If you're in Tokyo and looking for a solid day hike, Mt. Oyama is one of my top recommendations. It’s super accessible without a car, and the views along the way are absolutely worth it. That said, it does get quite crowded on weekends, so plan accordingly.

I usually take the Oyama Cable Car up to Afuri Shrine to start the hike. You can either take a straightforward 3-hour out-and-back route or opt for the full loop, which takes around 4 hours.

The view from Afuri Shrine itself is amazing, but the summit is next level—you can see almost all of Kanagawa Prefecture, including Enoshima.

Trailhead: Oyama Cable Car (Afuri Shrine Station)

Trail Information:

• Length: 5 km loop

• Duration: 4 hours

• Elevation Gain: 600 meters

• Best Season: Spring (cherry blossoms) or Autumn (fall colors)

Route Overview

1. Starting Point: Oyama Cable Car (Afuri Shrine Station)
Take the Oyama Cable Car from the base station to Afuri Shrine Station. Here you can buy snacks and even enjoy lunch.

2. Afuri Shrine to the Summit (~90 Minutes)
From Afuri Shrine, follow the clearly marked trail to the summit of Mt. Oyama. The path is steep with a mix of stone steps and dirt trails. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful cedar forests and occasional viewpoints overlooking the Kanto Plain and even Mt. Fuji.

3. Summit Views
At 1,252 meters, the summit offers panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, Sagami Bay, and Mt. Fuji on clear days. Take a break, enjoy your packed snacks, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. There is a shop on the summit where they sell warm instant noodle but it's rarely open.

4. Loop Trail Descent via the Lower Afuri Shrine (~2 Hours)
The descent follows a gentler path down through lush greenery. Boardwalks and well-maintained trails make this section enjoyable. The trail leads back to the lower Afuri Shrine, where you can take in beautiful views and explore the shrine grounds.

5. Return to Afuri Shrine Station
After descending, you’ll end at the ropeway station. Take the cable car back to the base or descend further by hiking via the Otoko-zaka or Onna-zaka trails for an extended adventure. Be aware that the final ropeway descent is quite early, around 16:30.

Accessibility

• By Train: From Shinjuku Station, you can the Odakyu Line to Isehara Station, then board a bus to the Oyama Cable Car Station. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the cable car base.

• By Car: Parking is available at the cable car station, but it fills up quickly on weekends.

Key Highlights

• Afuri Shrine: A historic shrine known for its role in rainmaking rituals and its spiritual atmosphere.

• Scenic Ropeway: A fun, relaxing ride offering great views before the hike.

• Summit Panorama: Sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Bay, and Sagami Bay.