[Hakone] Mt. Hakone Komagatake & Mt. Kamiyama | Hakone Three-Shrine Pilgrimage and Grand Winter Views, 20km Loop

Introduction

While Mt. Hakone Komagatake and Mt. Kamiyama are strongly associated with ropeways and tourism,
when you actually walk them, you find a mountain region with deep ridges and volcanic terrain characteristic of Hakone.

On this day, the winter pressure pattern was weakening, and the forecast suggested minimal wind impact.
It was also the perfect time to hike the Mt. Komagatake trail, which had become accessible for the first time in about 10 years,
so I decided to carry out the 'Hakone Three-Shrine Pilgrimage on Foot' that I had been interested in for a long time.

In this article, based on the actual route I took from Hakone Shrine through Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Kamiyama,
I have summarized the trail conditions, points of caution, and the unique winter vistas.

I hope this serves as a reference for those who want to enjoy a slightly longer hike in Hakone.

Overall Course Map

The entire route I walked this time. A loop course starting from Hakone Shrine, climbing to Mt. Hakone Komagatake from the Bōgasawa trailhead, passing through Mt. Kamiyama, and descending to the shores of Lake Ashi.

Hiking Summary

• Mountain Names: Mt. Hakone Komagatake & Mt. Kamiyama
• Mountain Region/Area: Hakone
• Date: January 12, 2026
• Weather: Sunny
• Course: Hakone Shrine → Bōgasawa Trailhead → Mt. Hakone Komagatake → Mt. Kamiyama → Lake Ashi Shore Loop
• Distance: 20.2km
• Cumulative Elevation: +1,150m / -1,149m
• Activity Time: 6 hours 17 minutes (15 minutes break)

Reasons for Choosing This Mountain

• The winter pressure pattern was weakening, and the wind on the ridge seemed relatively calm
• I wanted to hike Mt. Hakone Komagatake, where access restrictions were lifted for the first time in about 10 years
• I was drawn to the scenery where I could look out over the entire outer rim (Gairin-zan)
• It was a route where I could complete the Hakone Three-Shrine Pilgrimage on foot
• I was tired from consecutive days of activity, and it seemed like a hike I could do 'at a relaxed pace' despite the ups and downs

Course Conditions and Impressions

Trailhead to Mt. Hakone Komagatake

I started after visiting Hakone Shrine.
The beginning involves walking on roads, but from the Bōgasawa trailhead, it becomes a well-maintained mountain trail.

Perhaps because work was done to coincide with the reopening, the path was very easy to walk,
and I felt that Mt. Komagatake approached quickly after one climb.

In sunny spots, frost columns had melted, creating some muddy sections,
so I had to be a bit careful with my footing.

Mt. Hakone Komagatake to Mt. Kamiyama (Ridge)

Once you reach the ridge, the view opens up all at once.
Looking back, there is a grand view overlooking Mt. Fuji, the Tanzawa mountains, Sagami Bay, and Suruga Bay.

Due to the fog that lingered until the morning, there was still some rime ice left,
allowing me to see the winter face of Hakone.

The area around the summit of Mt. Komagatake is lively with many people using the ropeway,
but as you head toward Mt. Kamiyama, the crowds thin out, and a quiet time flows.

When I stood on Mt. Kamiyama, the highest peak in Hakone,
I felt once again that "Hakone is truly interesting when you walk it."

Descent

I descended rapidly from Mt. Kamiyama.
Although there is a slope, the trail is clear and easy to walk.

After finishing the descent, I walked along the shore of Lake Ashi,
visiting Kuzuryu Shrine and Hakuryu Shrine to complete the loop.

The atmosphere of the lake and forest was pleasant,
and I was able to walk comfortably until the very end.

Course Conditions & Precautions

・The trail from Bogasawa Trailhead to Hakone Komagatake has been open since July 2024
・The trail toward Owakudani remains closed to entry (as of January 2026)
・There is a construction zone near the Komagatake Trailhead, requiring a detour onto the road
・Be careful of mud and slipping in sunny areas, even in winter
・Restrooms are available around Hakone Shrine and Hakone-en

Equipment Notes (Optional)

・Winter cold-weather gear (the ridgeline gets cold)
・Light crampons depending on conditions (not used this time)
・Trekking shoes with good grip

Reflections

Being able to walk Hakone Komagatake, which I had been curious about for a long time,
after the restrictions were lifted was a major achievement in itself.

Blessed with clear weather,
the time spent walking while gazing at Mt. Fuji and the outer rim was truly luxurious.

Hakone has a strong image as a tourist destination,
but when you walk it, you can feel that "mountain time" flows steadily there.

For those who want to enjoy views and variety, even on a slightly longer hike,
this is a loop course I highly recommend.

Reference Links

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