Mikuniyama (Mount Mikuni) has an elevation of 1,320 meters and is located at the border of Kanagawa Prefecture's Yamakita town, Shizuoka Prefecture's Sunto District's Oyama town, and Yamanashi Prefecture's Minamitsuru District's Yamanakako village. Reflecting its beauty on Lake Yamanaka, the mountain's name derives from its location at the old boundaries of the Sagami, Suruga, and Kai provinces. From its summit, ridgelines extend east towards Mount Furou and north, bordering Kanagawa and Yamanashi Prefectures, connecting to the main ridge of the Kanto mountains. To the west, a ridge extends to Mount Fuji at the Kogosaka Pass.
Natural Environment
Mikuniyama is primarily covered with beech forests and also has a variety of maple trees, limiting the views from its summit. However, the dense forests support a rich ecosystem, including a notable variety of crow species. The beech forest near Myojin Pass, close to the mountain, is recognized as one of Shizuoka's Natural 100 Wonders, making it an unmissable attraction for nature enthusiasts.
Hiking Routes
There are several access routes to Mikuniyama. One option is to take a bus from JR Gotemba Line's Suruga-Oyama station to Myojin Pass and then hike for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Another route involves starting from Kogosaka Pass and following the Aya line eastward for about 2 hours. From Mikuni Pass, it's a 25-minute climb with an elevation difference of 150 meters. These routes offer a great opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty while aiming for the summit of Mikuniyama.