Photo: Σ64, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mt. Kinpu Hiking Guide: Gojōiwa Rock and the Okuchichibu Panorama
A guide to Mt. Kinpu (2,599 m) on the Yamanashi–Nagano border, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Covers the Mizugaki Sansō and Ōdarumi Pass routes, the seasonal Yamanashi Kyohoku bus, and the Ōdarumi forest road, using official information as of October 2026.
This guide is based on official information from Hokuto City, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu and the mountain huts, checked in October 2026. Bus schedules and road conditions change, so always check the official sources before you go.
Introduction
Mt. Kinpu (金峰山, Kinpusan) is a 2,599 m peak on the border between Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures and the signature mountain of the Okuchichibu range. It is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, and you can spot it from far away thanks to Gojōiwa (五丈岩), a huge rock tower just below the summit.
There are two main trailheads: Mizugaki Sansō (瑞牆山荘), a lodge at the end of the bus line, and Ōdarumi Pass (大弛峠), a mountain pass you can drive up to. This guide compares the two.
Mt. Kinpu at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,599 m |
| Location | Hokuto and Yamanashi cities (Yamanashi), Kawakami village (Nagano) |
| Range | Okuchichibu |
| Category | One of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains |
| Main trailheads | Mizugaki Sansō / Ōdarumi Pass |
| Hokuto City grade | 4C (stamina 4 of 10, technical C of A–E) for the Mizugaki Sansō route |
| Best season (Hokuto City) | Mid-May to mid-October; snow from late November to late March |
Things to know first
Season
Hokuto City lists the best season as mid-May to mid-October. The snow season runs from late November to late March, and there is lingering snow from April to late May. Outside the main season you need winter gear and winter experience.
Grade 4C
Under the Yamanashi mountain grading used by Hokuto City, the Mizugaki Sansō route is 4C. "C" means there are ladders or chain sections, places where a mistake could lead to a fall, and some spots without enough signs. You need to be able to read a map.
Don't climb Gojōiwa
Gojōiwa is a rock climb. Without ropes and climbing skills it is dangerous, so enjoy it from the trail.
Afternoon storms
On the high ridge the weather often turns in summer afternoons. Plan to reach the summit in the morning and head down early.
Route 1: from Mizugaki Sansō
This is the route described by Hokuto City. From Mizugaki Sansō you follow the Mt. Mizugaki trail to Fujimidaira Hut, then climb through conifer forest, around Mt. Iimori, to Dainichi Hut (now an emergency shelter, with tent space and a water source nearby).
About 30 minutes above Dainichi Hut is the big Dainichi Rock (大日岩), with a sign and a bench at its base, a good place for a break. Past Sunaharai-no-Atama (砂払ノ頭) comes the key section, Chiyo-no-Fukiage (千代ノ吹上). The right side drops away as a steep cliff, and the trail runs past several small peaks right next to the edge. Some maps mark it as dangerous. Hokuto City says the trail is wide enough to walk without trouble, but you still need to be careful.
- Standard time (Hokuto City): about 4 h 20 min up and 3 h 30 min down, about 7 h 50 min in total
- Elevation difference between trailhead and summit: 1,089 m
- Mizugaki Sansō's own guidance: about 4 h 30 min one way, about 9 h 30 min for the round trip with breaks, and a 5:00 a.m. start for a safe day trip
Route 2: from Ōdarumi Pass
Ōdarumi Pass is the highest pass in Japan that you can reach by private car. The route from the pass goes over Mt. Asahi (朝日岳) to the summit. It is much shorter than the Mizugaki Sansō route, but you start well above 2,300 m, so take it slowly and turn back if you get a headache or feel sick.
I could not confirm official course times or public transport for this route, so plan on a car and check the times with a map app.
Highlights
Gojōiwa and the summit view
Gojōiwa is the symbol of Mt. Kinpu. The flat saddle between the summit and the rock is a popular viewpoint. Hokuto City describes a 360° view: Mt. Mizugaki's rocky ridge with the Yatsugatake range behind it, and the Southern Alps and Mt. Fuji in the distance.
Access
Public transport (Mizugaki Sansō route)
Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu runs the Nirasaki–Mizugaki line of the Kayagatake Mizugaki Den'en Bus between JR Nirasaki Station and Mizugaki Sansō. Hokuto City gives the ride as about 1 h 10 min.
- 2026 operating period: April 4 to November 23
- There are separate weekday, weekend/holiday and special-day timetables. Check the timetable PDFs and the fare table on the official page
- Buses may be cancelled at short notice because of typhoons and other events
With a standard time of about 8 hours, a day trip by bus is tight. Compare the first arrival and last departure on the timetable, and consider staying at a hut if it doesn't work.
By car
- Mizugaki Sansō: from the Sutama IC on the Chūō Expressway, take Prefectural Road 23 (Masutomi Radium Line) past Masutomi Onsen to the free north parking lot of Mizugaki Sansō (40 spaces), about 35 minutes from the IC (Hokuto City)
- Ōdarumi Pass: the prefectural forest road Kawakami–Makioka line runs from the Yanagidaira gate to the pass. Vehicles with 11 or more seats are banned, there is a winter closure, and the speed limit is 20 km/h. The Yamanashi side is paved but has some bumps, and there are spots with risk of falling rocks; the Nagano side is not paved. Parking is limited
- Construction closures in 2026: Yamanashi Prefecture has announced closures of the forest road from 6:00 p.m. on October 28 to 5:00 p.m. on October 29, and from 6:00 p.m. on November 8 to 5:00 p.m. on November 13
Toilets
Yamanashi City lists a toilet at Ōdarumi Pass, by the Ōdarumi Hut parking area. Ask the huts about toilets on the other parts of the trail.
Clothing and gear
The ridge around 2,500 m can be cold and windy even in summer. Always carry rain gear and a warm layer.
- Rain gear (doubles as a windbreaker)
- Fleece or a light down jacket
- Gloves and a hat
- Mid-cut or higher hiking boots
- A headlamp, even on a day hike
- Water and snacks
- A map app and a mobile battery
- Microspikes or light crampons when there is snow
Tips for beginners
- The Mizugaki Sansō route is long: about 7 h 50 min of walking, with 1,089 m of elevation difference. Start early
- Watch out for the altitude: on the Ōdarumi Pass route, turn back if you get a headache or feel sick
- Stay off the ridge in bad weather: it is easy to lose the trail in poor visibility
- Take your time on the way down: that is when tired legs slip
Summary
Mt. Kinpu is the leading peak of Okuchichibu, known for Gojōiwa and its huge view.
- From Mizugaki Sansō: about 7 h 50 min standard time (Hokuto City), or plan on about 9 h 30 min with breaks and a 5:00 a.m. start (Mizugaki Sansō)
- The 2026 bus runs from April 4 to November 23
- The Ōdarumi forest road bans vehicles with 11 or more seats, closes in winter, and has construction closures on October 28–29 and November 8–13, 2026
References
- Hokuto City: Mt. Kinpu course guide (Japanese)
- Mizugaki Sansō: Mt. Kinpu (Japanese)
- Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu: Nirasaki–Mizugaki line timetable (Japanese)
- Yamanashi City: Autumn leaves at Ōdarumi Pass (Japanese)
- Yamanashi Prefecture: Forest road traffic restrictions, Kawakami–Makioka line (Japanese)
- Kinpu Hut (official, Japanese)