Mount Ryokami : Hiking in Saitama
Travel for almost 3 hours away from Tokyo, and you will reach the trailhead of Mt. Ryokami. Mt. Ryokami (両神山) stands tall at 1,723 meters, earning its place among Japan’s “100 Famous Mountains” (日本百名山). Revered since ancient times as a sacred peak, this mountain offers not only panoramic views but also a sense of spiritual tranquility that few places near Tokyo can match.
What makes Mount Ryokami unique?
Mt. Ryokami is often called the “sacred mountain of two gods”, derived from the kanji 両 (ryō – two) and 神 (kami – gods).
According to legend, two deities reside here, blessing the land and protecting the local people. If you are preparing to hike Mt. Fuji, I personally recommend this mountain as a good starting point for practice. The hike itself is a mix of steep forest trails, rocky ridgelines, and thrilling chain sections, offering a dynamic experience.
One of the Gods residing in Mount Ryokami.
When is the best time to visit?
The best season to visit is April to June and October to November. Please avoid traveling in mid-summer due to high humidity. If you are an experienced hiker, you can level up the thrill and hike in winter. In my case, I visited last October 24, 2025. The weather wasn’t that good when I reached the mountain top.
Standing at the summit with an elevation of 1723.5 meters
The hiking trail
The most common route up to the summit is what they call the Ryokamisan Shrine Trail (両神神社コース).
The distance is approximately 11km round-trip and may take 6-7hours in total back and forth. The trailhead starts near the bus stop, and you will enter an ancient cedar forest. After 15 minutes, you will reach the Torii gate of the trail.
It is believed that mountains are sacred in Japan, and it is a place of worship for the Gods. There’s also a less common approach via Hinata Pass, but the Ryokami Shrine route remains the classic and most scenic.
Getting there from Tokyo
It’s pretty straight forward and here it is:
By Public Transport: (approximately 3 hours travel)
From Ikebukuro Station, take the Seibu Ikebukuro Limited express line reserved seats to Seibu-Chichibu Station (approx. 1 hr 40 min). I personally recommend taking the express because of the convenience, and the train itself is IG worthy. The train is made up of giant windows.
Upon arriving at Seibu Chichibu station, Transfer to a bus bound for Ryokami Onsen Yakushi no Yu. It will be at BUS STOP NUMBER 4. When you arrive at Ryokami Onsen, you will transfer to another bus that is bound for Hinata Oyaguchi.
Hinata Oyaguchi will be the last stop, and the trailhead is a short walk from the bus stop.
Seibu Ikebukuro Limited express line. The train is called “Laview Chichibu.” Notice the wide windows installed.
By Car:
From central Tokyo, take the Kan-Etsu Expressway to the Hanazono IC, then follow Route 140 toward Chichibu and Ogano. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. There’s a small parking area near the Ryokami Tozanguchi trailhead.
My Sample day trip Itinerary
6:50 am - Depart via Seibu-Ikebukuro limited express line (Departure time may vary, so double-check the schedule.)
8:12 am - Arrival (Transfer immediately and head directly to bus stop number 4 because the first trip will depart at 8:20 am) The schedule was based on October 24, 2025, and may change anytime depending on the bus operation company, so please double-check the bus schedule ahead of the trip.
Bus stop number 4 outside of Seibu-Chichibu Station.
8:20 am - Bus ride going to Hinata-ooya (approximately 90 mins ride with 2 bus transfers Seibu-Chichibu station to Ryokami Onsen then Ryokami Onsen to Hinata-ooya. No need to worry because the bus driver will gladly assist you. Just let the driver know that you are heading to Ryokami Trailhead. You will also get a map from the driver as soon as you ride the bus from Seibu-Chichibu station.
9:48 am - Arrival at Hinata-ooya
10:00 am - Start Hiking
12:30 pm - Arrive at the Summit (Take 30 mins break for lunch)
1:00 pm - Descent
3:00 pm - Back to the bus stop Hinata-ooya (I was able to ride the bus departing at 3:10 pm; make sure to get the schedule of the bus before starting the hike.)
4:40 pm - Arrive at Seibu Chichibu Station
5:24 pm - Depart via Seibu Ikebukuro Limited Express line
7:00 pm - Arrive at Tokyo
This itinerary is just a reference from my own experience, but it may still vary depending on your hiking capability and speed.
Final Thoughts
Hiking Mt. Ryokami is not just a physical journey. It’s a step into the spiritual heart of Saitama. The mountain’s quiet beauty, ancient shrines, and adventurous terrain remind you why Japan’s peaks are more than just landscapes. I would say they’re living legends.
If you’re looking for a day trip that balances challenge, culture, and serenity, Mt. Ryokami might just be your next unforgettable climb.
Until the next adventure!
Cheers!
Jeric (Moses)
Where should we go NEXT?
Where should we go NEXT?
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