臼杵山

实用信息

• Hiking area
• Under 1 kmfrom Akiruno center
• 3.5 / 52 reviews
• Akiruno

What Makes It Special

Mount Usuki earns its place in the Tokyo 100 Mountains and Tama 100 Mountains lists not by sheer height but by character. The mountain presents a solid, broad profile visible from the surrounding valleys, and its elongated summit ridge gives the trail a sense of grandeur unusual for a peak under 900 meters. The upper section of the Gumi Ridge, connecting Usuki to Hokota Pass, opens onto panoramic views where Tokyo's high-rise district and even the Tokyo Skytree come into sight—a startling juxtaposition of wild forest and concrete skyline.↗↗

Near the summit stands Usuki Shrine (臼杵神社), a small and atmospheric place that enshrines the guardian deity of sericulture and agriculture—a nod to the traditional livelihoods once practiced in these hills. On clear days, Mount Fuji reveals itself from the shrine's vantage point. The ridgeline also passes open areas with radio towers, where the forests of Hinohara Village spread in every direction.↗↗

Hiking Routes

The most classic day hike covers roughly 6 km over about 3.5 hours: ascending from Hokota (荷田子) bus stop via Hokota Pass and the Gumi Ridge, reaching the summit, then descending toward Motogo (元郷) bus stop in Hinohara Village. This point-to-point route passes through dense mixed forest, several steep sections, and the open ridgeline lookout before a final descent through a wildflower-lined stream valley.↗↗

For more ambitious hikers, Mount Usuki forms the first section of the Tokura Three Mountains traverse (戸倉三山縦走), a demanding loop that adds Mount Ichimichi (795 m) and Mount Kariyose (687 m) to the day for a total of over 15 km and 1,300 m of climbing. The relentless ups and downs—especially the root-tangled climbs between peaks—have earned the traverse a reputation as a true test of legs and will. Spring brings mountain azaleas and drifting cherry petals; the views open briefly at logged clearings.↗↗

In March, the area hosts the Hasetune Cup (長谷川恒男CUP), a prestigious long-distance mountain race organized by the Japan Mountain Sports Association, which runs from Tokura Castle Mountain through to Imakuma Mountain—putting these trails in front of hundreds of ultra-runners in a single event.

Getting There

The standard trailhead is reached by taking a Nishi Tokyo Bus from JR Musashi-Five City Station (武蔵五日市駅) toward Hinohara. The Hokota bus stop is about a 17-minute ride for the standard route. The Motogo bus stop, used for the opposite side of the traverse, is reached on the Kazuma-bound buses (routes 五10, 五14, or 五18). From the Motogo trailhead, the climb to the summit takes approximately 1.5 hours.↗↗

Drivers can park at the free Jūriki Parking Area (十里木駐車場, ~30 spots, with toilets) near the Hokota trailhead, though it fills up on weekend mornings. The Shimomotosato village parking area (檜原村営下元郷駐車場) near Motogo is also free and has a well-built cypress restroom. The Harasawa Falls parking lot (~28–30 spots) is a popular nearby option but prioritizes waterfall visitors.↗

Seasons and Conditions

Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) are the most rewarding seasons for views and foliage. Winter hiking is possible without full alpine gear—these are mountains well below 1,500 m—but the north-facing slopes hold snow stubbornly after a single storm, so lightweight crampons (4-point) or traction devices are recommended. The bare canopy in winter actually improves visibility dramatically. Summer brings dense growth that blocks views and heavy heat; bring extra water and trekking poles for the slippery rock sections.↗↗

After the Hike

The Hinohara Village side offers a gentle walk from the Motogo bus stop through traditional farming hamlets. Nearby you will find the Yamano-mise (山の店) souvenir shop and Morinokaze (森の風), a handmade bakery. The scenic Nakayama Falls (中山の滝) makes a rewarding detour. The Sene-no-Yu hot spring (瀬音の湯) is the classic soak after a hard day's walking. At Musashi-Five City Station, local craft beer is available to toast your effort.↗↗