Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Mount Nabewari is a mountain in the Tanzawa Mountains located in Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture, with an elevation of approximately 1,273m. It belongs to Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park (Omote-Tanzawa region) and is one of the popular hiking mountains in the Kanto region due to its easy access from central Tokyo. There are various theories about the origin of the mountain's name, but it is said to come from its "topography resembling a broken pot" or an old legend, and is beloved despite the uncertainty.
The greatest attraction of Mt. Nabewari is the famous "nabeyaki udon" served at the mountain hut "Nabewari Sanso" near the summit. It is a standard gourmet dish for climbers and is perfect for a cold day or as a lunch to give you a sense of accomplishment. The view is excellent, and on clear days you can see Mt. Fuji and the surrounding Tanzawa mountains. You can enjoy the charms of each season: the fresh greenery of spring, the alpine plants of summer, the autumn leaves, and the snowy scenery of winter.
Highlights
- Nabeyaki Udon at Nabewari Sanso: The piping hot nabeyaki udon served at the sanso is a specialty. There are often long lines, and the udon sometimes sells out, so make sure you have plenty of time.
- View from the summit: On a clear day, you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji, the peaks of the Tanzawa Mountains, and Sagami Bay.
- Ridge walking and rocky areas: The route is varied with moderate ups and downs, steep climbs, and rocky areas, giving you a sense of accomplishment from climbing.
- Alpine plants and seasonal scenery: The scenery changes with the seasons, from flowers in spring to summer, to autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.
- Base for traverse courses: Many climbers combine this with traverse routes to Tonodake and Tanzawa Mountains.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- The nearest major stations are Hadano Station (Odakyu Line) and Shibusawa Station (Odakyu Line). Both are easily accessible from Shinjuku.
- Local buses and taxis: To get from the station to the trailhead, it is common to use local buses such as those operated by Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu or taxis. Please note that some bus routes have limited service, so please check the timetable in advance.
- Main trailhead: The most common starting point is the Nabewariyama trailhead in the Tozawa or Futamata area. Some people also traverse from Okura via the Omoteone ridge and Tonodake.
- Access by car: Accessible from the Hadano side via prefectural roads and forest roads. There is parking near the trailhead, but the number of spaces is limited, so we recommend arriving early on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.
- Note: The number of buses, traffic restrictions on forest roads, and availability of parking spaces change depending on the season and year, so please check the latest information in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Tozawa-Futamata course (round trip): Approximately 3 hours to climb, 2-2.5 hours to descend, approximately 5-6 hours round trip including breaks.
- Traverse from Okura to Tonodake and then to Mt. Nabewari (loop): Depending on your physical strength, this may take 8 to 12 hours or more. If you are doing a day trip, plan accordingly.
- Staying at the summit: It is safe to plan to stay for 30 minutes to an hour or more, including nabeyaki udon and breaks.
- Beginners and those at a leisurely pace: Plan to allow 6 to 8 hours round trip.
Nearby spots
- Tonodake/Tanzawayama: A popular route with many climbers who traverse it together with Nabewariyama.
- Mt. Oyama: A sacred mountain representative of Tanzawa, where you can visit and take the cable car.
- Koboyama Park: A hiking spot in Hadano City where you can enjoy the scenery in a short amount of time.
- Hadano Togawa Park/Hadano Visitor Center: Convenient for gathering information and refreshing yourself before and after climbing.
- Hadano Onsen (Kobo no Satoyu, etc.): Recommended for bathing after hiking and recovering from fatigue (please check the facility's opening hours in advance).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets especially crowded on weekends and holidays, and nabeyaki udon often sells out or there are long lines. We recommend leaving early or planning your hike on a weekday.
- Mountain hut hours and payment: Mountain huts have limited opening hours, and some meals are cash only. Please prepare cash and coins.
- Equipment: Hiking boots, rain gear, warm clothing, snacks, plenty of water, and a map (or GPS) are essential. In winter, you'll need crampons and warm clothing.
- Weather changes: The weather in Tanzawa can change suddenly. Please check the weather forecast and do not push yourself too hard.
- Avoiding getting lost and stamina: There are elevation changes and steep climbs, so allow yourself plenty of time. Bring a headlamp (in case of delays in descending the mountain).
- Environmental conservation and etiquette: Always take your trash with you and take precautions in advance as there are limited toilet facilities on some trails. Collecting plants and feeding animals are strictly prohibited.
- Wild animals: Deer and wild boars may appear even near human settlements. Do not provoke or feed them, and keep your distance if you encounter them.
- Check transportation options: To avoid any issues after descending the mountain due to factors such as the last bus or parking lot closing times, be sure to check timetables and information on each facility in advance.
Finally: Mt. Nabewari is a popular mountain for beginners, as it is within easy reach and offers the enjoyment of mountain meals (nabeyaki udon). However, depending on the route, the climb can be challenging, so seasonal equipment and time management are important. Safety comes first, so please plan your outing with ample time.
