Selected as one of the 100 famous flower mountains! Enjoy trekking at Tenjo Mountain in Kozushima, Tokyo
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Located in the center of Kozushima, an island in Tokyo, Mount Tenjo is a low mountain with an elevation of about 572m, but it is a course that you will never get bored of, with a variety of plants that change with the seasons, breathtaking scenery that has been selected as one of Tokyo's New 100 Vie...
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Where is Kozushima?
Kozushima is one of the Izu Islands, an isolated island off Tokyo. It takes just 45 minutes by plane from Tokyo, and you won't believe it's in the same Tokyo area. The island is rich in nature and has a unique historical culture, and there are plenty of attractive spots to visit. This time, we will introduce trekking up Tenjo Mountain, the highest mountain on Kozushima, which has been selected as one of the 100 famous flower mountains.
Please see the article below for how to get to Kozushima.
Spectacular views only available on the island! The appeal of trekking on Mount Tenjo
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of an island is the ocean, so some people may find "island trekking" a surprising activity.
Located in the center of Kozushima, Mount Tenjo is a low mountain with an elevation of about 572m, but it is a course that you will never get bored of, with a variety of plants that change with the seasons, breathtaking scenery that has been selected as one of Tokyo's New 100 Views, and beautiful white sand. And the best part is the spectacular 360-degree view of the ocean!
It is well maintained so that even beginners can enjoy it, but it is also an attractive trekking course that will satisfy even advanced hikers.
Best time to trek on Mt. Tenjo
The best times to trek Mt. Tenjo are spring and autumn.
Both the seasons offer ideal weather for trekking.
In spring, from around May, the Oshima azaleas reach their peak and you can see their vibrant red and pink flowers.
Autumn is also a fun season to walk around looking for small, cute flowers such as gentians and Saxifraga fortunei.
It is possible to climb the mountain in summer and winter, but the sun is very strong in summer and there is almost no shade due to the nature of Tenjo Mountain, so you need to be physically fit. Bring plenty of water and be well prepared before climbing.
It is very windy in winter, and the winds can be as strong as typhoons at the summit. Even on a clear day it can be dangerous, so please check the weather with the local people on the island before climbing and be careful not to force yourself to do so.
By being safe and well prepared, you can enjoy the spectacular views to the fullest!
Trekking courses and sights
If you want to enjoy it over the course of a whole day, the standard course is about 5 hours in total.
Here we will introduce some of the highlights of the course.
A detailed course introduction (in English) can be found at the link at the end of this chapter.
There are signs along the course with directions, but most of them are written in Japanese only, so it's a good idea to get a mountain climbing map (available in English) from the tourist association or somewhere similar before starting on the day of your trek.
Please be aware that there are some areas where mobile phone signals do not reach.
The start is at the Kuroshima trailhead
There are two trailheads: Kuroshima trailhead and Shiroshima trailhead.
We recommend starting from the Kuroshima trailhead.
There is also a bus from the village to the trailhead.
From the Kuroshima trailhead, the path is somewhat sloping, so it will be a little easier to use this for climbing.
The road is so steep that it feels a little tough, but if you turn around you'll see a magnificent view of the blue ocean! There are benches here and there so you can take a break while you go!
It's like the surface of the moon!
Suddenly, a desert appears that looks like something out of Star Wars!
We're in the mountains, but there are no trees! Let's continue on our way through this mysterious landscape.
Also pay attention to the plants growing in this place; they all seem quite small...
If you see a heart shape, you're lucky! Fudo Pond
After a lot of rain, this is your chance to see the spectacular view of Heart Pond!
There aren't many days when the water forms a perfect heart shape, so you're extremely lucky if you can see it!
The dragon god is enshrined on the middle of this pond called Fudoike.
There are benches nearby and the only toilet on the trek, so this is a good place to have lunch.
This toilet has a very interesting system, so please read the instructions carefully and definitely give it a try!
A spectacular 360° ocean view from the top of Mt. Tenjo
Beyond the jagged rocks is the summit.
You can look out over the ocean in all directions, a spectacular 360-degree view!
You can enjoy scenery that can only be found in the island's mountains.
This is truly the joy of climbing mountain on the island.
Hairanai gasawa, a sacred place that appears in mythology
From the summit, we recommend descending towards the Shiroshima trailhead.
The open land at the 10th point on Shiroshima is called "Hairanai gasawa" and is said to be the place where the gods held a meeting, which also appears in the most famous myth of the island, "Water Distribution Myth." You must never step into the depression. Walk along the ridge course and enjoy the magnificent view of Maehama that spreads out below you.
In spring, the Oshima azaleas bloom around here and it is very beautiful.
Go through the forest and descend to the Shiroshima trailhead
From around the 8th point, you will gradually head further into the forest.
The route is covered in beautiful green moss and tall trees that you hadn't seen before.
Be careful at the 6th point. There is a path to the road, a parking space, and a toilet here, but if you continue on the concrete road, you will end up in a long detour. Let's continue on the hiking trail that goes into the forest.
There is a box where you can return your walking sticks, but from here on the slope becomes slippery with fallen leaves and moss, so if you are walking down to the first station, it is best to keep your walking sticks with you all the way to the end.
There is a torii gate halfway through the forest, and you can encounter a very mystical view. There is also a temple called Nachido nearby, so it is a good idea to take a break and say hello to the Buddha.
Preparation and precautions
Mt. Tenjo is managed and maintained by the islanders, so it is an easy trekking course even for beginners.
However, because the area is so rich in nature, you should not take it lightly. Make sure you are well prepared and enjoy it safely.
＜Preparing your clothes＞
- Wear long sleeves and long pants even in summer.
Caterpillars (Japanese oak moths) appear especially in the spring, and are so dangerous that just touching the hairs on the skin can cause itching.
・Wear hiking boots or sports shoes.
Even though the path is easy to walk on, it is still very dangerous to wear sandals or high heels.
- A backpack or other bag that leaves your hands free. Since you will often be walking up steep slopes, make sure to bring a bag that leaves both hands free.
＜Preparing your belongings＞
・Sufficient drinks and snacks on the go
As mentioned in the previous chapter, there is little shade and it can be particularly hot in the summer. Make sure to bring about 1.5 liters of drinks per person. Also, once you leave the village, there are no vending machines or shops at the trailhead. Make sure you are prepared before heading to the trailhead.
・Raincoat or jacket:
The weather at the top of the mountain can be cold, windy, and subject to sudden fog or rain, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket. It's dangerous to climb with an umbrella.
It is important to never push yourself too hard.
If the weather is unfavorable, postpone the activity to the next day. If you feel unwell or become ill during the activity, cancel immediately.
There are many places on the mountain trail where mobile phone signals do not reach, so if something happens you will not be able to call for help.
In addition, there are only one clinics on the island, which may not be able to adequately treat emergency injuries or illnesses.
I understand that you may feel like you really want to go since you've come all this way, but please don't force yourself.
If you feel it is unsafe, be prepared to turn back immediately.
We will suggest courses based on the weather and your level! If you want a place to stay where you can ask us anything, come to Vacation House FamiliA!
At Vacation House FamiliA , a B&B on Kozushima , you can look at a map together upon arrival and discuss plans for your stay.
For those who want to try trekking Mt. Tenjo but are worried about unfamiliar mountain climbing, we can introduce courses to suit your needs, such as taking a taxi to the 6th point or a tour with a guide.
Of course, if you're going to eat in the mountains, we also provide recommendations.
Also, after trekking, nothing beats a soak in a hot spring!
Familia offers a shuttle service even in the evening when there are no buses, so you can relax and soothe your tired body.
Please also read the following article to find out more about Vacation House FamiliA.
Written by
FamiliA, LLC operates ``Vacation House Familia'' on Kozushima, and engages in activities that go beyond the realm of lodging in order to convey the charm of the region and preserve its culture. In January 2024, the Kozushima tourism app [Marutto! Kozushima] released! The app provides a completely new sightseeing experience with two functions: ``Kozushima Sugoroku game (Snake and Ladders)'', which allows you to learn more about the island before a travel, and ``Dramatic Audio Guide'', which can only be experienced by those who have visited the site. Of course, this app is available in English. We aim to let customers not only from Japan but also from overseas know the true beauty of Kozushima and create opportunities for them to become friends with the island's people.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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