Daibosatsurei Community Trail Run

Daibosatsurei is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and one of the best day trips from Tokyo - a proper mountain run with open ridgeline views, minimal technical difficulty, and a hot spring waiting at the end.

We meet at Enzan Station at 09:00 to catch the 09:30 bus up to the trailhead. The bus takes around 30 minutes and drops you at the start of the loop. From there, the route climbs through beautiful beech forest via Marukawa-toge, breaking out above the treeline as you approach the summit of Daibosatsu-rei (2,056m). From the summit, the trail opens up completely onto the ridge. On a clear day you get an iconic view of Mt Fuji with the Kamihikawa Dam in the foreground - one of the better Fuji views in the Kanto region. The descent follows the open ridgeline south through Raiwa and Daibosatsu-toge before dropping back into the forest and returning to Kamihikawa-toge.

We finish at Daibosatsu no Yu, a hot spring at the foot of the mountain known for its silky, high-alkaline water and views out over the surrounding forest. Food is available there too, so plan to stay for a soak and lunch before heading back to Enzan. Bring a change of clothes if you want to make the most of it.

This is an upper beginner event - the terrain is straightforward and there is nothing technical on the route, but the distance is longer than a typical beginner outing and the group will be moving at a trail running pace rather than hiking. Depending on turnout we may split into two groups. Bring snacks and something for the summit.

Date: Saturday 25 July 2026
Meet: Enzan Station (塩山駅) at 09:00
Bus: 09:30 from Enzan Station - please do not be late
Finish: Daibosatsu no Yu (大菩薩の湯)
Distance: 14.4km
Elevation: 1,359m
Level: Upper Beginner (2/5) - you should be comfortable on your feet for 4-6 hours and have an interest in moving at a trail running pace on mountain terrain. No technical experience required.
Price: Free (¥1,000 community contribution recommended - PayPay link provided in confirmation email)

Getting there: Take the JR Chuo Line to Enzan Station (塩山駅). From Shinjuku, the JR Limited Express Kaiji takes around 90 minutes. There are slower and cheaper options on the regular Chuo Line if you prefer. There is also a train arriving at 09:24 but six minutes is too tight to mobilise for the bus - aim for an earlier arrival.

Signing up is a commitment: If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible - it helps us plan group sizes and logistics on the day. No-shows without notice make it harder for everyone.

Gear

• Hydration vest

• 1 litre of water minimum

• Snacks and lunch for the summit

• Trail shoes

• Light rain layer

• Sun protection - the ridge is fully exposed

• Change of clothes if you plan to use the onsen