Mt. Kumotori, located far west from the metro city is the highest mountain (2,017m) in Tokyo. The mountain is on the border of Saitama, Tokyo and Yamanashi prefecture. We hike from the north, Saitama side. The trail head starts from Mitsumine shrine which is famous for having wolf faith. We walk through the shrine and the trail continues to the forest. This is a part of Chichibu-Tama-Kai national park and the area is rich in hard woods (birch, beech and maple) and conifers.

We pass a few peaks on the way and when it comes where you can look at the towns below, our hut is close. The hut is Kumotori sanso opening all year around. Summiting on the day is an option depending on the time and your energy level, otherwise we aim to see the sunrise from the top next day. It is beautiful green in May and June, then it is gorgeous foliage in October and November.