Mt. Minoyama

Mt. Minoyama (蓑山, also “Mino-yama,” 581.5 m) straddles Chichibu and Minano in Saitama Prefecture and is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kantō. An isolated peak rising from the Chichibu Basin, its summit forms Minoyama Park, whose observation deck commands a sweeping panorama of Mt. Bukō, Mt. Ryōkami and the Chichibu range, with a sea of clouds on early spring and autumn mornings. With 8,000 cherry trees (the “Yoshino of Kantō”), azaleas, hydrangeas and autumn colours, it is a popular mountain also listed among Japan’s Top 100 Night Views.
The nearest stations are Oyahana and Wadō-Kuroya on the Chichibu Railway; the summit is reached on foot from either.

Mt. Minoyama is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kantō. The trailheads are Oyahana and Wadō-Kuroya stations on the Chichibu Railway, and the summit with Minoyama Park (581.5 m) is reached on foot, about 1 hour 40 minutes one way. The route from Wadō-Kuroya passes Hijiri Shrine and the Wadō ruins, linked to Japan’s ancient Wadōkaichin coinage. You can also drive up to the summit car park.

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1. [Outbound] Oyahana / Wadō-Kuroya Station → Mt. Minoyama (Minoyama Park) (on foot)
2. [Return] Mt. Minoyama → Oyahana / Wadō-Kuroya Station
3. Routes, recommended plans & area info

1. [Outbound] Oyahana / Wadō-Kuroya Station → Mt. Minoyama (Minoyama Park) (on foot)

The gateways are Oyahana and Wadō-Kuroya stations on the Chichibu Railway. From Oyahana Station it is about 1 hour 40 minutes on foot to Minoyama Park on the summit, on a mix of paved road and mountain path. From Wadō-Kuroya Station it is also about 1 hour 40 minutes, by way of Hijiri Shrine and the Wadō ruins (linked to the ancient Wadōkaichin coinage). Minoyama Park at the summit has an observation deck, a shop and toilets, and is especially lively in cherry-blossom and hydrangea season.

Reference: Saitama Prefecture — access to Minoyama Park

2. [Return] Mt. Minoyama → Oyahana / Wadō-Kuroya Station

To descend, retrace your route to Oyahana or Wadō-Kuroya Station. Using Oyahana for the way up and Wadō-Kuroya for the way down (or vice versa) makes a varied loop taking in Hijiri Shrine and the Wadō ruins. Trains on the Chichibu Railway are infrequent, so check departure times in advance to match your descent.

Reference: Minano Tourism Association — Minoyama Park

3. Routes, recommended plans & area info

Standard plan (station-to-station traverse): Oyahana Station → Mt. Minoyama (Minoyama Park, 581.5 m, observation deck) → Wadō-Kuroya Station (via Hijiri Shrine and the Wadō ruins), about 3 hours 30 minutes of walking. The trail is gentle with few hazards, suitable for beginners and families.
Flower-viewing plan: drive or take a bus up to the summit and enjoy the cherry blossoms (April), hydrangeas (late June to early July) and sea of clouds on a popular half-day outing.

Reference: Saitama Prefecture — Minoyama Park

Photo by toriichi3 / CC BY 3.0