Last week a friend and I set out climb the highest mountain in Tokyo.

Mt. Kumotori (雲取山) is an accessible peak from the capital, straddling the prefectural borders of Tokyo, Saitama, and Yamanashi. It sits at a height of 2,017 m. Using trains from Tokyo Station, you can be at the base of the peak in about two hours. Driving there will take 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.





It had been about eight years since I’d last climbed a mountain, a pretty long break by any standard. That said, since last year I’ve been training hard lifting weights, and actually this was to be the fourth time I would climb this mountain. I felt like I might be … OK!





A number of routes lead to Kumotori’s summit. We opted for the shortest! Although it’s also regarded as the hardest; the Kamozawa course. For the strong walker, this route will take just over five hours to the summit. Others courses require ten!

Our schedule for the climb …





Kamozawa trailhead: 14:00

5th stage / Campsite: 17:30

5th stage / Set out: 8:00

Kumatori summit: 10:00

Sho-Kumotori / Lunch: 12:00

Kamozawa trailhead:

16:30

Mt. Kumatori - 5th Stage hut, 2nd day Setting out on the Kamozawa trailhead, it wasn’t not long before we entered an area of woodland. Initially a gentle route, the mountain slope became steeper, and after about an hour we were panting heavily with the effort. Sweat poured out of me like a waterfall and we needed to take many breaks. It seemed like a long time since we had set out on the climb and we were yet to arrive at the 5th stage campsite before my eyes became tired.

To add to our woes, we had neglected the fact that you really should be climbing with a headlamp at night. Consequently, we hadn’t packed one. Big mistake! Still, this was my fourth time on the mountain so I was pretty familiar with the route. However, climbing in the dark is dangerous (as if it needs to be said), and next time I’ll be sure to set out on any climb with more time to spare!

Eventually, at about 8 pm we were at the campsite and started cooking our dinner. We were in our sleeping bags by 10. My body was tired, my legs were tired, too, but for about two hours I just couldn’t get to sleep! Note to self! Docomo’s cell phone signal is poor in mountains!