Tokyo's best mountain hikes: Mt Jinba

Mt Jinba, located along the border of Kanagawa and Tokyo, stands at 857 metres, and is separated from the peak of Mt Takao by a westward trail that traverses two mountains and four passes. In a theme that you'll see developing throughout this article, the mountain is one of the '100 Mt Fuji Viewing Spots in Kanto', its summit offering not only a view of the country's tallest peak, but also of Mt Tanzawa, Mt Dai Bosatsu, the Okuchichibu range, the Akaishi range (better known in Japan as the Minami Alps), the Nikko range, and even the skyscrapers in Shinjuku. In addition to the impressive view, the mountain’s peak is also home to a dubious, somewhat phallic statue of a white horse.

Each to their own.

To reach Mt Jinba, take the Nishi Tokyo Bus headed for Jinba Kogen Shita from the bus terminal one at the North exit of Takao Station (Keio and JR lines), and get off at the terminus. Begin your ascent at the entrance to the hiking course and follow the trail for approximately 90 minutes to reach the peak. If you want our advice, once you’ve climbed the mountain, take a second Nishitokyo Bus heading to Takao Station Kitaguchi, get off at Yuuyake Koyake and head towards Yuuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato for a relaxing bath (500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children until 4.30pm; towels are available for 200 yen each).