Mount Daibosatsu: A Scenic Ridge Adventure and BEST spot to see Mount FUJI.
Mount Daibosatsu (2057m) is one of those rare mountains that offers high-alpine views without demanding a high-alpine level of difficulty. Just a couple of hours from Tokyo, this peak gives you open ridgelines, changing landscapes, and a quiet, refreshing escape from the city. With smooth terrain and world-class vistas, it’s the kind of mountain that welcomes both seasoned hikers and motivated beginners alike.
The image was taken on December 7, 2025. Scenic view of Mt. Fuji on clear skies.
What Makes Mount Daibosatsu Unique?
What sets Mount Daibosatsu apart is the breathtaking scenery. Instead of a single viewpoint, the entire hike becomes a balcony of wide ridges, windy passes, and long stretches where you can see Fuji in full shape.
The mountain also shifts moods as you walk from tranquil cedar forests at the start, open ridgeline panoramas near the peak, and gentle woodland paths on the descent.
Another highlight is its point-to-point nature. You can traverse from Marukawa Pass to Kai-Yamato without looping back, giving the hike a sense of progress and exploration rather than repetition. This makes it one of the most satisfying day hikes in Yamanashi.
When is the best time to visit?
Mount Daibosatsu rewards you differently depending on the season, but for the best combination of comfort and visibility, spring and autumn are unbeatable. My first hike was on December 7, 2025, and it was definitely the best part of my hiking journey of the year 2025.
The hiking trail
Daibosatsu Toge-Tozanguchi bus stop → Marukawa Pass Mountain Hut
The hiking trail will start 15 minutes walk from Daibosatsu Toge-Tozanguchi (大菩薩峠登山口) drop off point. The trail begins with a calm forest ascent.
Trailhead entrance heading to Marukawa Pass.
The terrain here is forgiving, making it a smooth warm-up. You will pass by an old Mountain hut which you will be greeted warmly by the host Tadaki-San.
This is the mountain lodge at Marukawa Pass. As soon as you enter the place, it will instantly bring you back to the past.
After a short break, restart your hike, and enter a forest area going up. After an hour of hike, the trees begin to thin, and the ridgeline gradually reveals itself. Voila, you reach the mountain peak of Mt. Daibosatsu.
Daibosatsu Peak → Daibosatsu Pass
This is the most iconic part of the hike. The trail opens wide, the winds pick up, and you walk above the treeline with Fuji standing clearly to the south. The views shift as you move, giving you dramatic angles and a sweeping sense of space. It’s the kind of ridge walk that makes this mountain famous.
Took a scenic view shot for Kelly from Taiwan. Her first mountain peak adventure out of 100 famous mountains in Japan.
Daibosatsu Pass → Kai-Yamato Station
At your descent you will reach the bus stop at the entrance of Daibosatsu pass. The last bus schedule from this point is at 3:45 pm (As of December 7,2025) and may be subject to future changes so please check the bus schedule prior to your hike schedule. The bus will take you directly to Kai-Yamato Station where you can ride the JR line going back to Tokyo.
Getting there from Tokyo
It’s pretty straightforward, here it is.
By public transport
Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Enzan
From Enzan, reach the Marukawa Pass trailhead by bus.
Take the south exit and head to the bus stop number 3 as of December 7, 2025. Take the bus bound for “大菩薩峠登山口 (Daibosatsu-tōge Tozanguchi)” or “大菩薩の湯 / 登山口行き”.
The bus will drop you at the “Daibosatsu-tōge Tozanguchi” bus stop (登山口). From there, you walk along a paved road/forest road to reach the actual trail entrance.
My Sample day trip Itinerary
06:00 – Depart Shinjuku via JR Chuo Line
07:45 – Arrive at Enzan Station
08:00 – Bus to Marukawa Pass trailhead
08:30 – Start the hike
10:30 – Reach Mount Daibosatsu Peak
11:00 – Continue along the ridge toward Daibosatsu Pass
12:00 – Lunch at the pass with open-ridge views
13:00 – Begin the descent to Kai-Yamato side
15:00 – Arrive at the road, Catch the bus bound to Kai-Yamato Station
15:30 – Train back to Tokyo
17:00–17:30 – Arrive back in Shinjuku
Final Thoughts
Mount Daibosatsu is the kind of hike that stays with you, not because it’s extreme, but because it manages to combine accessibility with unforgettable scenery. Whether you’re building your list of Yamanashi hikes, chasing new ridge walks, or simply escaping the city for the day, this trail delivers everything a great day hike should. Stunning landscapes, smooth paths, and a sense of discovery from start to finish.
Until the next adventure!
Cheers!
Jeric (Moses)
Where should we go NEXT?
Where should we go NEXT?
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