Golden Accents on Mountain Ridges: Kagikake Mountain Range and Aokigahara Forest

1 comment

1. Location: Koyodai Observatory Terrace, Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
   Timestamp: 15:17 on November 15, 2023

   Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
   105 mm ISO 100 for 1/80 sec. at ƒ/10

   After a chilly and cloud-covered morning and afternoon, the thick clouds gradually retreated into the horizon, revealing a lovely scene as the warm early evening sunlight cast dark shadows and enveloped the landscape in a golden hue.

   This shot was taken looking west from the Koyodai rooftop terrace, where after the clouds dispersed, the Kagikake mountain range came into full view with its foothills leading down into the enchanting Aokigahara Forest plain.

   A 7 km (4.35 mi) foot trail, known as the Kagikake Pass (1,589 m/5,213 ft), winds along the ridge of the Kagikake Mountain range stretching from the southwest peak of Mt. Odake to the northern peak of Mt. Onigatake. Additionally, there are two trails from the pass that trace the ridges of the foothills down to the Aokigahara Forest plain.

   The Kagikake Pass is particularly enchanting from late October through mid to late November when the autumn foliage is at its peak, transforming the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Moreover, during clear skies, the Kagikake Pass offers unobstructed, grand views of the majestic Mt. Fuji to the south, adding another layer of awe to the already stunning landscape.

   ​

   Nearest Access:

   Take the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station, and take the bus to Koyodai-Mae bus stop. From there it is a 20- or 30-minute walk along a dirt road to the peak.

   Get off the Chuo Expressway at the Kawaguchiko Interchange and take Route 139 towards Lake Motosuko for about 15 minutes.