[Chiba Prefecture] Explore Nokogiriyama and Nihon-ji Temple! Experience the Thrill of “Jigoku Nozoki” (Hell Peeking)

Nokogiriyama and Nihon-ji Temple, located in Minami-Awa District, Chiba Prefecture, have been designated as Important Cultural Properties by the national government. Famous for its giant Buddha built in the Nara period, the area also offers an exhilarating view from the “Jigoku Nozoki” (Hell Peeking) lookout—an awe-inspiring cliff at the remnants of Bōshū stone works—accessible via ropeway to the mountain’s summit. Here, we introduce the tourist attractions of Nokogiriyama and Nihon-ji Temple (in Awa District / Futtsu City).

What is Nokogiriyama?

Nokogiriyama is a mountain with an elevation of 329.4 m, located on the border between Nokonan Town in Minami-Awa District, Chiba Prefecture, and Futtsu City. It is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 low mountains. Its official name is “Kankonyama” meaning “Heaven and Earth,” but during the Edo period, extensive stone crushing activities altered its appearance so that its mountainside resembled the teeth of a saw, earning it the name “Nokogiriyama.”

Renowned literary figures such as Kobayashi Issa and Natsume Sōseki have visited and immortalized it in poetry, while Utagawa Hiroshige captured its beauty in ukiyo-e prints. Today, Nokogiriyama is famous for attractions including Jigoku Nozoki, Hyakushaku Kannon, and a giant Buddha statue, attracting countless visitors every day. It is also well known as a spot to watch the first sunrise of the year, with many people gathering at Nokogiriyama at dawn on New Year’s Day.

A Variety of Hiking Routes

Nokogiriyama is close enough to the metropolitan area to enjoy hiking all year round. The mountain offers various routes, ranging from those using the ropeway to more traditional, strenuous trails. The recommended option is the “Fureai no Michi Course.” This course starts from Hamakanaya Station and takes about 1.5 hours to reach the summit, with a total round-trip hiking time of approximately 4 hours.

Along the way, you can take breaks and ascend a series of stairs until you reach the “Earth Appears Round Observation Deck” just before the summit, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea. On clear days, you might even see Mount Fuji from this vantage point. The rest areas and the Moon Viewing Platform along the trail offer additional stunning vistas that make you forget the fatigue of the hike.

Compared to other courses, this route requires a moderate level of fitness, but its relatively short duration to the summit makes it accessible for beginners.

Challenge the Thrilling “Jigoku Nozoki”

Nokogiriyama boasts many attractions, but the signature spot is undoubtedly “Jigoku Nozoki.” As the name suggests—“Hell Peeking”—this attraction involves peering over the edge of a cliff that resembles the jagged edge of a saw (from which the mountain derives its name). Although there is a handrail, looking straight down from a 329.4 m high rock face is a heart-stopping, terrifying experience.

Yet, the view beyond is nothing short of heavenly—lush, verdant mountains, and, in autumn, brilliantly colored fall foliage create a scene that is simply sublime. It is a unique attraction where you can experience both “hell” and “heaven” simultaneously. If you have the courage, give it a try!

Visit Japan’s Largest Rock-Cut Buddha!

The term “mgaibutsu” refers to Buddha statues carved directly into rock cliffs, and throughout Japan there are many such sites. One of these is the “Yakushi Rurikou Nyorai” on Nokogiriyama. Standing at an impressive 31 m tall, it is the largest rock-cut Buddha in Japan. This statue was originally carved over three years during the late Edo period by Jingōro Eirei and was later restored in the Showa era.

When you visit Nokogiriyama, be sure not to miss Japan’s largest rock-cut Buddha, “Yakushi Rurikou Nyorai.”

Recommended Scenic Spot

One of Nokogiriyama’s renowned scenic spots is not only Jigoku Nozoki but also “Laputa no Kabe” (The Wall of Laputa). Named after the wall in Studio Ghibli’s film Laputa: Castle in the Sky, this sheer cliff is a sight to behold.

You can reach “Laputa no Kabe” by taking the ropeway or by driving to Nihon-ji Temple, then descending slightly along a hiking trail from its north exit. Alternatively, you can also walk along the hiking course from Hamakanaya Station, which takes about one hour.

Carved vertically by stone quarrying, this sheer cliff extends to a height of approximately 96 m—it’s an awe-inspiring achievement that seems almost impossible to have been crafted by human hands. When visiting Nokogiriyama, this breathtaking view is a must-see along with Jigoku Nozoki.

Accessible by Ropeway or Car

Earlier, we introduced the recommended hiking course, but you also have the option of taking the ropeway for a more leisurely ascent to the summit while enjoying the scenery. If you choose the ropeway, board at Nokogiriyama Ropeway Base Station, where parking facilities are available.

There are three parking lots available near Nihon-ji Temple on Nokogiriyama, but since the distance from these parking areas to the ropeway boarding point is considerable, it is advisable to head to either the base parking lot or the summit parking lot. Note that the area can get crowded on weekends.

For the ropeway, as of February 2024, the fares are as follows: Adults (12 years and older): One-way NT¥650, Round-trip NT¥1200, and Children (6 years and older): One-way NT¥320, Round-trip NT¥600. It takes about 4 minutes by ropeway from the base station to Nihon-ji Temple at the summit.

Alternatively, you can drive up the Nokogiriyama Mountaineering Road. Pay the toll fee (NT¥1000 for a standard car) at the entrance, and drive up to the summit parking lot. For groups of two or more adults, driving is often more economical. Once at the summit parking lot, you can walk to attractions such as the Hyakushaku Kannon or Jigoku Nozoki.

◎ Access to Nokogiriyama

【By Train】
From Tokyo Station, if taking the ropeway, disembark at Hamakanaya Station.
If hiking from the Omotesandō area, get off at Hodashi Station.

【By Car】
From the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, exit at Kisarazu IC and drive for about 50 minutes.

For parking, aside from the summit and base parking lots mentioned earlier, there is also a free parking lot accessible via the Nokogiriyama Mountaineering Road at the East Entrance. This parking lot is ideal if your primary goal is to see the Great Buddha. However, if you’re aiming to experience Jigoku Nozoki, it is better to use either the base or summit parking lots, as you will need to climb stairs from the East Entrance.

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[Chiba Prefecture] Explore Nokogiriyama and Nihon-ji Temple! Experience the Thrill of “Jigoku Nozoki” (Hell Peeking)