Mt. Chichibu Ontake (Chichibu Ontakesan)
Towering at 1,708 meters, Mt. Chichibu Ontake overlooks the upper Arakawa River as it winds through the mountains north of Mitsumine Shrine in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.
Situated behind Fukan Shrine in former Ootaki Village (now Chichibu City), Mt. Chichibu Ontake lies on the northwest ridge forming the border with Ogawa Town. Though less famous than Mt. Kiso Ontake, this peak is named for monk Fukan, born in Ootaki, who pioneered the Ontake pilgrimage route. Fukan trained at Mitsumine, went to Edo, then returned to devote himself to mountain asceticism.
In 1792, he became one of the first commoners granted access beyond the inner area of Mount Kiso Ontake. Despite persecution, he opened the Ootaki route for ordinary pilgrims. Revered for making mountain worship accessible, Fukan is enshrined at his native Fukan Shrine.
The trail from the shrine quickly enters the mountains, passing sights like Kiyome Waterfall before reaching the ridge. A short hike up the crest leads to the solemn summit shrine. Boasting panoramic views, the descent follows passes and trails back to Mitsumineguchi Station on Chichibu Railway (about 4 hours total).