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Nokogiriyama, Chiba – Saw-toothed Cliffs, Hell Lookout and Giant Buddha above Tokyo Bay

Nokogiriyama, Chiba – Saw-toothed Cliffs, Hell Lookout and Giant Buddha above Tokyo Bay
Nokogiriyama on the Bōsō Peninsula in Chiba is a 329-meter mountain famous for its jagged quarry cliffs, dramatic “Jigoku Nozoki” hell lookout and the giant Buddha statues of Nihon-ji Temple. This guide explains the main viewpoints and walking routes, how to combine the ropeway and hiking trails, what to wear, approximate times needed, access from Kanaya Port and Tokyo, and tips for enjoying the coastal scenery and temples in one day.

Highlights

Mt. Nokogiri: Quick Overview

Mt. Nokogiri may be only 329 m, but its dramatic cliffs and former quarry sites stand out, and you can visit “Jigoku Nozoki” and Nihon-ji Temple’s giant Great Buddha in a single day.

Thrill of Jigoku Nozoki

Jigoku Nozoki is famous for the thrill of peering straight down from a cliff edge, and it’s a popular photo spot with sweeping views over Tokyo Bay.

Nihon-ji Temple’s Iconic Stone Carvings

Nihon-ji has a history of about 1,300 years, with a stone-carved Great Buddha measuring 31.05 m tall. The Hyakushaku Kannon is also about 30 m tall, carved into the quarry landscape.

Atmosphere of the Old Quarries

Mt. Nokogiri preserves large stone quarry remains from the Edo to Meiji periods, creating a distinctive scene of towering rock walls that has also been used as filming locations.

Easy Access by Ropeway

The Mt. Nokogiri Ropeway takes about 4 minutes from the base to the summit station, letting you head up while enjoying views over Tokyo Bay.

Getting There Basics

It’s about an 8-minute walk from Hama-Kanaya Station (JR Uchibo Line) to the ropeway base station / by car, it’s about 10 minutes from Futtsu-Kanaya IC.

Fees and Opening Hours

Mt. Nokogiri Ropeway: 9:00-17:00 (shorter hours on some winter days), adult round trip 1,200 yen, child round trip 600 yen. Nihon-ji Temple: 9:00-16:00 (last entry around 15:00), admission is 700 yen for adults and 400 yen for children.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Mount Nokogiri in Chiba?

**Mount Nokogiri (Nokogiri-yama)** is a 329-meter mountain spanning Futtsu City and Kyonan Town in Chiba Prefecture.

Its ridgeline, said to resemble the teeth of a saw, is considered the origin of the mountain’s name.

Remains of old stone quarries are scattered across the mountain, leaving behind a distinctive landscape.

Today, it is a popular sightseeing destination known for Nihon-ji Temple’s Great Buddha, the thrilling “Jigoku Nozoki” viewpoint, and hiking courses.

Using the ropeway, you can easily access the summit area, making it a convenient day-trip destination.

In this article, we’ll introduce Mount Nokogiri’s highlights, things to do, and access information.


Top Things to See at Mount Nokogiri

1. Jigoku Nozoki (Hell Lookout)

Jigoku Nozoki is a thrilling spot where you can look down from the edge of a steep cliff.

You can see Tokyo Bay below, and on clear days you may be able to enjoy long-distance views.

Watch your footing and enjoy the viewpoint safely.

2. Nihon-ji Great Buddha (Japan’s Largest Cliff-Carved Buddha)

Mount Nokogiri is home to Nihon-ji Temple (Nihon-ji), and within its grounds stands the Seated Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Statue.

This Great Buddha is introduced as “Japan’s largest cliff-carved Buddha.”

Carved in the Edo period and later restored, the statue gives an impressive close-up view of a figure integrated into the rock face.

3. Hyakushaku Kannon

Hyakushaku Kannon, located within the grounds of Nihon-ji Temple, is a Kannon statue carved into a rock wall.

“Hyakushaku” corresponds to approximately 30 meters, and it is a memorable spot together with the quarry landscape.

4. Former Quarry Site (Nicknamed “Laputa Wall”)

Mount Nokogiri preserves grand traces of stone quarrying.

The scenery of massive vertical rock walls is sometimes nicknamed the “Laputa Wall.”

It has a unique atmosphere and is a popular place for photography.

5. Hiking Courses and Nature

Although Mount Nokogiri is a relatively low mountain, it is attractive for its varied hiking courses.

You can choose routes that suit your fitness level and schedule, such as hiking up from the station or combining the ropeway with walking.


Things to Do at Mount Nokogiri

Scenic Ride on the Nokogiri-yama Ropeway

The Nokogiri-yama Ropeway takes about 4 minutes from the lower station to the summit station.

As a general guide, operating hours are 9:00–17:00 during the regular season (February 16–November 15) and 9:00–16:00 during the winter season (November 16–February 15).

Fares are 1,400 yen round trip for adults (700 yen one way) and 700 yen round trip for children (350 yen one way).

A popular option is taking the ropeway up and hiking down.

Photography

Mount Nokogiri has many photogenic spots, including Jigoku Nozoki, the Nihon-ji Great Buddha, Hyakushaku Kannon, and the former quarry sites.

The scenery changes depending on the time of day and weather, so it remains enjoyable even on repeat visits.


How to Get to Mount Nokogiri

Access by Train

  1. Get off at Hama-Kanaya Station on the JR Uchibō Line.
  2. From the station, you can walk to the ropeway lower station.

You can also access the area from Kanagawa Prefecture by using the Tokyo Bay Ferry (Kurihama Port to Kanaya Port, about 40 minutes).

Access by Car

  • You can reach the base area from Futtsu-Kanaya IC on the Tateyama Expressway.
  • Parking facilities are available in the surrounding area.

Useful Travel Tips for Visitors

Opening Hours and Admission Fees

  • Nokogiri-yama Ropeway: Operating hours vary depending on the season.
  • Regular season (February 16–November 15): 9:00–17:00
  • Winter season (November 16–February 15): 9:00–16:00
  • Fare: 1,400 yen round trip for adults (700 yen one way) / 700 yen round trip for children (350 yen one way)
  • Nihon-ji Temple:
  • Visiting hours: 9:00–16:00 (last entry 15:00)
  • Admission fee: 700 yen for adults / 400 yen for children (ages 4–12)

Important Notes for Your Visit

  • Because the grounds of Nihon-ji Temple spread across a mountainside, there are many stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to explore the temple grounds.
  • There may be periods when the ropeway is suspended due to inspections or maintenance.


Summary

Mount Nokogiri is a sightseeing destination in Chiba with many highlights, including Jigoku Nozoki, the Nihon-ji Great Buddha, and former quarry sites.

With the ropeway, you can easily reach the summit area, making it enjoyable for a wide range of visitors, from beginner hikers to scenic-spot lovers.

Be sure to visit Mount Nokogiri and experience its dramatic scale and views for yourself!


Frequently Asked Questions

A. Mt. Nokogiri is a mountain on the Bōsō Peninsula in Chiba, known for dramatic rocky scenery and sights at Nihon-ji Temple. Near cliffs it can be windy on some days, so secure your hat and phone to prevent drops while walking.
A. The Mt. Nokogiri Ropeway costs 1,200 yen round trip for adults and 600 yen for children; one-way is 650 yen for adults and 320 yen for children. It’s easy to lose footing while looking at the view on the way down, so a round-trip ticket and taking the ropeway down can feel easier.
A. The ropeway generally runs from about 9:00 to 17:00. It’s often busiest from 10:00 to 14:00, so going up early and looping “Nihon-ji → Jigoku Nozoki → descent” helps you take photos with fewer people around.
A. Nihon-ji Temple is open 9:00–16:00, with last entry at 15:00, and admission is 700 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. The grounds are larger than many expect and include lots of steps, so decide your must-see spots early to avoid wandering.
A. You can hike up via the trails, but there are slippery sections with stone steps and rocky footing. Shoes with good grip are safer than regular sneakers, and after rain it’s best to pace yourself with “downhill first” in mind to reduce the risk of slipping.
A. The Tokyo Bay Ferry connects Kurihama and Kanaya in about 40 minutes. It can be very windy on the deck, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, move indoors early; after arrival, stopping for a meal around Kanaya can make your onward plan smoother.
A. Parking is available around the ropeway station. On weekends it can fill up in the morning, so arriving early is the basic strategy. Lines for the downhill ride can get longer, so plan to descend before sunset for peace of mind.
A. Jigoku Nozoki has narrow footing, so when you’re waiting your turn, don’t rush the person ahead—once it’s your turn, be quick and considerate. A wide-angle lens often adds impact, and in backlight, turning people into silhouettes can look striking.

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