Mt. Monogatariyama

Mt. Monogatariyama (物語山, 1,019 m) in Shimonita, Gunma Prefecture is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kantō. A rocky peak typical of western Jōshū, its name comes from a legend that when a mountain castle here fell, its treasures were buried in the giant rock “Membe-iwa” (off-limits to climbers). The trail is satisfying, with steep pitches and scree, and there is plenty to see — Akayashio azaleas in April and the Ashōnen Falls. The summit looks out over Mt. Arafune and the peaks of western Jōshū.
The nearest station is Shimonita Station on the Jōshin Dentetsu line; take the Shimonita community bus to Sun Sports Land-mae and climb on foot from there.

Mt. Monogatariyama is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kantō. By public transport, change to the Jōshin Dentetsu line at JR Takasaki Station, then from Shimonita Station take the Shimonita community bus (Ichinokaya Line) to Sun Sports Land-mae. From the bus stop a forest road leads to the trailhead, and a steep climb reaches the col and the summit of Mt. Monogatariyama (1,019 m). The community bus is shared with school services and runs infrequently, so consider a taxi as well.

*Timetable last checked: September 7, 2026

1. [Outbound] Shimonita Station → Sun Sports Land-mae → Mt. Monogatariyama (community bus + on foot)
2. [Return] Sun Sports Land-mae → Shimonita Station
3. Routes, recommended plans & area info

1. [Outbound] Shimonita Station → Sun Sports Land-mae → Mt. Monogatariyama (community bus + on foot)

The gateway is Shimonita Station on the Jōshin Dentetsu line (change to it at JR Takasaki Station). From the station, take the Shimonita community bus (Ichinokaya Line) to Sun Sports Land-mae, about 20–25 minutes, a flat 200 yen for adults. From the bus stop a forest road walk of about 60 minutes reaches the trailhead (signposted), and a steep climb through forest of about 60 minutes leads over the col to the summit of Mt. Monogatariyama (1,019 m).
The community bus is shared with school services and runs infrequently; the table below shows the weekend/holiday hiking service recommended by the Shimonita Tourism Association. If the times do not fit, a taxi from Shimonita Station (arranged in advance) to Sun Sports Land is the reliable option.

Bus timetable: Shimonita Station → Sun Sports Land-mae (Shimonita community bus, Ichinokaya Line)

Reference: Shimonita Tourism Association — Monogatariyama hiking

2. [Return] Sun Sports Land-mae → Shimonita Station

After descending, take the Shimonita community bus from Sun Sports Land-mae back to Shimonita Station. The descent from the trailhead takes about 90 minutes. Return services are also limited, so plan around the departure below or arrange a taxi.

Bus timetable: Sun Sports Land-mae → Shimonita Station (Shimonita community bus, Ichinokaya Line)

Reference: Shimonita Tourism Association — Monogatariyama hiking

3. Routes, recommended plans & area info

Standard plan (Sun Sports Land out-and-back): Sun Sports Land-mae → forest road (about 60 min) → trailhead → col → summit of Mt. Monogatariyama (1,019 m, about 60 min) → descent (about 90 min), about 4 hours of walking. A little west of the col is the West Peak; the East Peak with the survey marker is the main summit.
Highlights: the legendary giant rock Membe-iwa (off-limits — view from a distance only), the Ashōnen Falls, and Akayashio azaleas in mid-to-late April. There are steep pitches, scree and narrow rocky sections — take care of falls.

Reference: Shimonita Town — community bus fares & timetable

Photo by Yoshi Canopus / CC BY-SA 4.0