Date & Time: Sunday, April 20, 2025, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Trail Highlights:
- Oyama-dera Temple – Established in the 8th century.
- Afuri Shrine – Famous for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Sagami Bay.
- Miharashi-dai Viewpoint – Offers a panoramic view of the Tokyo metropolis from an elevation of 765 meters.
- Hinata Yakushi Temple – Also dating back to the 8th century, renowned for its rare thatched-roof architecture.
Participants: 10 international students
Guides: 5 KSGG members
Language: English
Interviews with the participants (excerpt)
Lindiwe is a PhD candidate in agricultural economics at a national university located on the Sea of Japan coast. To join the hike, she was staying at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) lodging facility in Shibuya Ward, which offers affordable rooms and breakfast. She seemed quite exhausted, so she may have visited a nearby public bath to soothe her tired legs.
Gilang studies international trades at a universities in the Tokyo metropolitan area. He has a wife who also graduated from a university in Japan. In the future, Gilang plans to resume his work as a government officer in his home country.
Both students, along with four other participants, are financially supported by JICA, which carries out a wide range of initiatives for Japan’s international cooperation.
Voices of Participants
Malama, Zambia
This was a fun experience, my first time hiking and the tour guides made it very easy and fun. Nice views and I learnt a lot about Isehara and Mt. Oyama. Thank you! (in Japanese)
Gilang, Indonesia
I love this hiking tour, the Oyama mountain is very beautiful and calming. All the tour guides are very friendly and helpful. Most of them are old but very strong and healthy. They also told us many thing about the hiking and culture, especially the temple and Buddhism-Shinto history. I gain a lot of knowledge. So, thank you very much for the fun trip, Fukuzawa-san, Oho-san, Sakuramachi-san, Arai-san, and Sanae-san. Thank you.
Jasmin, the Philippines
The trip was fun and thrilling, but first of all I would like to say thank you for KSGG volunteer group for allowing us to join the hiking and enjoy the beauty of Japan nature and culture. For first time hiker in Japan, I’m surprised that the trail was clean and well maintained.
In addition to that the staff was so much knowledgeable about the trip & kind. I’m looking forward in joining another trip with KSGG volunteer group.
Vivian, the Philippines
The tour is great! We learned a lot while burning calories. The guides are accommodating and I am amazed by their enthusiasm. They made me appreciate Japan more and more. The mountain (Mt. Oyama) has a difficult trail but because of the enthusiasm of the guides, it was enjoyable. I hope to join more tours organized by KSGG.
Viktor, Sweden
I really liked it! 😊 The last hours of the hike did feel pretty long. But that was probably because I was tired. The guides were really nice to talk to. It was interesting to learn about the history of the temples and shrines.
Irene, the Philippines
I really enjoyed the hour with the energetic, caring and cheerful KSGG members. The place we visit is very nice. I promise to come back on autumn to witness the lighting festival at mt. Oyama.
To the KSGG: Thank you very much for your care.
maraming Salamat po. Mabu hay kayo! 😊
Victor, the Netherlands
Very beautiful routes, and the guides gave very interesting background information on all the temples and shrines. Thank you so much! (in Japanese)
Tobias, Austria
I think the hike was very enjoyable, the commentary on the shrines, temples and sights also made it more interesting. Thankfully, everyone’s English skills were very good, so communication was not an issue.
What could be improved: I think, since the Bus fee is fixed from the station, it should have been included in the e-mail, sorry if I missed it.
Lindiwe, South Africa
Thank you very much for a wonderful tour. I enjoyed the tour and it was educational. My biggest gratitude goes to all our leaders. They were patient, kind and made this hike a memorable one. Thank you and God bless you.
Sebastian, Austria
It was a very nice trip I enjoyed it very much. Especially, the* give through at the very very interesting and useful. The guides were very kind and I had good conversations with them and the other participants
