The Highest Point in Tokyo

Posted on 02/22/2022 Last updated on 04/12/2022

Top Photo: Fang Guo (original author)

Quick! What’s the highest point in Tokyo? If you said Tokyo Skytree, think higher. And bigger! The Tokyo “prefecture” includes multiple cities, forests, valleys, and even islands! Of course, this also includes mountains, such as Mt. Oyama. The highest point in Tokyo however is Mt. Kumotori.

Climb Every Mountain

For those who love outdoor activities, Mt. Kumotori (雲取山 or Kumotori-yama in Japanese) is worthy of climbing to the summit at least once. On the list of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, it is a gentle climb even at 2,017 meters.

Mt. Kumotori is one of the water sources of the capital city. As it stretches across several prefectures, it is a long hike to the top. However, it is a very popular mountain, and there are always many hikers except in the dead of winter and midsummer. It is even possible to stay overnight in a mountain hut near the summit.

When I went hiking there on an October weekend, I could not book accommodations. So I made a round trip of around 22.5 km on a sunny autumn day. For those that prefer a slower journey, there is also a camping area with around 30 sites available for 500 yen. Carrying a tent and camping out is the best way to enjoy the sunrise from the summit.

Search High and Low

There are several routes up Mt. Kumotori. I took the Kamosawa Route from Okutama, West Tokyo. Mitsumine Shine Route from Saitama Prefecture is also very popular. The Kamosawa route was 12 km from the trailhead to the peak; however, it did not feel so tough. The route is a gentle slope and it is kept in good condition. Climbing Mt. Kumotori is for those who want a leisurely trip rather than risk life and limb.

On my trip, after 4 hours hiking, I was fortunately blessed with magnificent 360 degree view. Particularly stunning were the snow-capped peaks of the Minami Alps, and a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. I could not help but imagine the brilliance of this place in winter and the lively greenery of spring.

There are hundreds of mountains in Japan, with just a percentage making the top 100. Pack a tent, put on your hiking shoes, and pick one to experience. Where there are mountains, there is nature. And it is beautiful!

Photo Credits:

All photos were provided by the original author (Fang Guo)