Kannondake

Kannondake (2,840 m) straddles Minami-Alps City and Nirasaki City in Yamanashi Prefecture and is one of Japan’s 100 highest mountains; it is the central, highest peak of the Hōō Sanzan (Mount Jizō, Kannondake and Mount Yakushi).
Its bright ridge of white granite sand and creeping pine is distinctive, and from the summit a wide panorama opens over Mount Fuji, Mount Kita, the Southern Alps and the Yatsugatake range. The usual approach is from Aoki-kōsen via the Nakamichi or Dondoko-sawa trail, with one night at the Hōō Hut for safety. By public transport, take a summer-season climbing bus or a taxi from Nirasaki Station to Aoki-kōsen.

The trailhead is Aoki-kōsen (Nirasaki City, about 1,100 m). The standard route is Aoki-kōsen → Dondoko-sawa (four waterfalls) → Hōō Hut (overnight) → Mount Jizō → Kannondake. It is about 5–6 hours up from Aoki-kōsen to the hut, and about 2 hours 30 minutes from the hut to Kannondake. With about 1,740 m of elevation gain, a fit hiker can do it as a day trip, but a one-night stay at the Hōō Hut is the usual, safer choice.
A popular loop climbs the forested Nakamichi trail (Aoki-kōsen → Mount Yakushi → Kannondake) and descends via Dondoko-sawa. The Hōō Hut (reservations required, ☎0551-27-2466) was rebuilt in 2024 and is open. The season runs from early July to early October, when the white-sand ridge and the views of Mount Fuji and Mount Kita are beautiful. You can also traverse from Yashajin Pass to the south over Mount Yakushi. Always check the latest trail, hut and bus conditions before you go.

*Information last verified: unverified

How to access the trailheads

1. [Outbound] Nirasaki Station → Aoki-kōsen (trailhead)
2. [Return] Aoki-kōsen (trailhead) → Nirasaki Station

1. [Outbound] Nirasaki Station → Aoki-kōsen (trailhead)

The base is Nirasaki Station on the JR Chūō Main Line; from the station-front rotary, take the summer-only “Hōō Sanzan climbing bus” (Kayagatake Kankō Bus) and get off at Aoki-kōsen. In 2026 this bus runs only on weekends and holidays from June 20 to October 12, by full reservation (deadline the day before, capacity 18, ☎0551-25-6262); it does not run on weekdays or outside that period. On weekdays or outside the period, take a taxi to Aoki-kōsen (see below).

Bus timetable ①: Nirasaki Station → Aoki-kōsen (Hōō Sanzan climbing bus, outbound)

Taxi: On weekdays or outside the period, take a taxi from Nirasaki Station to Aoki-kōsen (about 21 km, about 45 minutes, roughly ¥8,500). Nirasaki Taxi ☎0120-69-2235, Kai Taxi ☎0120-280-255; sharing with other hikers is cheaper. By car: Aoki-kōsen has a paid car park (¥800/day). About 40 minutes from the Nirasaki IC on the Chūō Expressway; the last stretch is a dirt forest road.

Reference: [Hōō Hut — Access (climbing-bus times)]

2. [Return] Aoki-kōsen (trailhead) → Nirasaki Station

After descending, take the Hōō Sanzan climbing bus bound for Nirasaki Station from Aoki-kōsen (Aoki-kōsen dep. → Nirasaki Station arr., about 50 minutes). The return also runs only on weekends and holidays, and the last service leaves Aoki-kōsen at 15:45; miss it and you will need a taxi (reserve ahead). The long descent from Kannondake takes time, so allow plenty of margin for the last bus.

Bus timetable ②: Aoki-kōsen → Nirasaki Station (Hōō Sanzan climbing bus, return)

Taxi: Outside the period or on weekdays, call a taxi at Aoki-kōsen (reception is weak, so booking ahead is reliable). Nirasaki Taxi ☎0120-69-2235 and others.

Reference: [Hōō Hut — Access (climbing-bus times)]

Climbing routes and safety notes

Route: Aoki-kōsen → Dondoko-sawa (four waterfalls) → Hōō Hut (overnight) → Mount Jizō (Obelisk) → Kannondake (2,840 m). About 5–6 hours up from Aoki-kōsen to the hut, and about 2 hours 30 minutes from the hut to Kannondake via Mount Jizō. With about 1,740 m of elevation gain, a one-night stay at the Hōō Hut is the usual choice (a fit hiker can do it in a day). A popular loop descends the Nakamichi trail (Kannondake → Mount Yakushi → Aoki-kōsen).

Access and bus: The Hōō Sanzan climbing bus from Nirasaki Station (outbound: Nirasaki Stn dep. 7:10 → Aoki-kōsen arr. 8:00). It runs only on weekends and holidays by full reservation; on weekdays or outside the period, use a taxi.

Ridge and white sand: Around Kannondake the ridge is bright with white granite sand and creeping pine; the white sand (such as Sai-no-kawara) is slippery, and it is easy to lose your balance in strong wind, so take care. Above the tree line, prepare for wind, rain, lightning and cold.

Dondoko-sawa: This is a steep climb along the waterfalls; take care not to lose the route when the water is high or in fog. Check the latest trail conditions with the Hōō Hut (☎0551-27-2466). The hut is reservation-only and, rebuilt in 2024, is open.

Season and gear: The season runs from early July to early October. Carry a map and compass (GPS), rain gear, warm clothing, and plenty of water and food. Bears live in the area, so carry a bear bell.

Emergencies: In an accident, call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/rescue).
・Nirasaki City Hall 0551-22-1111 / Nirasaki Police Station 0551-22-0110

Photo by Alpsdake / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain