Mount Kintoki — A Famous Fuji-Viewing Peak Where the Kintaro Legend Lives On

The grand form of Mt. Fuji rising unobstructed from the summit, the legend tied to Kintaro, and an ease of climbing suited even to beginners: Mount Kintoki, rising on the border of Kanagawa and Shizuoka, is a popular peak cherished as the highest of the Hakone outer-rim mountains and as a famous Fuji-viewing peak. Said to be the land where Kintaro grew up, its trails are dotted with legendary spots. After reaching the summit you can also enjoy the hot springs of Hakone, so set out for this peak full of scenery and legend.

Highlights

Mount Kintoki straddles Minamiashigara City and Hakone Town in Kanagawa and Shizuoka Prefecture, at an elevation of about 1,212 meters. It was once called Inohanadake, but came to be called Kintoki after the legend that the strong boy Kintaro (Sakata Kintoki) was born and raised at its foot. Spots linked to Kintaro are scattered on and around the mountain. You can enjoy the climb while imagining the world of Kintaro familiar from folk tales.

The reason Mount Kintoki is praised as a famous Fuji-viewing peak lies in the view from its summit. As the highest peak of the outer rim encircling the Hakone volcano, its summit offers a grand Mt. Fuji rising directly ahead in an unobstructed panorama. Below spread Lake Ashi, Sengokuhara, and the mountains of Hakone, a truly overwhelming view. Especially on clear days with pure air, you can savor Mt. Fuji seen beautifully all the way to its skirts. There is a teahouse at the summit for a rest while gazing at Mt. Fuji.

While offering genuine scenery, Mount Kintoki is popular as a relatively easy climb. The trails are well maintained, making it suitable for families and beginning hikers. However, there are rocky sections and stretches with ropes and chains near the summit, so care is needed. Mount Kintoki lies in the Hakone area. After descending, being able to slowly ease the fatigue of the climb in the famous hot springs of Hakone and Ashigara is another great pleasure unique to this mountain.

Seasonal Highlights

The clear-aired autumn to winter (typically around November to February) is exceptional for sharp views of Mt. Fuji. Spring greenery and the easy-climbing early summer are also recommended. In summer beware of heat and afternoon showers, so an early climb is reassuring. In winter prepare for icy or snowy trails; carrying light crampons and other gear is safer. Climbing in the morning when skies are often clear and reaching the summit before the afternoon clouds is the trick for aiming at Mt. Fuji.

Access and Essentials

• Access: enter from the Hakone and Sengokuhara side (trailheads such as Kintoki-jinja Iriguchi and Sengokuhara bus stops) or from a trailhead on the Minamiashigara side
• From Shinjuku toward Hakone, transfer among Odakyu and buses to the Sengokuhara trailhead; by car there is parking around the trailheads
• The time from trailhead to summit varies by course but is roughly one to two hours each way as a guide
• The summit teahouse has limited operating days and hours, so also prepare food and drink in advance

Practical Travel Notes

The recommended season is the clear-aired autumn to winter, and the best time is the morning when clouds are less likely. Time required is about half a day including the round trip and a rest at the summit. For budget, transport plus food and drink at the teahouse runs from a few hundred to the low thousands of yen. Nearby are many real spots such as the silver grass fields of Sengokuhara, the hot springs of Hakone, and Kintoki Shrine tied to Kintaro, making it easy to pair with a post-hike bath. Hiking shoes, drinks, and rain gear are essential, so prepare for sudden weather changes.

A Word of Advice

Though a beginner-friendly mountain, there are rocky sections near the summit, so wear comfortable hiking shoes. To aim for Mt. Fuji, avoid the afternoon when clouds tend to form and climb in the morning. After descending, easing off the sweat in the hot springs of Hakone, Sengokuhara, or Minamiashigara is the standard finish. For hiking plans, the shorter the daylight season, the earlier you should set out, and keep the itinerary comfortable.

📚 Sources

This information is based on public materials from local governments such as Minamiashigara City and tourism associations, and on on-site guidance and local legend. Set amid mountain nature, path conditions change with the weather. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About half a day to stroll the associated sites
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes for the mountain paths and slopes, plus drinks and a jacket
• Suggested route: Tour the highlights tied to the Kintaro legend mentioned in the article together with the mountain nature
• Access: Mainly by the Izuhakone Railway or by car; check road conditions in advance
• Budget: Viewing is free and up; transport is the main outlay