Mt Kenashi

Mt Kenashi (Japanese: 毛無山), meaning “bald mountain,” sits quietly on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, a forested peak included in the nihyakumeizan* and the Yamanashi hyakumeizan** that offers one of the finest views of Mt. Fuji anywhere in the region. It’s a mountain of steady, honest climbing with no dramatic ridges or volcanic formations, just long, steep forest trails that reward persistence with an unforgettable summit panorama.

 

Access comes from two trailheads. The more popular route begins at the Kenashiyama car park near the Asagiri campsite, where hikers can quickly gain height through dense woodland. The alternative, longer course from Lake Motosu is quieter and more atmospheric, passing through deep forest before joining the main ridge. Both routes are steep, both are shaded, and both feel wonderfully secluded. The mountain can mostly be climbed year‑round, though snow can make the upper slopes slow and slippery, and sometimes impassable.

 

The summit itself is modest, but the view is anything but. Mt Fuji rises directly across the valley, close enough to dominate the entire horizon. On a clear day, the mountain appears immense with its symmetry perfect and its slopes rising in a single sweep from the forests below. Because of this proximity, the Fuji view from Kenashi is among the best you can find, and I strongly recommend choosing a day with stable weather.

 

I’ve climbed Mt Kenashi several times, and each visit has felt like a satisfying workout. It’s steep enough to be challenging, quiet enough to be refreshing, and I’m always rewarded by that magnificent view of Japan’s most iconic peak. It’s a mountain that proves how powerful a simple forest climb can be when the summit delivers something extraordinary.

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* 200 famous mountains of Japan

** 100 famous mountains of Yamanashi

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)