Mount Yanbushi (Yanbushi, 2,013 m) sits on the border of Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City and Hayakawa Town in Yamanashi, and is one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains.
The highest peak of “Abe-oku,” the headwaters of the Abe River, its appeal lies in the fireweed meadows on the summit (August) and the wide views of Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps and Mount Zaru. From Shizuoka Station an Abe-line bus reaches the Nishi-Hikagesawa trailhead, from where the climb gains about 1,200 m — an intermediate-to-advanced route.
For public-transport access, take a Shizutetsu Just Line Abe-line bus from JR Shizuoka Station to Shinden (for Nishi-Hikagesawa).
The trailhead is the Nishi-Hikagesawa trailhead (about 800 m, near the Shinden bus stop), with some parking space. The main route is Nishi-Hikagesawa trailhead → Yomogi Pass → Mount Yanbushi (2,013 m) and back, an intermediate-to-advanced route with a standard time of about 6–7 hours and about 1,200 m of climb. The summit is grassy, with wide views of Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps and Mount Zaru, and fireweed in August.
The best season is early summer to autumn (June–October). As the climb is long and buses are limited, an overnight stay at Umegashima Onsen or combining a taxi is realistic. Always check the latest bus times and trail conditions before you go.
*Last checked: June 6, 2026
How to access the trailheads
1. [There & Back] Shizuoka Station ⇄ Shinden / Nishi-Hikagesawa (Shizutetsu Abe line & taxi)
Shizuoka Station on the JR Tōkaidō Main Line and Shinkansen is your base. From in front of the station take an Abe-line bus to Shinden, the nearest stop to the Nishi-Hikagesawa trailhead.
① Shizuoka Station → Shinden (Shizutetsu Abe line [111] for Umegashima Onsen)
Take the Abe-line bus bound for Umegashima Onsen and get off at Shinden; it takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. Shizuoka Station 8:33 is the first useful departure for hikers, and from Shinden you walk on to the Nishi-Hikagesawa trailhead.
② Note (timing): even on the first bus you reach the trailhead around 10 a.m., which can leave too little time for the 1,200 m round trip. An overnight stay at Umegashima Onsen, or combining the taxi below, is recommended.
③ Taxi
To reach the trailhead early, a taxi from Shizuoka Station is reliable.
— Shizutetsu Taxi 054-280-3333
④ Return: after descending, return to Shizuoka Station on the Abe line from Shinden or Umegashima Onsen. There are also services starting from Umegashima Onsen, so check the times to match your descent.
By car: there is parking space at the Nishi-Hikagesawa trailhead. It is about 1 hour from the Shin-Shizuoka IC on the Shin-Tōmei Expressway.
References: [Shizutetsu Just Line Abe line] ／ [Shizuoka City Tourism: Mount Yanbushi]
Trail Guide and Safety Notes
Route: Nishi-Hikagesawa trailhead → Ōiwa → Yomogi Pass → Mount Yanbushi (2,013 m) and back. The standard time is about 6–7 hours with about 1,200 m of climb, an intermediate-to-advanced route. From Yanbushi Pass you can also traverse toward Mount Hakkō. It is a route for strong walkers, with a stream section followed by a steep ridge.
Stream and steep climbs: for a while from the trailhead the path follows a stream with crossings and slippery rocks; watch for high water after rain. Above Yomogi Pass the climb is steep, so pace yourself. Start early when the days are short.
Views and seasons: the grassy summit gives wide views of Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps, Mount Zaru and the Ōya-kuzure landslide. The fireweed in August is the highlight, and from late autumn to spring there is snow and ice. Close the deer-fence gates behind you.
Equipment and emergencies: carry rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp, a map/GPS and plenty of food and water. In an accident or emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).
・Shizuoka-Chuo Police Station 054-252-0110
Photo by Oyama no taisho / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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