Most people would think that there aren’t any spots close to Tokyo where you could really enjoy autumn in all its glory. That’s not true! In this feature, we talk about Oyama-dera in Kanagawa. An easy train ride from Tokyo, this temple is a must-visit if you’re in Japan in autumn.
Access
The Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station will take you all the way to Isehara station. From Isehara station, local buses are available up to the foot of a mountain called Oyama (大山).
From here, you can either walk up to Oyama-dera and Oyama-afuri Shrine or take a cable car. Along the way before the cable car stop are plenty of restaurants as well as food stalls. The famous Oyama tofu here is extremely popular.
The Oyama-dera Experience
Oyama-dera (大山寺) was built in 755. On either side of the staircase are Buddhist statues called Fudo Myo-o (Acalanatha), and the center is lined with ishi-doro (stone lanterns).
The light up usually takes place from mid-end of November.
The famed staircase is just below Oyama-dera, the first stop of the cable car. Most people miss this spot as they directly take the cable car all the way up to Oyama-afuri shrine.
Hiking and Views
The best option is to take the cable car all the way up and walk down instead of taking the cable car back. This way, you won’t get as tired as walking to and fro.
Steps leading to Oyama-afuri Shrine are lined with maple as well as other trees that change color. It is a wonderful combination of yellow, orange, and red.
Oyama-afuri shrine (大山阿夫利神社) was originally a part of the Oyama-dera but moved to its current location during the Meiji period.
You get spectacular views of the lit-up city from here. The autumn foliage down below is breathtaking, especially at sunset. There is also a restaurant and a café close to Oyama-Afuri Shrine.
Beware that the weekends in November are peak season and you may have to queue for over an hour both ways. If you’re reasonably fit, it takes about 1.5 hours to get all the way up to Oyama-afuri shrine using the Onna-zaka (gradual slope).
Details of cable car
The Oyama Cable Car connects the base (Oyama Cable Station) to Oyama-dera and the top (Oyama-afuri Shrine Station).
Oyama Cable to Oyama-afuri Shrine (stop by the intermediate Station)
One way: 360 yen for adults, 180 yen for children
Round trip: 700 yen for adults, 350 yen for children
Oyama Cable directly to Oyama-afuri Shrine
One way: 640 yen for adults, 320 yen for children
Round trip: 1,270 yen for adults, 640 yen for children
Official website for cable car: https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/timetable/ (only Japanese) Oyama-Afuri Shrine
Oyama-dera
An Autumn Day Trip Essential
Mount Oyama offers the perfect autumn day trip from Tokyo, blending spiritual history with stunning natural views. To maximize your experience, we recommend purchasing the Odakyu Freepass for seamless transit and planning your visit for sunset to capture the magnificent illuminated foliage.
