Hike to Mount Takanosu / Nippara Limestone Cave

Mount Takanosu (鷹ノ巣山) is a 1,736m-high mountain in Okutama City, in western Tokyo. It is a popular waypoint on the way to Mount Kumotori, the highest peak in Tokyo.

Here is a map of the path I walked (download KML):

I started the hike at Okutama station (奥多摩駅) in the morning and followed the Ishi Ridge (石尾根; Ishione) through Mount Mutsuishi（六ツ石山; 1,479m）to the summit of Mount Takanosu. There was a great view of Mount Fuji there. I then went down the mountain towards Nippara Valley (日原). There, I hurried to visit the Nippara Cave (日原鍾乳洞), the largest limestone cave in the Kanto region, before taking the bus back to Okutama station.

Above, cats in front of Okutama station.

Above, the mountain road to reach the trail.

Above, summit of Mount Mutsuishi.

Above, Mount Fuji.

Above, Lake Okutama.

Above, summit of Mount Takanosu.

Above, on the way down to Nippara Valley.

Above, looking at the Inamura Rock from the Nippara Valley.

Above, entrance to the Nippara Limestone Cave.