By Igor Debossan
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| Mt. Kinpu summit |
Believe me, I am from Brazil and I have never experienced a summer like here in Japan. Every morning the temperature gets easily to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and all you want is a pool, a cold drink or to stay cool with an air conditioning. However, if you want to get out from the city heat and humid air, there is a place which combines a comfortable weather and a challenge for those who loves hiking: Mt. Kinpu (金峰山).
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Starting the journey
Mount Kinpu (金峰山) is located between Nagano and Yamanashi Prefecture. It is a beautiful mountain with stunning views of Mount Fuji and a sea of mountains landscape. However, during summer, you can barely see Mount Fuji because of the weather but anyway the rocky cliff top and the greenery will worth it.
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Mount Kinpu is a moderate level hiking trail. It’s placed at #36 out of 123 mountains in Yamanashi, in terms of difficulties ratings. I went there with two of my colleagues and we made it to the top in 2 hours and a half. But I have to be honest: my climbing skills are not the best and we stopped by so many times to take pictures and to enjoy the beautiful rocky and green scenery. If you are lucky, you will be able to see some animals like a deer or even a bear, but do not worry, many hikers are climbing with a bell which make a noise to keep them away from you.
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| Mt. Kinpu summit could be a set for Game of Thrones |
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| Take a picture here to show off you could climb 2,599 meters |
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| Or take a picture doing a PRO-climber pose ... ish |
The summit of the mountain is stunning, before you get there the thick forest gradually disappear as you go further to the top and the path is a rocky ridge line with canyons and you can see Mt. Mizagaki from there. The large boulders at the top made me remember Game of Thrones - they really could shoot something there.
The return leg took about 2 hours. After the hike, the most traditional way to end is to go to an onsen (public bath) and take a long bath in a hot spring. We went to ほったらかし温泉 (Hottarakashi) and enjoyed the hot spring with the view to Kōfu, Yamanashi and Fuefuki. I highly recommend you to find an onsen after the hiking trail. It was just the perfect way to end it.
Despite taking 4 to 5 hours to complete, this hiking trail is an awesome way to get away from the city heat and you will get mentally recharged for your journey. The ending with an onsen is just the perfect relief for your body.
Despite taking 4 to 5 hours to complete, this hiking trail is an awesome way to get away from the city heat and you will get mentally recharged for your journey. The ending with an onsen is just the perfect relief for your body.
Hiking Checklist
- Hiking boots (I did not use it and my feet are suffering until now - 4 days later);
- Suitable clothes for the hike (pants are better to protect from insects and long sleeves shirt from the sun);
- Snacks;
- Water (a lot!);
- Bento box or a good amount of food to eat up there before your descend.
Getting there
From Tokyo, take the Super Azusa Express at Shinjuku Station and get off at Nirasaki Station. Then, take a bus (Mizagaki-Sansou Bound) from stop #2. After the hiking, for Hottarakashi (ほったらかし温泉), take the bus back to Yamanashishi Station and then take a taxi to the onsen. However, the best way to go is by car.
This Mt. Kinpu summit looks wonderful. I had a great time with your post. Hope to visit this. Cheers for sharing this with us.
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