Tokyo presents a travel conundrum. It’s the world’s largest city (by some measures), and yet several destinations within day-trip distance of it are at least as interesting as the city-proper.
And I’m not just talking about Kamakura or Nikko, even if these places are fabulous. Today, specifically, I’m here to talk about Nokogiriyama, known in English as Mt. Nokogiri.
Now, you’ve probably never heard of this place, so I’m going to outline in detail how to take a Mt. Nokogiri day trip from Tokyo. And, if you’re still on the fence about whether or not you should visit, inspire you to go in the first place!
How to Get to Mt. Nokogiri
Reaching Nokogiriyama from Tokyo is easy—there are two basic options. If you plan to travel entirely via transportation, you’ll first ride the JR Sobu Line from Tokyo to Chiba (or the JR Chuo-Sobu Line from Shinjuku to Chiba), then the JR Uchibo Line (with a transfer in Kimitsu) to Hama-Kanaya Station. Both the Nokogiriyama trailhead and ropeway base station are a short walk from here.
A better option, in my opinion, is to rent a car at Chiba Station and drive from there. This allows for a more flexible day—you can explore the rest of Chiba-ken, after your morning at Mt. Nokogiri—and even better, it isn’t expensive. You can take advantage of a 1 dollar casino deposit and, whether or not you win big, you won’t be out much money when it comes time to pay your rental car bill.
What to Do on Your Nokogiriyama Day Trip
Hike to the top
In my younger years, I enjoyed the hike up from sea level to the top of Mt. Nokogiri. It’s an easy, enjoyable trail, and while it “officially” takes 90 minutes, I used to make it up in 60 or less. It’s an even faster journey on the way down (though harder on your knees, the older you get); it takes around an hour to explore everywhere once you finally reach the top.
(Or ride the ropeway)
Speaking of getting older, I almost exclusively ride the Nokogiriyama Ropeway, but not because I’m no longer fit enough to do the hike (I very much still am). Rather, it’s because the Tokyo to Nokogiriyama journey takes so long, especially without a car; I simply don’t want to waste time. There’s too much else to do near here!
Say your prayers at stone statues
As you might or might not know, Nokogiriyama was originally a stone quarry, which is evident when you arrive and see hillsides with vast amounts of rock cut neatly out. However, they didn’t simply take the stone and leave nothing in return. Rather, they carved a towering Kannon images, as well as Japan’s largest stone Buddha.
Enjoy the view (if the weather is clear)
Known as Jigoku Nozoki in Japanese, Hell Point Peak is a must-visit for any Mt. Nokogiri itinerary. It’s obviously most impressive on a clear day, when it gives you the chance of seeing Mt. Fuji over Tokyo Bay. On the other hand, even if it’s cloudy, rainy or hazy, the observation deck is only a few minutes off the main trail—you have nothing to lose.
Eat namero for lunch
Before heading back to Tokyo, make sure and sit down at one of the restaurants on the way from the ropeway base station back to Hama-Kanaya Station. Specifically, I recommend eating namero, a type of fish tartare (held together with the flavor powerhouse that is white miso paste) that’s particular to Chiba-ken (though you can find it in Tokyo in the future, if you like it here!).
Other Things to Do in Chiba Prefecture
Chiba prefecture, as I’ve written about pretty extensively on this site, is something of a treasure hidden in plain sight, in spite of its proximity to Tokyo:
- Explore Chiba City, including the retro-futuristic Chiba Urban Monorail, which is suspended below its tracks.
- If you come in June, visit Suigo Sawara Ayame Park to see the largest collection of irises in all of Asia.
- Speaking of Sawara, its Edo-era canals make it a beautiful destination no matter the month of the year.
- Enjoy some of Japan’s best beaches, including Byobu-ga-ura, dramatic cliffs on Chiba’s east coast where you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
TIP: Read my detailed post about how to take a Chiba day trip from Tokyo for even more travel inspiration!
Other FAQ About Visiting Mt. Nokogiri
Is Mount Nokogiri worth visiting?
Mount Nokogiri is absolutely worth visiting! While I recommend making sure to go on a sunny day so you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji across Tokyo Bay, the rock-hewn Buddha and Kannon images are beautiful in any sort of weather.
How long does it take to hike Mount Nokogiri?
It should take you around 90 minutes up and 60 minutes down to reach the Mt. Nokogiri summit from Hama-Kanaya Station, plus at least an hour to walk around once you get to the top. Keeping in mind transit time from Tokyo, you should plan on spending all day here if you plan to go by train.
How much does it cost to go to Nokogiriyama Ropeway?
The Nokogiriyama Ropeway costs ¥650 one-way, and ¥1,200 for a round-trip. Unless you are a completely passionate hiker, I’d recommend that you take the ropeway in at least one direction, if only to save time for other activities in Chiba.
The Bottom Line
Even if you’ve never considered taking a Mt. Nokogiri day trip, I hope I can change your mind. For starters, you’re unlikely to encounter many (or any) foreign tourists here, whether you hike up from the bottom, or ride the Nokogiriyama Ropeway. Indeed, the experience itself is fabulous, whether you prefer former quarries with Buddhist imagery carved into them or, on a clear day, the view across Tokyo Bay. This is to say nothing, of course, of how fabulous (and underrated) the rest of Chiba prefecture is. Need personalized help planning your Japan trip? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today!
