Mt. Oyama (1,252m) in the Tanzawa range has been a sacred mountain pilgrimage site for over 1,200 years. The main trail passes the Oyama Afuri Shrine and continues through cedar forest to the summit with panoramic views over Sagami Bay and Mt. Fuji.
Mount Oyama (1,252 metres) in the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park is one of Kanagawa Prefecture's most historically and scenically significant mountains, drawing pilgrims and walkers for over twelve centuries. Located in the Tanzawa range above Isehara City, the mountain is accessed by taking the Odakyu Line to Isehara Station, then a bus (approximately 30 minutes, ¥330) to the Oyama Cable Car base at Oyama Cable Shita stop. The cable car (¥1,010 one-way, ¥1,920 round-trip adults) reduces the lower approach, though the full ascent on foot from the base is also possible. No permits are required.
From the cable car mid-station at Afuri Shrine Station (695m), the main hiking trail continues for approximately 2.5 kilometres through cedar and hardwood forest to the summit, gaining 557 metres. The trail surface combines stone steps — repaved in sections — compacted earth, and exposed roots. Gradient is sustained and demanding, particularly in the final 400 metres below the summit, classifying the full route as moderate to strenuous. Trekking poles are useful; light hiking boots are recommended due to the rocky steps. The descent can follow the same main trail or a quieter alternative route via Miné-no-Yakushi.
The cable car base area is flanked by Koma-machi street, lined with tofu restaurants, souvenir stalls, and tea houses operating a culinary tradition dating back several centuries. Oyama tofu (豆腐) prepared from local spring water is the area's signature food, and most hikers incorporate a meal here before or after the climb. The mid-station Oyama Afuri Shrine (lower shrine), dedicated to the rain deity Ryujin, is an impressive timber structure perched on the mountainside with sweeping views over the Isehara plain and Sagami Bay.
At the summit, the Oyama Afuri Shrine (upper shrine) occupies the 1,252-metre peak. On clear days, Sagami Bay, the Miura Peninsula, and Mount Fuji are all visible. No mountain huts exist on the route, but a drinking water fountain is available near the lower shrine. The trail is very popular during autumn foliage season (mid-October to mid-November) and can be extremely congested on weekend afternoons; weekday visits are strongly preferred during that period.
Trail facts
- Best season
- April–May, October–November
Highlights
- Oyama Afuri Shrine (mid-station)
- Ancient pilgrimage atmosphere
- Summit views to Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay
- Autumn maple foliage
Tips for visiting
- Take the cable car to the Afuri Shrine (1,000 JPY) then hike to the summit. Tofu dishes at the base are a hiking tradition.
When to visit
Spring (late April to early May) and autumn (mid-October to mid-November) are the most rewarding seasons, with spring cherry blossoms on the lower approach and vivid maple foliage in autumn. Clear winter days from December through February also offer excellent Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji summit views with significantly smaller crowds.
Accessibility
The Oyama cable car is accessible from the base station to Afuri Shrine Station, where the grounds and paved approaches of the lower shrine can be visited. The hiking trail above the cable car mid-station is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, featuring sustained stone steps, uneven root terrain, and steep gradients throughout. Visitors unable to hike to the summit can still experience the Oyama Afuri Shrine and mountain views from the cable car mid-station.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Mount Oyama from Tokyo?
Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Isehara Station (approximately 70 minutes by express), then a bus to the Oyama Cable Car base. The Odakyu Isehara Oyama Freepass covers the train and bus and is sold at Shinjuku station.
Is the cable car necessary, or can the full route be hiked on foot?
The cable car is optional. Most hikers take it up to Afuri Shrine Station and walk from there to the summit. The full foot ascent from the base adds considerable elevation and distance; allow 5–6 hours round-trip if skipping the cable car entirely.
How long does the hike take?
From the cable car mid-station (Afuri Shrine Station) to the summit takes approximately 1.5–2 hours one-way depending on pace. Allow 4–5 hours total for a round-trip including the shrine visit and a rest at the summit.
What is the traditional food at Oyama?
The Koma-machi street at the cable car base is renowned for Oyama tofu, made from the mountain's spring water and served in various preparations including tofu steak, tofu dengaku, and tofu nabe at numerous family-run restaurants.
When is autumn foliage at its peak?
The maple and zelkova foliage on Mount Oyama typically peaks in mid-to-late November. The trail and cable car are extremely crowded on weekends during this period; weekday visits are strongly preferred for a quieter experience.