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Date: 15 January 2019
I got to know this mountain from an anime, Yama no Susume (Encouragement of Climb Season 2, episodes 2-4), and it's one of the many mountains from which you can enjoy an excellent view Mount Fuji from the peak.
"Aoki" the main character from Yama no Susume
Mitsutoge Station
Starting from Mistutoge Station, follow the signs to the mountain path and you will pass by Mistutoge Green Centre.
Continue on the road and there is a very interesting well-camouflaged toilet.
The mistaken trailhead
About 50 minutes from Mitsutoge Green Centre, you can see Daruma Ishi (Dharma Rock), a large natural rock shaped like a Dharma with the word "Ark" inscribed, meaning Dainichi Nyorai. This is the beginning of the steep, narrow and rugged trailhead.
You will reach 股のぞき ("Mata Nozoki") after about 45 minutes. This is a lookout point where you can view Mount Fuji from between the split trunks of a Japanese red pine tree. Unfortunately, it was too cloudy when I was there to be able to enjoy the view.
馬返し ("Umagaeshi") after about 20 minutes, is basically a point where the horses would turn back. The path becomes rocky and uneven hereafter.
45 minutes later, you can easily spot the Hachijuhachi Daishi Stone Statues on your right, where the 88 stone statues of the revered priest are worshipped. It is said to have the same effects as pilgriming all the 88 temples.
Hachijuhachi Daishi Stone Statues
After the 88 stone statues, you'll be hiking on trails with steep drop-offs on one side. Be alert and put on your microspikes, a slip or ankle roll can send you tumbling down the steep side.
Frozen waterfall
Icy and slippery
Byobu Rock is just beneath the summit and is known as one of Japan's popular rock climbing areas.
This should be around 30 metres
三ッ峠山荘
四季楽園
Finally, Mount Fuji was clearly visible when I reached the summit after another 15 minutes from the mountain lodges. Unfortunately, I could not get a good photo due to the afternoon sun.
Mount Fuji from Mount Mitsutoge summit
Mount Mitsutoge summit
Mount Mitsutoge summit
I descended via Mount Tenjo (Komitake Shrine) towards Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park and it is much gradual and not so hard on the knees. The sun sets at about 5pm during the winter.
I was hiking in the dark (with headlamp) and didn't expect to see this stunning view of Kawaguchiko's night lights.
Start: Mitsutoge Station
End: Kawaguchiko Station
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 15km
Elevation change: 1,100m
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