16 recommended sightseeing spots in Oyama, Kanagawa

Ōyama, located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture, is a popular day-trip hiking spot near Tokyo, alongside places like Mount Takao and Mount Mitake. Ōyama spans three cities: Atsugi, Isehara, and Hadano, and is part of the Tanzawa-Ōyama Quasi-National Park. This article will thoroughly introduce the tourist attractions and highlights of Ōyama.

What is Ōyama?

Ōyama, which has been worshipped as the "Rain-bringing God," is also known as "Afuri-yama" or "Mount Afuri." It spans the three cities of Atsugi, Isehara, and Hadano and forms part of the Tanzawa-Ōyama Quasi-National Park.

Since ancient times, it has been cherished by the common people as a mountain of religious significance. During the Edo period, "pilgrimages to Ōyama" become a popular trend. The mountain is home to deities deeply connected to people's livelihoods and industries, such as the mountain gods and sea-protecting gods. Even today, many visitors come to Ōyama Afuri Shrine for their New Year's pilgrimage.

On the mountainside, you'll find the Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine and Ōyama Temple, while the summit is home to the Afuri Shrine Main Shrine (Upper Shrine). Thanks to the convenience of accessing the mountainside by the Ōyama Cable Car, its proximity to the city, and its appeal as a tourist spot where visitors can enjoy autumn foliage and night views, Ōyama is widely loved by both novice hikers and sightseers alike. From the summit, which stands at 1,252 meters, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Enoshima, and even the skyscrapers of central Tokyo. This guide will introduce the tourist attractions and highlights of the Ōyama area.

1. Ōyama Afuri Shrine

◆ Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine

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After getting off at "Afuri Shrine Station," the final stop of the cable car, and walking along the approach, you will arrive at the "Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine." From an altitude of 696 meters, you can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of Sagami Bay and the Miura Peninsula. This stunning view was awarded two stars in the 2015 Michelin Green Guide. On clear days, you can fully indulge in the refreshing scenery.

Within the shrine grounds, there is the main hall, a reception for amulets and shrine stamps, and a rest area called "Sanshuden," where you can enjoy local Ōyama delicacies like mushroom curry. Additionally, underground is a famous spring called "Shinsen," which is believed to be a power spot, making it a popular place to feel Ōyama's energy and boost your luck.

From here, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the Main Shrine (Upper Shrine) via a more challenging mountain trail. There are two routes: the "Honzaka Course," which goes through the worship gate beside the shrine, and the "Mihirashidai Hiking Course," where you can enjoy views of eastern Kanagawa and the Tokyo area.

◆ Ōyama Afuri Shrine Main Shrine (Upper Shrine)

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After a roughly two-hour hike from the Lower Shrine, you will reach the summit of Ōyama, standing at 1,252 meters. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji, the Tokyo area, and even the Boso Peninsula. This is one of the main attractions of hiking up Ōyama! There's also a shop and restrooms, allowing you to relax and take in the views.

At the summit, the Main Shrine is dedicated to the mountain god "Ōyamatsumi Ōkami," while the "Zensha" shrine houses the water god "Takaokami no Kami," and the "Okusha" shrine enshrines the thunder god "Ōkaminari Ōkami." You can also find the "Rain Tree," which is tied to the origin of the name "Rain-bringing Mountain."

◆ Shrine Office

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The Ōyama Afuri Shrine is an iconic symbol of Ōyama. While the Lower Shrine is located on the mountainside and the Main Shrine sits at the summit, the Shrine Office is located in the area before the Ōyama Cable Car Station.

In addition to handling prayer requests, the site also features a Noh theater, which is used for various events. During the Autumn Grand Festival held annually from August 27th, there is an event called "Okudari," where a portable shrine carrying the deity is brought down from the Lower Shrine to the Shrine Office. During the autumn fire festival "Takigi Noh," you can watch Noh and Kyogen performances. Behind the shrine office is a 400-year-old Ōyama cherry tree, making it a popular spot for flower viewing. It's just a short walk from the "Shrine Office Entrance" bus stop.

There are also tofu restaurants, a specialty of Ōyama, in the area, making it a great spot for lunch after sightseeing or hiking.

2. Koma Sando

The 700-meter path from the final bus stop to the Ōyama Cable Car Station is known as "Koma Sando," a street lined with souvenir shops. Along this narrow approach, you'll find shops selling local specialties such as Ōyama koma (spinning tops) and tofu. On weekends and holidays, the area is bustling with tourists.

Popular spots include the "Kanekoya Branch," known for its good luck straps featuring koma, and shops selling handmade mountain delicacies like konnyaku and kinpira burdock, as well as senbei (rice crackers). You can experience Ōyama’s unique culture and cuisine, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs from your visit.

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3. Chatou Temple

The Jodo sect’s "Chatou Temple" is located across a valley on the west side of Koma Sando. Its formal name is "Seishouzan Chatouden Nehanji." The reclining Nirvana statue in the main hall is a rare sculpture in Japan and has been designated an important cultural asset by the city.

Chatou Temple is famous for a custom called the "101st Day Pilgrimage." On the 101st day after a person’s passing, the family visits the temple to offer tea in thanks for their loved one’s peaceful journey to the afterlife on the 100th day. There’s also a legend that, while walking on the approach, family members may see someone resembling the deceased.

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4. Ōyama Cable Car

The Ōyama Cable Car is an iconic part of sightseeing in Ōyama. It connects three stations: "Ōyama Cable Station" at the foot of the mountain, the intermediate "Ōyama Temple Station," and the upper "Afuri Shrine Station." It only takes six minutes to travel from Ōyama Cable Station to Afuri Shrine Station! It's a popular way to make hiking easier or for transportation during shrine visits and sightseeing.

Seasonal events are also held, and the collaboration of autumn foliage illuminations with night views is a must-see. It’s also great for sightseeing or date outings. The cable car operates every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to around 5 p.m.

*Please check the official website for operating hours in advance.

5. Otokozaka / Onnazaka

For those who prefer to walk the entire route without using the cable car, you can hike up the same section. The right side of the mountain is called Otokozaka (Men’s Slope), and the left is Onnazaka (Women’s Slope). Along Onnazaka, you’ll find Ōyama Temple.

Otokozaka is known for its steep, large stone steps, with a sign that reads "steep Otokozaka." It takes about 35 minutes to reach Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine. Onnazaka also has many steep stairs, so you should be cautious on both the ascent and descent. If you are not confident in your leg strength or are with small children, it’s advisable to use the cable car.

6. Afuriyama Ōyama Temple

Afuriyama Ōyama Temple is one of the main tourist spots in Ōyama. It is a historic temple of the Kegon sect, founded in 755 by Roben, who is known for establishing Tōdai-ji Temple. Originally, it was combined with Afuri Shrine under the ancient belief of the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, but it was relocated from the Lower Shrine to its current location during the Meiji period.

The temple is known for the Goma prayer ritual, passed down from Kōbō Daishi, in which wooden sticks are burned to ward off evil. If you are praying for great success or good fortune, it’s a must-visit spot. You can also experience "kawarake-nage," a tradition of throwing clay discs down the cliff to ward off evil. It’s a place to enjoy both as a tourist and for dates.

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7. Honsaka Course (Omotesando)

Passing through the torii gate to the left of Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, the Honsaka Course, the most popular hiking route up Ōyama, begins. Also called Omotesando, the route takes about 90 minutes to reach the summit. The trail consists mostly of stone steps, with some steep sections. If you are a beginner, hiking with children, or elderly companions, be sure to adjust your pace and avoid pushing too hard.

For those who prefer an easier path, the "Kagoya Path" joins the Honsaka Course after about an hour and has fewer stairs, making it a more comfortable option for those not confident in their stamina. Along the course, there are several points of interest:

◆ Meoto-sugi (Eighth Station)

The "Meoto-sugi" (Couple Cedars) are two cedar trees connected at their roots, estimated to be 500 to 600 years old. It is considered good luck for married couples or partners to visit this spot.

◆ Botan-iwa (Fourteenth Station)

Named "Botan-iwa" because the spherical rock split into three resembles a peony flower. It's also called "Onion Rock" because of its layered structure. Be sure to look carefully, as it's embedded in the mountain trail.

◆ Tengu no Hanatsuki-iwa (Fifteenth Station)

At the fifteenth station, there is a rock with a hole large enough for a hand, called "Tengu no Hanatsuki-iwa" (Tengu’s Nose-poking Rock). The name comes from the legend that a Tengu accidentally poked its long nose into the rock.

◆ Fujimidai (Twentieth Station)

As the name "Fujimidai" suggests, this is a spot where you can see the majestic view of Mount Fuji. On clear days, you can enjoy the seasonal landscapes of the surrounding mountains, including the Tanzawa and Hakone ranges.

8. Observation Deck Course

By taking the side path next to the shop at the Lower Shrine, you can follow the "Mihirashidai Course," which passes through spots like Niju Falls and Mihirashidai on the way to the summit. The "Raijin Ridge" from Mihirashidai to the summit includes rocky areas and steep paths, so be sure to stay cautious.

◆ Double Shrine and Double Waterfall

The "Niju-sha" shrine, located between the Lower Shrine and Mihirashidai, is an auxiliary shrine of Ōyama Afuri Shrine, dedicated to the water deity "Takaokami no Kami." Along with the nearby "Niju Falls," it's considered a power spot where visitors can cleanse their worries and purify their minds.

If you're feeling troubled, cleansing yourself here before climbing to the summit might help you absorb even more of Ōyama's power.

◆ Observation deck

From the observation deck, located about 1.3 km from Shimosha, you can see the eastern and northern parts of the prefecture, as well as Tokyo, and if there are no clouds you can even see the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. This observation spot truly lives up to its name, with plenty of tables and benches.

On weekends and holidays, it's a popular lunch and rest spot, and it's just over an hour's journey from the observation deck to the summit of Mt. Oyama.

9. Yabitsu Pass

Yabitsu Pass connects the northern and southern parts of the Tanzawa area. It is also known as a historic battlefield where the Takeda and Hojo clans fought during the Sengoku period, and there is a theory that the name "Yabitsu" comes from the discovery of arrow containers called "yabitsu" in the area.

Many people use it as a base for starting or finishing hikes to Ōyama and Mount Tōno, and there is a bus service operated by Kanachu Bus connecting Yabitsu Pass with Hadano Station. If you are driving, be aware that the parking lot only accommodates about 30 cars, so it can get crowded on weekends with tourists and hikers.

Located just before the pass, the "Nanohana-dai Observation Deck" is famous as one of the top night-view spots in Kanagawa. It’s popular among young people and couples on dates, but it offers beautiful views of the Ōyama area throughout the day, making it busy all day long.

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10. Gomayashiki Spring Water

Gomayashiki Spring Water is located about a 30-minute walk from Yabitsu Pass. It’s named after the gomayashiki, a place where mountain monks (yamabushi) practiced ascetic rituals and purified themselves with this water.

Among the famous spring waters of Hadano, which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 springs, this particular water is highly regarded for its taste. Visitors often bring bottles or large containers to collect it, and the area is constantly bustling with locals and tourists alike. Since it’s a place that’s not easy to visit for those coming from afar, if you’re hiking or sightseeing in the Ōyama area, it’s worth taking the extra time to taste this famous water.

11. Koboyama Park

Kōbōyama Park includes three small mountains—Mount Sengen, Mount Gongen, and Mount Kōbō—located between Hadano Station and Ōyama in the Tanzawa mountain range. The park offers scenic viewpoints where you can enjoy views of the Hadano cityscape and Mount Fuji, making it a great spot for weekend sightseeing. In spring, it becomes a popular cherry blossom viewing destination.

The hiking trail from these three mountains to Tsurumaki Onsen, including Mount Azuma, is well-loved for casual walks and light hikes. Additionally, there is a popular route that leads to the summit of Ōyama via Nenbutsu Mountain, Takatori Mountain, Minoge Junction, and Yabitsu Pass.

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12. Hadano-Yugawara Onsen Manyo no Yu

If you are heading down to Hadano Station after climbing Mt. Oyama or sightseeing, be sure to stop by this day spa! As it is a popular chain facility, the facilities are well-equipped. Enjoy the hot spring water, which is transported from Yugawara daily.

It is said to be suitable for muscle and joint symptoms and fatigue recovery. It is about a 10-minute walk from Hadano Station, but a free shuttle bus also operates from the south exit of Hadano Station.

[From Hadano Station] Departs every 30 minutes from 8:30 to 21:30
[From Manyo-no-Yu] Departs every 20 minutes from 8:20 to 21:20

13. Tsurumaki Onsen Kōbō no Sato-yu

Kobo no Satoyu is conveniently located about a 2-minute walk from Tsurumaki Onsen Station. It is a municipal day-use bathing facility with different hot spring sources for the open-air and indoor baths. It

also has a large hall and a restaurant, so it is recommended for refreshing after climbing Mt. Oyama or sightseeing. There is also a foot bath that can be used for free.

14. Hinata Yakushi

Hinata Yakushi, counted among Japan's three major Yakushi temples, is a large temple at the foot of Ōyama’s eastern side, which flourished as a sacred site during the Heian period. The main hall and Yakushi Nyorai statue have been designated as important cultural assets of Japan. Notably, the "Wooden Yakushi Nyorai and Attendants Statues" are hidden Buddhas that are only displayed on specific days of the year. For Buddha statue enthusiasts, this is a must-visit destination.

Surrounded by lush forests, the area offers forest parks, campsites, and fishing spots, making it ideal for outdoor activities with family and friends. As a part of the Ōyama hiking route, it's about an hour's walk to Mihirashidai and just over two hours to the summit of Ōyama.

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15. Oyama Fishing Center

Oyama Fishing Center is a great spot for weekend visitors to enjoy fishing for trout and yamame (a type of river fish). A BBQ area is attached, so you can grill and eat your catch right away.

For access, follow Route 611 toward Ōyama. You'll see the sign near Isehara Country Club.

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Main Access to Oyama

Although Ōyama is often seen as an easy tourist destination with good access from the city and surrounding prefectures, many find it more challenging than expected when they actually hike it. It's a good mountain for building stamina or preparing for Mount Fuji, but if you aim to reach the summit, make sure you are well-equipped with appropriate clothing and shoes. The foot of the mountain is home to inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops, so staying overnight to fully explore the charms of Ōyama is also recommended.

◆Odakyu Line Isehara Station

Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus bound for "Oyama Cable" (North Exit)

- There are about three buses per hour, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. There are direct buses to the cable station between 7 and 8am.
- If you are taking the mountain climbing route from Hyugayakushi, please use the bus bound for Hyugayakushi.

◆Odakyu Line Hadano Station

Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus bound for Ybitsu Toge (North Exit, Platform 4)

. The last bus from Ybitsu Toge to Hadano Station leaves around 4pm. Please be careful not to miss it.