Mt. Takanosu

Mt. Takanosu (鷹ノ巣山) is a 1,737m peak in Okutama, Tokyo. One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Kanto, the summit offers sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps. It is also popular as a key point on the Ishi-one ridge traverse and is known as a famous autumn-foliage spot.
From Okutama Station on the JR Ome Line, access the Higashi-Nippara direction by bus. The classic loop course climbs the Inamuraiwa Ridge from Higashi-Nippara, then descends to Mizune via the Ishi-one ridge.

The bus stops at the trailheads are three: “Higashi-Nippara”, “Lake Okutama”, and “Minetani”.
For the outbound, the most common route starts from the Higashi-Nippara bus stop, goes via Mt. Takanosu, and descends to Mizune.

*Timetable last checked: May 17, 2026

1. [Outbound] Okutama Station → Higashi-Nippara bus stop

From JR Okutama Station, take “Oku 20 bound for Shonyudo” or “Oku 21 bound for Higashi-Nippara” and get off at Higashi-Nippara.
On weekdays for “bound for Shonyudo”, get off at Naka-Nippara, one stop past Higashi-Nippara.

Travel time: 24 minutes Fare: ¥530

Bus Timetable Okutama Station → Higashi-Nippara

2. [Outbound] Okutama Station → Mizune bus stop

From JR Okutama Station, take any of the following bus routes and get off at the Mizune bus stop.
“Oku 09 bound for Kamosawa-Nishi”
“Oku 10 bound for Tabayama”
“Oku 11 bound for Tomeura”
“Oku 12 bound for Kosuge-no-Yu”
“Oku 14 bound for Minetani”
“Oku 15 bound for Lake Okutama”

Travel time: 13 minutes
Fare: ¥390

Bus Timetable Okutama Station → Mizune

Reference: [Bus Navi]

3. [Outbound] Okutama Station → Minetani bus stop

From JR Okutama Station, take “Oku 14 bound for Minetani” and get off at the Minetani bus stop.

Travel time: 35 minutes Fare: ¥760

Bus TimetableOkutama Station to Minetani Bus Timetable

4. [Return] Higashi-Nippara bus stop → Okutama Station

From the Higashi-Nippara bus stop, take “Oku 20/21 bound for Okutama Station”.
Travel time: 26 minutes Fare: ¥530

Bus TimetableHigashi-Nippara to Okutama Station Timetable

Reference: [Bus Navi]

5. [Return] Mizune bus stop → Okutama Station

From the Mizune bus stop, take “bound for Okutama Station”.
Travel time: 16 minutes
Fare: ¥400

Bus TimetableMizune to Okutama Station Bus Timetable

Reference: [Bus Navi]

6. [Return] Minetani bus stop → Okutama Station

From the Minetani bus stop, take “Oku 14 bound for Okutama Station”.
Travel time: 36 minutes
Fare: ¥650

Bus TimetableMinetani to Okutama Station Timetable

Mt. Takanosu Hiking Routes, Difficulty & Best Season

Mt. Takanosu is a 1,737 m peak among the 100 Famous Mountains of the Kanto region and one of the finest viewpoints on the Ishi Ridge in Okutama. From the bright ridgeline lined with firebreaks you can look out over Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and the mountains of Okutama.

Main routes

• Mizune (Lake Okutama) → Mutsuishi-yama → Ishi Ridge → Mt. Takanosu: about 19.7 km / cumulative elevation gain about 1,425 m / time about 11 hours 30 minutes / difficulty: hard. A long out-and-back along the bright Ishi Ridge lined with firebreaks, suited to strong walkers. From Mizune there is also a somewhat shorter variation via the Sengen Ridge.
• Minetani → Takanosu-yama Emergency Hut → Mt. Takanosu: a relatively gentle approach from the Minetani bus stop, reaching the summit via the emergency hut.
• ⚠ Inamura-iwa Ridge (Higashi-Nippara): closed since May 2020 following a landslide caused by Typhoon Hagibis in 2019, and currently unusable.

Difficulty & fitness
The physical demand is high and the long walking time makes it suitable for strong hikers. Because the elevation gain is large, a day trip calls for an early start. The trail is well signposted, but water sources on the ridge are scarce, so carry plenty of water.

Best season
From the fresh greenery of spring to the autumn foliage of late fall (roughly April–November) is the most comfortable, and the clear views of late autumn are especially rewarding. In winter snow and ice call for light crampons and similar gear. From early summer through summer, watch out for land leeches in the lower forest.

Highlights
A walk along the bright Ishi Ridge lined with firebreaks, and the sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps from the summit. The mountain is also known for its autumn colours, and the Takanosu-yama Emergency Hut stands on the ridge.