follow the asphalt road, you will see signs pointing to Jinmu-ji and Takatoriyama.
School Zone
You will find a school along the path. Normally, I wouldn’t consider this a landmark or a point on the trail, but when I did this hike in May, the school was decorated with carp streamers, making for a lovely photo op. The grounds were also decorated with funny scarecrows, even one with beloved tennis player Naomi Osaka’s face on it.
Jinmuji Temple
The forest trail begins after the school, and the slopes are mostly gentle, with a few narrow paths here and there. You’ll reach Jinmuji as you continue on, marked with a row of jizo statues and a bell.
Steep Boulder Path
The trail is pretty much straightforward so getting lost will not be an issue. However, one portion of it did make me want to turn back because I was scared to cross it.
It’s a little bit hard to see from the photo above but this boulder was the most challenging part of the trail for me because there walking space can barely fit a foot at a time, and you’ll have to hold on to the chain for support. I’ve seen braver, fitter hikers cross it quickly, but it wasn’t the case got me.
Takatoriyama Park
You’ll soon reach Takatoriyama Park after this where you’ll see wall climbers scaling and rappelling down smoothed out cliffs. You’ll also see an enormous Bodhisattva chiseled off a cliff wall.
Oppama Station
Follow the signs leading to Oppama Station to exit the mountain. Once you’ve gotten off the mountain path, you’ll pass by Zushi’s residential area before you reach the station.
Takatoriyama Hiking Information
Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate
Mountain Height: 139 meters
Average Hiking Time: 2 hours
Best Time to Hike: All year round, no remarkable seasonal sights
Fare: JPY 1,152 round-trip fare from Shinagawa Station to Jinmuji or Oppama Station
Access: Jinmuji Station; Oppama Station
