1 Day: Oyama Afuri Shirne from Tokyo

Tony Xia - (YamaTrips.Japan)
Itinerary created by
Tony Xia
What you’ll do

Highlights

  • A perfect balance of light hiking, cultural exploration, and natural beauty.

  • Stunning views and a rich spiritual history at Oyama Afuri Shrine.

  • Enjoy Oyama Tofu and other local delicacies at Koma Sando, before or after your hike.

  • Optional summit hike for more adventurous visitors, though the shrine alone offers incredible views and experiences.

Perfect For

  • Beginner to intermediate hikers: Light trails with optional summit hikes.

  • Nature lovers seeking a serene and rewarding day trip.

  • Those interested in Japanese history and spiritual heritage.

Accessing Oyama Afuri Shrine

  1. From Shinjuku Station:

    • Take the Odakyu Line (Rapid Express) bound for Isehara Station (~50 minutes).

  2. From Isehara Station:

    • Exit and board the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus at Bus Stop #4 to the Oyama Cable Car Station (~30 minutes).

  3. Oyama Cable Car:

    • Take the cable car to Afuri Shrine Station, where you can explore the stunning Oyama Afuri Shrine.

    • Stop at the midway Niju-sancho Station to visit the temple area if you wish.

Best Activities

  • Oyama Afuri Shrine: Known for its panoramic views and spiritual atmosphere, the shrine is the highlight of Oyama.

  • Koma Sando: A charming area filled with shops and restaurants where you can try the famous Oyama Tofu.

  • Optional Summit Hike: For the adventurous, hike to the summit for even more breathtaking views. The trail is manageable but not mandatory, as the beauty of the shrine itself is worth the trip.

  • Midway Temple Area: Explore temples and tranquil spots at the Cable Car’s Niju-sancho Station.

Budget

  • Approx. 10,000 yen per person (including transportation, food, and entry fees).

Best Months to Visit

  • Year-round: The area is beautiful in all seasons, but May–June and October–November are especially stunning.

Tips

  • Bring cash for local shops.

  • Snow is possible in winter months (January–February).

  • There are several accommodations near the cable car station where you can stay the night.

Why Visit Oyama?

  • Rich History:
    Oyama Afuri Shrine is steeped in history and offers a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions.

  • Cultural and Natural Diversity:
    From hiking trails to sacred sites, Oyama provides a blend of physical activity and cultural discovery.

  • Accessibility:
    Just 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station, Oyama is an ideal day trip for Tokyo-based travelers.

8:00 Take the train from Shinjuku Station to Isehara Station, then transfer to a local bus bound for Oyama Cable Car.
Total Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

1

Koma-sando (Mt. Oyama)
Koma-sando (Mt. Oyama)
Historic shopping street connecting Oyama
Category
Shop

57 m (0 mi)

10:00 Discover the area with a variety of street food, sit-down restaurants, souvenir shops, and even walking sticks available for purchase.

2

Oyama-Cable Station
Oyama-Cable Station
Scenic cable station near Mt. Fuji
Category
Public Transport
Est. Price
$
Transport Type
other

7.4 km (4.6 mi)

26 min

11:00 After getting off the cable car near Oyama Afuri Shrine, explore the area filled with charming ramen shops, ice cream stands, and souvenir shops offering unique items like walking sticks. Take your time to enjoy the scenic viewpoints overlooking Kanagawa, Enoshima, and the coast, perfect for capturing beautiful photos. Along the way, visit historic shrines and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.

3

Oyama Afuri Shrine
Oyama Afuri Shrine
Scenic mountain shrine in Japan
Category
Historic

12:00 Hike to the summit of Mt. Oyama and enjoy a delightful lunch while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views. Although there is a ramen shop at the summit, its operating hours can be unpredictable, so it’s recommended to call ahead or bring your own food to ensure a relaxing meal with a stunning backdrop. The roundtrip takes between 3~5 hours depending on the route.

4

Mt. Oyama
Mt. Oyama
View of Kanagawa Prefecture including Enoshima
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
3-4h

6.6 km (4.1 mi)

23 min

17:00 Take the cable car back down and savor a meal featuring the local specialties of the area.

5

Oyama Tofu Mushintei
Oyama Tofu Mushintei
Tofu-centric dining in Oyama
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
japanese

23 m (0 mi)

19:00 For a day hike, you can return to Tokyo the same way you came, but if you wish to extend your visit, consider staying overnight at a nearby ryokan to fully immerse yourself in the area’s charm.

6

This one is optional

Tougakubou
Tougakubou
Cozy cafe with delicious coffee
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$