Nokogiriyama — Mountain of Stone & Giant Buddha
Nokogiriyama (鋸山, 'Saw Mountain,' 329m) earned its name from the jagged cliff face created by 300 years of stone quarrying. The mountain supplied stone for Edo (Tokyo) construction during the Tokogawa period, leaving dramatic vertical cuts and viewing platforms that jut over sheer drops. The summit area contains Nihon-ji Temple, home to a 31-meter-tall carved Buddha — the largest pre-modern stone Buddha in Japan.
The mountain offers three ways up: ropeway (4 minutes), hiking trail (45-60 minutes), or the 'Jigoku Nozoki' (Hell's Peek) cliff trail that requires scrambling over exposed rock with chain assists. The views from the cliff platforms extend across Tokyo Bay to Mt. Fuji on clear days — a reward that feels disproportionate to the mountain's modest elevation.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Ropeway: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Hiking trail accessible from dawn
Closed: No regular closures
Entrance Fee
Ropeway: ¥1,200 round-trip | Nihon-ji Temple: ¥700 | Hiking trail: Free
Best Season
Autumn (October) for hawk migration and clear Tokyo Bay views | Spring for cherry blossoms | Winter mornings for Mt. Fuji views
Visit Duration
3-4 hours (ropeway + Daibutsu + Jigoku Nozoki + Kannon trail)
Getting There
Access Information
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