Hiking Mt. Hinatayama

The Sunny Mountain
Located in Hokuto, Yamanashi, Mt. Hinatayama is an easy 1,600-meter hike! It’s a great option for beginners and belongs to the northern part of the Akaishi Mountains, falling between Mt. Kaikomagatake and Mt. Nokogiri. The trail has an excellent mix of inclines and flat areas, and overall it's a comfortable and easy-going climb.

The start of fall in Yamanashi marks the ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking. You can enjoy mild temperatures and pleasant breezes all the way up Mt. Hinatayama. 

The trail goes through the mountains, forests, and has a mysterious fog that many hikers love.

When you reach the top, the mountain transforms into a whole new atmosphere, filled with white sand. As you listen to the sound of rivers flowing in the distance, you can imagine being transported to a freshwater beach. This is truly a remarkable phenomenon to experience on top of a mountain.

The sand you see is actually granite that eroded over time. It’s the same kind that can be found in the Ojiragawa Canyon.

Because of the cloudy weather, the misty photos we took on Mt. Hinatayama just didn’t do the view justice. From the granite shards amidst the sand, to the forest landscapes stretching for miles beyond the horizon—it was all absolutely incredible. 

More Info

Mt. Hinatayama website:
https://www.hokuto-kanko.jp/sp/mt_hinata

(Access to the Yadateishi Trail entrance at 1,200m is 1hr by car on the Chuo Expressway from Kofu Station. It is 25min from the Kobuchizawa Exit, and 30m from the Nagasaka Exit. The closest parking to the mountain entrance is the Ojiragawa Keikoku lot. The closest train stations are Hinoharu, Nagasaka and Kobuchizawa on the JR Chuo Line. Take a taxi from the station.)