Mount Tenran and Mount Tonosu Loop

The Tenranzan-Tonosuyama loop begins at a trailhead near Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line (60 to 70 minutes from Ikebukuro, ¥590 one-way), about a 20-minute walk from the station in Hanno, Saitama Prefecture. No permit is required, and the trail is popular with families and school groups due to its gentle grading. The loop covers about 7.5km, taking in the 195m summit of Mount Tenran and the 344m summit of Mount Tonosu, with total elevation gain of roughly 250m spread across the circuit, making for a comfortable two to two-and-a-half hour outing. The path is a well-maintained dirt and gravel trail through secondary forest, wide and clearly signed for most of its length, with a handful of short, gentle climbs between the two summits rather than one sustained ascent. Shade is consistent through the forested sections, with occasional clearings offering views over the Hanno valley. Mount Tenran holds historical significance as a site associated with Emperor Meiji's visit in the 19th century, commemorated by a small monument near the summit. The trail passes several rest points with benches along the way, and the loop returns close to Hanno Station, making it easy to combine with a stop at local cafes or the town's riverside area afterward. There is no water source directly on the trail, though the proximity to town means hikers rarely carry more than a litre or two. The gentle terrain and short access from Tokyo make this one of the more approachable hikes in the Chichibu foothills for beginners, families, and hikers looking for a half-day outing without technical terrain.