Nokogiriyama: Adventure on the Edge
This way up the misty mountain
Experience
If you're searching for a family adventure that blends hiking, culture, and panoramic scenery, Nokogiriyama (Mount Nokogiri) in Chiba is a fantastic choice. We visited with our 8- and 5-year-olds, and they loved every minute of this varied hike—from forest trails to ancient quarry ruins to spotting koi, frogs, and hundreds of tadpoles in quiet pools along the way. It’s the kind of outing where the journey is just as fun as the destination.
Our Recommended Route
Using the map on-site, we started from Point A, parking as close as we could. If you're arriving by ferry, it’s an easy 15-minute walk from the port to the same starting point.
At Point A, you’ll see two options:
A long staircase straight up to the Nihonji Temple entrance
A shaded forest path to the left
We chose the forest path so we could pass by the historic quarry sites—highly recommended, especially for kids who enjoy exploring unique terrain.
We began at 10:30 AM and arrived at Point C (Nihonji Temple entrance) around 12:00 PM, where the paid temple area begins.
Inside Nihonji Temple
Nihonji Temple dates back over 1,300 years and still trains young monks today. Once we entered, the hike shifted from rustic trails to “official” temple stairs—beautiful, but definitely more demanding for little legs.
Before exploring the grounds, we climbed to Hell Creek Point, where a few benches offered the perfect spot for our onigiri lunch.
From there, we descended toward the famous 500 rakan statues—a collection of small stone deities. Originally numbering 1,500, only about 500 remain today. My oldest loved counting them as we walked down.
At the base of the stairs, you’ll reach the jaw-dropping highlight:
The Giant Daibutsu
Carved directly into the mountainside, the 31-meter-tall Buddha is one of the largest in Japan—towering even higher than the Kamakura Daibutsu. Built in 1783 to pray for world peace, it’s both peaceful and incredibly impressive.
We visited on a cloudy day, so Mt. Fuji and coastal views weren’t visible, and the ropeway was closed due to winds. But the cooler weather made the hike manageable, even without the scenery.
Near the Daibutsu you’ll find picnic tables, vending machines, restrooms, and an information desk where you can collect a stamp or pick up a keepsake.
Getting Back Down
After finishing our temple visit, we chose not to retrace the entire hike back. Instead, we walked to the West Management Office near the ropeway’s upper station, where a QR code is posted to call a taxi. One arrived within 20 minutes, and the ride down took about 15 minutes.
We visited on a cloudy May day but plan to return in the fall—the kids loved it, and there’s still more of Nihonji Temple we want to explore.
Logistics
Location:
3504 Kanaya, Futtsu, Chiba 299-1861
Google Maps
Hours:
Nokogiriyama Ropeway
Feb 16–Nov 15: 9:00–17:00
Nov 16–Feb 15: 9:00–16:00
Closed temporarily during bad weather or maintenance.
Nihonji Temple
Open daily 8:00–17:00
No closing days
Restrooms:
No restrooms along the hiking path—use facilities before you begin.
Temple area has standard bidet toilets and vending machines.
Stroller Friendly:
The hike itself is not stroller friendly.
If you drive or take the ropeway up, you may be able to use a stroller around the temple’s upper areas, but ramps are limited.
Shade:
Excellent shade throughout the forest trail.
Temple areas have a mix of sunny and shaded sections.
Time Needed:
We started at 10:30 and finished at the Daibutsu by 14:00.
Nearby:
Mother Farm is a fun add-on if you’re making a weekend trip! Stay overnight and hike Nokogiriyama the next day.
Tips
Driving? Start at the top parking area to save energy for the temple’s many stairs.
Check your route before going up or down any major staircases—ask an attendant if unsure.
Pack a lunch and enjoy it at Hell Creek Point or the picnic tables near the Daibutsu.
Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months.
