Hiking and Mount Fuji
Otsuki is a paradise for hikers and
nature lovers. Mountains, valleys, rivers… the variety of
the courses are infinite and suit all levels. Nineteen of Otsuki’s
mountains have been selected for their exceptional view of Mt.
Fuji from their respective peaks, which make the town one of the
best places in Japan to observe the famous volcano. If you aren’t
a regular hiker, the Grapevine recommends the Takagawasan course
(Takagawa Mountain), which starts from Hatsukari train Station.
Even if you aren’t a regular hiker, you can reach the top
of Takagawasan in a little less than two hours. The 360-degree
panorama on top and the beautiful Mt. Fuji view are worth the climb.
Other courses, like the Kuratakesan/Takahatasan course and the
Ogiyama/Momokurasan course (starting respectively from Torisawa
train Station and Saruhashi train Station) are also popular among
hikers but a little longer and harder.
Iwadonosan (Iwadono Mountain) is just a 25
minute walk from Otsuki station. Known as the symbol of Otsuki,
Iwadono Mountain is also
called by local residents “the castle”. Indeed, the
mountain was fortified during the sengoku area (17th century)
by a member of the Takeda Clan, the main family of warriors in
Yamanashi, to protect Otsuki residents against attacks from the
outside. Also famous for its Mt. Fuji view, Iwadonosan is worth
a visit in spring when the famous Japanese cherry blossoms tint
the mountain in pink. In April, Otsuki residents celebrate the
cherry blossoms festival on the mountain. Yatai (small outdoor
stores), traditional costumes, Japanese drums and Japanese dance
performances are displayed during the 2 days festival. If you
are looking for a real taste of traditional Japan, the Grapevine
recommends you a visit to Otsuki during the festival.
Saruhashi and the Great World Peace Drum
Even if you aren’t keen on trecking,
Otsuki has many curious attractions that are worth seeing. Saruhashi
is a wooden bridge built over a 31 meter ravine and is Otsuki’s
second most famous symbol after Iwadono Mountain. Known in Japan
as one of the most “three curious bridges”* in the
country due to its unique structure, the bridge has no pillars
and is only supported from each side of the ravine by four large
pieces of wood. In Japanese, saru means “monkey” and
hashi means “bridge”. According to an old legend,
a man named Shirako decided to build the bridge around 600 AD,
after he saw monkeys crossing the ravine by holding each others’ hands
to form a chain. Although monkeys really live in the surroundings,
no one knows whether the story is true. Saruhashi is probably
best to see in autumn when the tree leaves turn red and yellow.
The Great World Peace Drum,
recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest
drum in the world, stands nearby route 20 in the Sasago area.
The drum has a 4.8 meter diameter and is 4.95 meters long. After
beating the drum, you can also have a look at the traditional
shops next to the drum and visit the Otsuki sake brewery. The
drum and the sake brewery are about a ten minute walk from the
Sasago train Station.
