Japan Tourism / Enjoy Ridgeline Walk to 4 Peaks in Kanagawa Pref. Mountain Park; Scenic Views along Hikes Where Famous Monk Once Trained
Mt. Fuji, peaks of the Tanzawa mountain area and the cityscape of Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, are seen from the observation pavilion atop Mt. Gongen.
HADANO, Kanagawa — 'I want to enjoy a ridge walk!'
That is what I was thinking when I headed to Mt. Kobo in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture. Legend has it that famous Buddhist monk Kukai, also called Kobo Daishi, trained on this sacred mountain. Historical places linked to him are scattered around the area. The ridge of the mountain leads to that of others nearby, such as Mt. Sengen and Mt. Gongen. The whole area operates as Koboyama Park.
I started the trip at Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line. Near the station is Kobo no Shimizu (Kobo's fresh water), an abundant natural spring. I filled my water bottle with the spring water (Spring water is natural water that has not been disinfected, and thus the water may be unsafe to drink.), which was mild and tasty.
People walk on a path along Mizunashi River in Hadano, which leads to the trailhead of the mountain road, with Mt. Sengen seen in the background.
Then I crossed a bridge over the Kaname River and arrived at the trailhead of the mountain path. The first destination was Mt. Sengen, a 196-meter-high peak. From the start, the path was a winding one, with ascending steps that gradually tired my legs. But, each time I saw Mt. Fuji through the trees, I got more motivated, thinking, 'OK, come on!' When I reached the peak, a stunning view of Mt. Fuji appeared before my eyes, as if it was a reward for overcoming the first challenge. I took a break to catch my breath.
A breaded ham sandwich (¥280), left, and a round French-style bun with cheese (¥220) at Sympathie, a bakery in Hadano.
I then headed to Mt. Gongen, the highest peak in the park at 243 meters. As the route is mostly a gentle ridgeline, hikers can walk leisurely and enjoy the feeling of sunlight coming through the trees. The summit of Mt. Gongen is spacious. From a large observation pavilion, it is possible to view the prefecture's Tanzawa mountain area, Enoshima Island and even the Boso Peninsula in the distance beyond Sagami Bay. The 360-degree panorama view was simply breathtaking. Here I stopped to have lunch; I had bought some bread at Sympathie, a bakery near the train station. The bread, very popular among locals, together with the famed spring water restored my strength.
This pavilion dedicated to Kukai, or Kobo Daishi, enshrines a statue of the famous Buddhist monk. A well called Chichi-no-Ido (the well of breast milk) is found nearby.
Once I was full, I began walking on a straight path called Bashamichi, meaning 'carriage way,' where it is said local horse races took place in the old days. Pondering the history of the place, I continued along the ridgeline and reached Mt. Kobo, a 235-meter-high peak. Amid the solemn atmosphere on the summit stood a pavilion dedicated to Kobo Daishi and a bell tower. While a well called Chichi-no-Ido (the well of breast milk) appeared defunct, there are several drink spots along the path to rehydrate.
A man walks on the tree-lined ridgeline, which leads to Mt. Azuma.
Koboyama Park ended here. I walked down the gently descending path. From the 125-meter-high summit of Mt. Azuma, I could look down at the cityscape of Hiratsuka and Chigasaki in the prefecture. Feeling that I was approaching the secular world below, I grew a little sad, but quickly descended the last leg of the journey to go to the Tsurumaki Onsen spa resort.
'Right. I'll relax in the hot spa!'
I dipped my tired feet in hot water at the Kobo-no-Satoyu bathhouse and recalled the day's hike. The route was easy, the views fantastic, and at its end I could soak not only in the hot spring, but also in the sense of satisfaction.
Japan Tourism is presented in collaboration with Ryoko Yomiuri Publication, which publishes Ryoko Yomiuri, a monthly travel magazine. If you are interested in the original Japanese version of this story, click here.
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