Darumayama Pass
Experience otherworldly mountain vistas and iconic Mt. Fuji views from this ridge trail on the Izu Peninsula.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for Mt. Fuji views
Darumayama Pass
Best Time
Best chance for Mt. Fuji views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience otherworldly mountain vistas and iconic Mt. Fuji views from this ridge trail on the Izu Peninsula.
"The view is otherworldly.. Looks like mountains from Swiss. But only a few shade to rest from sunlight."
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen, hat, & sunglasses. Little shade on trails!
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No shops or vending machines nearby. Stay hydrated on your hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mt. Fuji View
Summit
On clear days, witness an otherworldly panorama of Mt. Fuji, rivaling Swiss mountain scenery.
Suruga Bay Coastline
Ridge trails
Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Suruga Bay coastline, a stunning contrast to the mountain landscape.
Kuma Bamboo Grass Trails
Mountain slopes
Hike through winding trails surrounded by beautiful kuma bamboo grass, offering a unique natural experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sun Protection is Key
Timing for Clear Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen, hat, & sunglasses. Little shade on trails!
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No shops or vending machines nearby. Stay hydrated on your hike.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails have wooden staircases; good footwear is a must.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
It can be quite windy, even in summer. A light long-sleeve shirt is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen, hat, & sunglasses. Little shade on trails!
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No shops or vending machines nearby. Stay hydrated on your hike.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails have wooden staircases; good footwear is a must.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
It can be quite windy, even in summer. A light long-sleeve shirt is recommended.
🚗 Easy Access by Car
Parking available at trailheads like Asebigahara.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the otherworldly, Swiss-like mountain views and the stunning panoramas of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. The trails offer a good workout amidst beautiful kuma bamboo grass. However, the lack of shade and amenities means visitors must be well-prepared for sun exposure and bring all their own supplies.
"The view is otherworldly.. Looks like mountains from Swiss. But only a few shade to rest from sunlight. The view will be prettier on sunny day as u can see the Mt Fuji from there. My advice is bring protection from sun and a lot of sunscreen."
ChoZin Waing
"Check out my latest video 3-minute video on the Pix4Japan YouTube video which features photos and video taken on Kinkanzan and Darumayama--two scenic mountains located on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
Darumayama (Mt. Daruma) stands at a height of 982 meters and is known for its winding trails among kuma bamboo grass.
Darumayama offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Izu Peninsula, views of the Suruga Bay Coastline, and on a clear day, a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji.
The trailhead to Mt. Darumayama can be easily accessed from the Asebigahara Parking Lot located about 220 meters away on the Nishi-Izu Skyline toll road.
On this photo shoot, my border collie and I hiked directly from Mt. Kinkan to Mt. Darumayama via Mt. Kodarumayama, which took me about 2 hours.
Be forewarned that the trails for Mt. Kodarumayama and Mt. Darumayama include many wooden staircases going straight up the side of the mountain. No special hiking gear is required, but be sure to bring enough water with you since you will work up a sweat climbing all those stairs!"
Daisei Iketani
"For someone like me going by public transportation, you can take a bus to Heda pass, and it only takes one hour hike to Mt Daruma. The view was splendid, though it was quite windy (perhaps most of the time?) so you may want to be prepared."
Walk&Hike
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is easily accessible by car from the Nishi-Izu Skyline toll road, with parking available at Asebigahara Parking Lot. For public transport, you can take a bus to Heda Pass, followed by a roughly one-hour hike to Mt. Daruma.
Yes, you can take a bus to Heda Pass and then hike for about an hour to reach Mt. Daruma.
Driving is convenient, with parking available at various entry points. The Nishi-Izu Skyline toll road leads to the Asebigahara Parking Lot.
The Nishi-Izu Skyline is a toll road that provides access to the area.
Yes, some visitors hike from Mt. Kinkan to Mt. Darumayama via Mt. Kodarumayama, which can take around 2 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees or tickets required to access Darumayama Pass and its hiking trails.
Darumayama Pass is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, there is no entrance fee to enjoy the views and hiking trails at Darumayama Pass.
Yes, Darumayama Pass can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different charm. It's particularly loved in hot and humid Japanese summers for its cool breeze.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but it's advisable to check weather conditions before your visit, especially during typhoon season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trails can be challenging with many wooden staircases going straight up the mountain. While no special gear is needed, be prepared for a good workout.
Expect breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Fuji on clear days, the Suruga Bay coastline, and scenic mountain landscapes with kuma bamboo grass.
It can be suitable for families with older children who are comfortable with hiking and stair climbing. Younger children might find the steep sections challenging.
Hiking durations vary. You can choose courses from 1 to 4 hours depending on your energy and time. A hike from Hetatouge to Darumayama and back can take about 2.5 hours.
No, there are no vending machines or shops nearby. It's essential to bring all your own supplies, including water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most iconic views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding bays. The trails themselves, with the bamboo grass, also make for beautiful scenic shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors. Clear sunny days are crucial for capturing Mt. Fuji.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Mt. Fuji.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and guidelines before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
Mt. Fuji is only visible on very clear days. The weather can change quickly, so be patient and check the forecast.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families include bringing plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the mountain. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must for everyone. Consider choosing shorter hiking routes or taking breaks frequently. The sense of accomplishment after reaching a viewpoint can be very rewarding for children. Visiting during cooler months or early in the morning can also make the hike more comfortable for younger family members.
🚗 Car Travelers
Parking is generally available at various entry points, making it straightforward to begin your chosen hiking course. This mode of transport is ideal for those who want to maximize their time on the trails and easily transport supplies like water and snacks. Remember to factor in the toll for the Nishi-Izu Skyline when budgeting for your trip. The ease of access by car is a significant advantage for visitors looking for a convenient mountain escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails and Difficulty
For those looking for a longer trek, it's possible to combine hikes with nearby peaks like Mt. Kinkan and Mt. Kodarumayama. A popular route involves hiking from Hetatouge to Darumayama and back, which typically takes around 2.5 hours. The flexibility in trail length allows visitors to tailor their experience based on their available time and energy levels. Remember that there are no amenities like shops or vending machines along the trails, so carrying sufficient water and snacks is essential for a pleasant and safe hike.
Capturing the Iconic Views
When planning your visit for photography, always check the weather forecast. Mt. Fuji is notoriously shy and only makes an appearance on days with excellent visibility. The trails themselves, particularly those lined with kuma bamboo grass, offer unique photographic opportunities, especially during certain seasons when the grass changes color. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the vastness of the landscape, while telephoto lenses can bring the distant Mt. Fuji closer. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions, which can add a dynamic element to your shots but also require stable footing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit