Nokogiriyama (鋸山), meaning “Sawtooth Mountain,” is a striking and historically rich destination located on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, just across the bay from Tokyo. The mountain stands at a height of 330m (approx. 1080ft) and contains one of the oldest temples in the region—Nihon-ji Temple. Nihon-ji Temple has a history that dates back roughly 1300 years and was one of the first places of worship in the Kanto region of Japan.
The most iconic feature of Nihon-ji temple is the abundance of stone statues, all hand cut out of stone over several years. Nokogiriyama is home to Japan’s largest seated stone Buddha, the Nihon-ji Daibutsu, carved in the 18th century. At 31.05 meters tall, it dwarfs even the famous Daibutsu of Nara and Kamakura. While originally carved in the 18th century, the statue has undergone some slight modifications, in the mid 20th century.
The mountain has several hiking trails that wind through forested paths, stone steps, and moss-covered ruins of an old stone quarry.
Along the trail up the mountain, you can find approximately 1500 stone statues representing disciples of the Buddhist faith, all cut out over a twenty-year period. Many of which today have been beheaded by order of the government during the Meiji restoration, but there has been work done in recent times to fix many of the statues.
Further up the mountain, you can find another 30m talls stone carving of Hyaku-Shaku Kannon, whom is the goddess of mercy in Buddhism. This statue was carved in 1966, as a tribute to those who fell in WWII.
There’s a ropeway (cable car) that takes you close to the summit in just a few minutes, making it accessible for all types of travellers. Alternatively, hiking up or down the mountain gives you the chance to explore side paths, hidden carvings, and tranquil rest spots.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
- 600JPY
- Average Time Spent: 2 Hours
- Official Website
Access
Getting up to Nokogiriyama can be tricky without your own car or a rental car, but if you are willing to get there, then the reward is well worth it.
Otherwise, the JR Uchibo Line to Hama-Kanaya Station, which is only a short 10 minute walk away from the Nokogiriyama Ropeway. The Ropeway can take you quite a way up the mountain for 500JPY one way, or 930JPY return. Once there, you’re free to explore the vast area of Nihon-ji Temple and Nokogiriyama.
You can also drive up if you have access to a car, as there is a parking lot most of the way up the mountain.
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