— A Simple Journey with Stunning Mt. Fuji Views and the Warmth of Rural Japan
🎒 Recommended For
If you want an easy hike with great views of Mt. Fuji —
light gear, no heavy backpacks, just a relaxed walk —
then this is the perfect trail.
Maybe you’ve thought,
“Climbing mountains sounds tough, but I’d like to see Mt. Fuji at least once.”
or
“I just want a casual walk with my dog in nature.”
Then trust me — Mt. Ōno hiking is absolutely worth it!
💬 In Short: Mt. Ōno is the Perfect “Just Right” Mountain
Light gear, short trail, and a stunning view of Mt. Fuji —
few places offer such balance.
I started my hike from Yamakita Tsuburano Park,
and even though Mt. Ōno stands only 723 m,
it’s filled with gentle beauty —
golden pampas grass, friendly locals, and wide open skies.
I brought my Shiba Inu Momiji 🐕 along,
and it turned out to be the ideal “easy but fulfilling” hike.
🗺️ Mt. Ōno Hiking Info
| Item | Details |
| 🏔️ Mountain | Mt. Ōno (大野山) |
| 📍 Location | Yamakita, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| 🚗 Access (Car) | Start from free parking at Yamakita Tsuburano Park (about 25 cars) 📍 神奈川県立 山北つぶらの公園（Kanagawa Prefectural Yamakita Tsuburano Park） |
| 🚃 Access (Train) | JR Gotemba Line “Yamakita Station” → 90 min walk or town bus toward Kyōwa no Mori |
| ⏱ Duration | Round trip 2.5–3 h (one way 70–80 min) |
| 📏 Elevation | 723 m / gain approx. 320 m |
| 💪 Difficulty | ★☆☆☆☆ – Beginner / Family friendly |
| 🌸 Best Seasons | Autumn (Susuki fields) / Spring (Cherry blossoms + Fuji view) |
| 🚻 Toilets | Available at parking area and summit – clean and well maintained |
| 🪑 Rest Areas | At entrance, midpoint, and summit with benches & water |
| 🐕 Pet | Allowed (on leash) |
| 💰 Cost | Free entry / Free parking |
🚗 Starting from Yamakita Tsuburano Park
A free parking lot makes it easy for drivers.
From there, the trail gently climbs about 2.6 km,
taking 70–80 minutes to reach the summit.
Even with light shoes and casual wear, you’ll be fine.
And as you walk, pampas grass waves in the autumn wind,
the golden field shining like a movie scene.
💧 Rest Spot Before the Climb
Next to the parking lot, there’s a rest area with water, benches, and toilets.
Clean, quiet, and perfect for stretching or preparing before you start.
It gives a small-town comfort that says, “Take your time.”
🎅 Trail Charm #1 – “Stump Santas” Greet You
Just minutes into the hike, you’ll spot wooden Santas carved from stumps 🎅✨.
Each one has a unique face and hat, hidden here and there along the path —
like a mini treasure hunt created by the locals.
You can feel their kindness:
they want hikers to smile while walking through the woods.
That’s the kind of warmth that defines Mt. Ōno.
🏡 Trail Charm #2 – Yamasaki’s Handmade Goods
Halfway up, a small wooden stand appears —
a local unmanned shop labeled “Handmade by Yamasaki-san.”
Inside:
- Kiwi jam 🍈
- Ginger preserves
- Yuzu marmalade 🌿
- Dried shiitake 🍄
Each jar has a handwritten tag and an honesty box made from an old can.
It’s the nostalgic charm of a countryside lifestyle —
simple, honest, and full of heart.
It reminded me that this mountain isn’t just nature —
it’s a part of people’s daily lives.
🐇 Trail Charm #3 – “Same Height as Tokyo Skytree!”
At around 634 m elevation, a wood-carved rabbit stands beside a sign reading:
“Same height as the Tokyo Skytree!”
I laughed out loud.
This “Sky Rabbit” has become a small landmark —
a morale booster for tired hikers.
There’s even a bench and a great view.
Perfect spot to breathe deeply and smile.
🌾 Pampas Grass and Mt. Fuji — The Golden Viewpoint
Then suddenly, the forest opens up —
and Mt. Fuji appears beyond a glowing field of pampas grass.
The golden waves sway in the breeze,
blending with the snow-white peak and deep-blue sky.
It’s a breathtaking sight —
and proof that Mt. Ōno belongs among Kanagawa’s Top 100 Fuji View Spots.
The summit area is spacious with benches everywhere,
perfect for a picnic lunch while gazing at the mountain. 🍱
⛩️ Summit — A Place of Prayer and Peace
At 723 m, the summit holds a small stone shrine dedicated to the mountain god.
A white post reads:
“Pray for Safe Climbing – Minami-Ashigara Tourism Association.”
I clasped my hands, whispering thanks for a safe day.
It felt like a meeting point of faith and nature —
a gentle sacredness unique to rural Japan.
🪑 Rest Areas and Facilities
- Trailhead (Tsuburano Park) – Toilets + water + tables available
- Midpoint (634 m area) – Bench + panoramic view
- Summit – Wide open grass area with many benches
Everything is well maintained and clean,
making it comfortable even for beginners or families.
⚠️ Tips & Precautions
- Check parking gate hours in advance.
- Watch for narrow forest roads when driving.
- Some slippery sections – wear good shoes.
- Take it slow and watch the weather.
- From spring to autumn, bring bug spray and long sleeves for leeches.
If you go prepared, the mountain rewards you with calm joy.
🏞️ Why Mt. Ōno Feels Special
I saw a flyer for the Ōno Mountain Outdoor Winter Festival.
It listed locals, police, and NPOs working together —
and I realized: this isn’t just a hiking spot.
Mt. Ōno has five faces, all living in harmony.
| Perspective | Why It’s Special |
| 🌿 Nature | Pastures and Fuji views |
| 🕰 History | Ancient mountain faith and shrines |
| 🍯 Culture | Handmade warmth and local shops |
| 🏫 Education | Used for school hikes and disaster drills |
| 🤝 Coexistence | People and nature living together |
🌟 Mt. Ōno — A Living Satoyama of Kanagawa
Mt. Ōno in Yamakita Town isn’t just a hiking trail —
it’s a living community within nature.
Wood-carved art, local jams, and an old shrine all line the trail.
At the summit, pastures and faith coexist with tranquility.
Here, you can feel the connection between people and the land.
It’s a mountain that breathes —
a harmony of people, nature, prayer, learning, and coexistence.
🐕 Personal Impression
It was easy, yet profoundly moving.
Momiji wagged her tail the entire way,
Mt. Fuji looked majestic,
and the pampas grass shimmered like golden silk.
Mt. Ōno isn’t just a mountain to climb — it’s one that moves your heart.
For a 50-something guy and his dog,
it offered the perfect blend of ease and meaning.
If you’re looking for a simple, soulful walk with a big reward —
Mt. Ōno is your place.
📍 Yamakita Tsuburano Park (Start Point)
- ⏱ 2.5–3 hours round trip
- 🌸 Best season: Autumn (for Susuki) / Spring (for Fuji + cherry blossoms)
- 🎒 What to bring: Water, light snack, and a smile
Next weekend, why not feel the warmth of rural Japan at Mt. Ōno? 🌿
Related Reads (3 Picks)
- Proved in the Rain — A 50s Hiker’s Challenge in Tanzawa
Gear, mindset, and lessons learned from hiking in the rain — the perfect “next step” after Onoyama.- From the End of the Tanzawa Forest Road to Fudō Falls — A Quiet Streamside Walk
A short, peaceful course along a mountain stream — perfect for those who loved Onoyama’s calm vibe.- Walking in Silence — From Uratakao to Mt. Kobutsushiroyama
For those who seek both mountain views and tranquility — a serene alternative to crowded trails.
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