Mt. Kinpu

Name in Japanese: Kinpu-san (金峰山)
Location: Yamanashi, Nagano
Elevation: 2,599 m

A mountain with a great view in Oku-Chichibu mountain area

Mt. Kinpu is a magnificent mounyain and is worthy to be called the lead mountain of Oku-Chichibu. There is a simble rock called ‘Gojoiwa’ on the mountaintop that is in sight from the sorrounding mountains. The view from the peak so nice that Mt. Fiji and mountains in South Alps and Yatsugatake can be seen. Mt. Kinpu used to be a place of mountain worship, which shows no sign of it.

Hiking

There are several routes to Mt. Kinpu. Two routes shown here.

From Mizugaki-sanso: 7 hours (11.2 km)
From Odarumi-toge: 5 hours 20 minutes (8.2 km)

Sample route

Route: From Odarumi-toge
Distance (round trip): 8.2 km
Distance in elevation: 236 m
Difficulty during the best season: intermediate level
Season for hikers: early May to early November

Route and estimated course time:
Odarumi pass -[0:20]- Asahi pass -[0:50]- Mt. Asahi -[1:40]- Mt. Kinpu -[1:30]- Mt. Asahi -[1:00]- Odarumi pass [5 hours 20 minutes]

Description:
No bus is available to Odarumi-toge (Odarumi pass) which is the highest pass accessible by car. It is an easy and short route to Mt. Kinpu because elevation difference from the trailhead is only 239 meters. Beginners, however, may feel tired due to up and down to pass Mt. Asahi. For hikers using bus, route from Mizugaki mountain hut is popular. Mizugaki mountain hut is also known as the trailhead to Mt. Mizugaki.

Stay on established trails and watch your footing, especially at overlooks and near drop-offs. Never throw or roll rocks because there may be hikers below.