Mt Kinpu

Mt Kinpu (Japanese: 金峰山) is one of the great mountains overlooking the Kōfu Basin. It's a hyakumeizan* and Yamanashi hyakumeizan** that combines accessibility with a sense of high‑mountain grandeur. It’s also one of the most popular peaks in the region, climbed mainly from the northern and southern approaches. I usually visit in February, when the skies are clear, the crowds thin out and snow smooths the rocky upper slopes into a quiet, gleaming landscape. Winter transforms Kinpu into something sharper and more beautiful, and some of the views toward Mt. Fuji are outstanding.

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My preferred route is the longer approach from the Mizugaki Sansō mountain hut. The trail rises steeply through forest, occasionally opening to glimpses of nearby Mt Mizugaki (瑞牆山), the Yatsugatake range or the distant South Alps. As you gain height, the ridge line appears suddenly and dramatically. On a clear winter day, the views from this ridge are breathtaking. Note that the road to this approach gets frozen in winter and you need to prepare accordingly. The trail from Odarumi pass to the south of Mt Kinpu is also impressive and much shorter. However, the forest road there is steep and long, and it's only accessible in the green season.

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Kinpu can be deceptive. Even after reaching the ridge, there are still a series of ups and downs before the summit finally comes into reach. The distance feels longer than it looks, and the mountain demands patience. Near the top stands Gojo‑iwa, a sacred rock formation that hikers are forbidden to climb. Its presence reminds visitors that Kinpu is not only a place of scenery but also of spiritual significance.

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I return to Mt. Kinpu every year, mostly in winter. The combination of crisp air, deep snow and expansive views to Mt Fuji makes it one of my favourite hikes in Japan.

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* 100 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.)