Tokyo's best mountain hikes: Mt Kumotori

One of the ‘100 Famous Japanese Mountains’ (and you thought we'd run out of lists) boasts the highest point in Tokyo, a staggering 2,017 metres, top to bottom. Located along the borders of Saitama, Yamanashi and Tokyo, Mt Kumotori is notable for its view of Mt Fuji and the Minami Alps. If you're an inexperienced hiker, rather than trying to climb the mountain in a single day, you might find it easier to spread the trip over two days by staying a night in one of the mountain huts along the way. If you're feeling fairly supple, however, the easiest option for a day trip is to approach it from the Yamanashi side.

To reach Mt Kumotori, take a Nishi Tokyo Bus from JR Okutama Station headed for Kamosawa Nishi, and alight at Kamosawa, in Tabayama Village. The entrance to the climbing trail begins here, though you should expect to walk for about four and a half hours to reach the peak. Leading through a Japanese cedar forest, the trail starts out relatively flat, though that doesn't last long. You'll put in some serious muscle work before the Nanatsu Ishiyama routes and Bunazaka routes diverge. Whichever path you choose – and both have their visual merits – take it slow and steady and watch out for wild animals along the way. Monkeys and deer are not uncommon.