Mt Ashiwada

Mt Ashiwada (Japanese: 足和田山) is a Yamanashi hyakumeizan* that rises gently above the Fuji Five Lakes as a long, forested ridge, a mountain known less for rugged terrain than for its superb views of Fuji (富士山) and the lakes below. Its topography is characteristic of the Misaka range with broad, wooded slopes, a rounded summit and a ridgeline dotted with viewpoints such as Koyodai and Sankodai. Because the mountain sits directly north of Aokigahara and west of Lake Kawaguchi, it offers one of the closest and clearest vantage points of Fuji from any peak in Yamanashi.

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Historically, Ashiwada has been part of the network of hills overlooking the Fuji Five Lakes and is associated with rain‑prayer rituals. Shrines and small sacred sites remain scattered along the eastern slopes, reminders of the mountain’s role in local folk religion. 

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The hike from Koyodai is one of the most enjoyable ridge walks in the region, and is the approach I selected. I found it to be a quiet, relaxing walk. Starting from the Koyodai trailhead, the path climbs steadily through quiet conifer forest before emerging at the Koyodai viewpoint, which is a wide, open deck overlooking Aokigahara and Fuji. From here, the ridge continues westward, passing through Sankodai and Momijidai, each offering slightly different angles on Fuji and the lakes. The ascent to Ashiwada’s summit is gentle, with about 500 m of elevation gain, making it accessible for most hikers. The summit itself, known as Gokodai, has an observation platform and a triangulation point, and on clear days you can see lakes Saiko, Shojiko and the full sweep of the Aokigahara forest.

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* 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.)