Magnificent Views of Mt. Fuji and an Adventure on Mt. Kintoki

Hakone is famous for its views of Mt. Fuji, but the best views of Mt. Fuji can be found just outside Hakone, from Mt. Kintoki.

Easily accessible by bus, and with trails that are enjoyable for novices or veteran hikers, Mt. Kintoki is the perfect place for an afternoon adventure outdoors!

Getting to Mt. Kintoki

The best way to enjoy hiking Mt. Kintoki is to start from the Otome Pass trail in Gotemba. Fortunately, there's a bus stop right at the trailhead!

From Shinjuku Station, board the Kosoku Bus and ride to the Otome-Toge bus stop. The trip takes about 90 minutes and tickets cost 1,880 yen. A reservation is required, and can be made at the Expressway Bus website.

Hiking Otome Pass

Once you arrive at Otome-Toge, follow the signs to Mt. Kintoki and the Otome Ridge. It's a gentle half hour hike to the top of Otome Ridge, where you'll find an observation deck and several picnic tables.

If you bring food, this is a great place to enjoy a snack. Please remember not to leave any trash on the trail!

As you hike, you'll have fantastic views of Mt. Fuji, while the observation deck provides a perfect photo op.

On to Mt. Kintoki

After you catch your breath at the top of Otome Pass, it's time to start up Mt. Kintoki itself! The trip to the summit will take between 90 minutes and two hours.

The trail is a mix of gentle and steep terrain; an easy trek for veteran hikers, and a fun challenge for those with no hiking experience.

As you make your way up the mountain, be sure to enjoy the bird's eye views of Hakone and Lake Ashinoko!

Summiting Mt. Kintoki

Atop Mt. Kintoki, you'll find a summit marker depicting Kintaro's axe. Kintaro is a Japanese folk hero for whom the mountain is named.

There is also a bathroom, plenty of seating, and even a small restaurant! Take your time and snap plenty of pictures from the summit.

Once you're ready to start the descent, you can head back toward Otome Pass, or follow the signs for Kintoki Shrine to descend the other side of the mountain.

Heading Back Home

The descent to Kintoki Shrine is shorter than the path from Otome Ridge, and only takes between 60 and 90 minutes. From the Kintoki Shrine bus stop, you can ride directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, a ride on the Limited Express Romancecar train to Shinjuku takes 80 minutes and costs 2,330 yen.

Or, if you'd prefer to take it easy after your hike, Hakone is famous for its hot springs! For more information on local accommodations, check the articles below.

An Adventure on Mt. Kintoki

Considered one of the best places to view Mt. Fuji in all of Japan, Mt. Kintoki is surrounded by beautiful and unique scenery. Hiking this famous trail is a fantastic way to enjoy nature on a day trip from Tokyo, or as part of a trip to Hakone.