Mt. Kentoku is a challenging climb in Yamanashi prefecture north of Mt. Fuji with an elevation of 2031 meters. It can be completed as a day trip from Tokyo provided you wake up early and can expect to arrive late. A word of warning – this hike is known for its challenging sections where you’ll have to climb using chains set up on the mountain. It shouldn’t be taken lightly and it’s highly recommended you bring gloves with grip and proper footwear for your benefit.
Access
From Shinjuku station to the trailhead will take about 3 hours and involve two train rides and a bus ride. From Shinjuku station – take the Chuo line to Takao station. From Takao station you’ll have to switch to the local Chuo line heading for Kofu. The station to switch to the bus heading for Mt. Kentoku is Enzan station. Go to the south side of Enzan station and head to bus stop no. Click here to see the timetable for the buses heading to Mt. Kentoku. I did this hike on a weekend in summer and experienced packed trains and bus in the morning as it’s a popular hike.
The Climb
From the bus stop there are two routes to the top. I took the left path which follows the road up to the trailhead where it’s an uphill walk through the forest.
This first part will take about an hour and a half until you reach a mountain hut which has a toilet and seating making it an ideal place for a break. Continue marching up the mountain and once you get above the tree line you’ll hike through a field of pampas grass. There’s a popular spot for hikers to take a break at the top of the field with boulders to sit on before continuing to the final challenging section of the hike.
The last part of the hike is the most challenging. As I mentioned in the beginning of the article – there will be real climbing with your hands. This includes areas with: chains, ladders, rocks, wood, you name it. If it’s a busy day expect lines to form as people will be taking their time climbing through the challenging sections.
The final challenge involves a 20 meter climb with a metal chain up a rock wall with a sharp incline. Take extra caution and once you’re ready – one last push to the top!
After the final climb take a well deserved rest at the summit! On a clear day you can get a great view of Mt. Fuji. The summit has a post as usual with a blue card displaying the elevation to strike a pose with.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the climb!