Only have one day but want to climb in Japan?
・You want to visit shrines, temples, and iconic spots—but you also want just one day to go bouldering.
・You prefer somewhere accessible by public transportation.
・You’re wondering how to rent gear or find access info.
For travelers who can’t help but squeeze in a climbing day even while sightseeing, this guide is for you.
Here are the best bouldering areas you can visit on a day trip from major Japanese cities！
Contents
1.Mitake (from Tokyo)
Access: ★★★★★
Rock Type: Chert
Season: Late March–June, Late September–November
Overview
Just outside Tokyo, Mitake offers more than 400 boulder problems and a deep climbing history. Its easy train access makes it popular among everyone—from students to early-morning commuters.
Mitake Gorge itself is a famous hiking destination, so the area is well-loved not only by climbers but also by many outdoor enthusiasts.
Season
Cooler than central Tokyo due to the riverside location. Best in spring and autumn.
It is possible to climb in the middle of winter in sunny areas. Summer has many bugs.
Getting There
From Tokyo or Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Ome, then transfer to the Ome Line to Mitake.
Paid parking is available, but the train is easiest.
Travel time:
・About 1.5 hours from Shinjuku by train
・10-minute walk from Mitake Station to the famous “Ninjagaeshi” boulder.
Parking:
・Kanzanji Temple Parking (Free)
・Mitake Enchi Parking (100 JPY/hour)
Rock Type
Chert.
There are lots of grades and plenty of low boulders, so both kids and adults can have a great time here.
Manners
Night climbing is strictly prohibited due to past complaints from local residents.
If climbers do not follow the rules, there is a real risk that the entire area could be closed, so please respect all regulations.
Since this area is visited by many people, make sure to brush the holds after climbing to keep the boulders clean.
Gear
Crash pad rentals available at Maunga Mitake, located at Mitake Station.
Topos:
Recommended Problems
・Egoist V7 – Extremely popular; shaded and climbable even in summer, very cold in winter.
・Mine no Yu V5/6 – Beautiful line with great movement.
・Ninjagaeshi V5/6 – One of Japan’s three classic problems; a historic benchmark for grade V5–6.
2.Kitayama Koen(from Osaka)
Access: ★★★★★
Rock Type: Granite
Season: December–February
Overview
Alongside Ojigadake (Okayama) and Mitake (Tokyo), Kitayama Koen (Kitayama Botanical Garden) is considered one of the birthplaces of Japanese bouldering.
The park is well-maintained and easily accessible, used by many locals for various activities.
On clear days you can see Osaka Bay from inside the park, and the night view is stunning.
Season
Sunny, warm rocks—winter is the best season.
Summer is extremely hot; climbing is only possible early morning or evening. Granite makes summer conditions particularly poor.
Getting There
Train is best. Travel time:
・About 50 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Hankyu Koyoen Station.
・From Koyoen Station, walk about 20 minutes to the Kitayama Green Space Botanical Garden.
Parking:
Use the paid lot at the Botanical Garden.
During flower season (Mar–early May) and autumn foliage season (Oct–Nov), avoid parking due to heavy crowds.
Rock Type
Granite.
Suitable for beginners and up, with a variety including slabs, cracks, and even no-hand challenges.
Manners
Because of past conflicts (noise, no brushing, etc.), climbing was once temporarily banned—so be mindful of brushing and good manners.
Gear
No rental pads in the area.
Crash pad rentals available in Osaka City at the bouldering gym Mushrooming (JR Temma Station, ~10 minutes from Shin-Osaka by train).
Topos:
You can get the topos from this link
Recommended Problems
・Beginner Slab V0 (No-hands version V5/6)
・Mihoto V7 – Wide crack; physical and fun.
・Shogi Normal V5/6 – A classic “rite of passage” problem. The polished footholds may shock beginners.
3. Kasagi(from Kyoto)
Access: ★★★☆☆
Rock Type: Granite
Season: Late March–June, Late September–November
Overview
A classic climbing area with more than 100 problems.
Many boulders are tall, but with good landings. Grades range from beginner-friendly to V12 (五段), so climbers of all levels can enjoy the area.
Season
Best in spring and autumn.
Winter is very cold (riverside location), but friction is excellent. Summer is hot and overgrown.
Getting There
By train:
・JR Kansai Main Line to Kasagi Station (~1 hr 20 min from Kyoto Station) / (~1 hr 45 min from Shin-Osaka Station)
・5-minute walk from Kasagi Station to the boulders
By car:
~1 hour from both Kyoto and Osaka.
Use nearby paid parking.
Rock Type
Granite.
Wide range of grades for all climbers.
Manners
Please refrain from screaming while attempting problems and from night bouldering.
It goes without saying that you should brush the rocks, but you should also always take your trash with you and
use the toilets located near the entrance to the rock face.
Gear
No rental pads nearby.
Crash pads available for rent at Mushrooming in Osaka City (JR Temma Station). But its far, so I recommend to rent or bring everything before arriving.
Topos:
Recommended Problems
・Oyayubikun V7 – Kasagi’s signature line. Unique thumb moves; surprisingly hard for the grade.
・Minami-Ura no O-Lunge V5/6 – A committing lunge with poor landing; but very satisfying.
・Jumping Heel Hook V2/3 – Only V2/3, but surprisingly scary and exciting.
4. Toyota (from Nagoya)
Access: ★☆☆☆☆
Rock Type: Granite
Season: Autumn–Spring
Overview
Toyota is a massive climbing area with over 1,000 problems (boulder + sport combined).
Even local climbers don’t know the total number—it’s still growing.
Season
Best from autumn to spring, especially winter.
Getting There
Public transportation from Nagoya takes 2–3 hours, so driving is recommended.
About 1 hour by car from Nagoya Station.
Parking:
Local residents are strict about illegal parking, and each sector has detailed rules.
Singing Stone Parking (“Utaishi Parking”) is large and recommended.
Rock Type
Granite.
Endless problems for every level—great for both beginners and strong climbers.
Manners
Some zones are closed due to issues with local residents. There is still risk of future closures, so follow all rules strictly.
Night climbing is strictly prohibited.
Gear
No local shops—rent or bring everything before arriving.
Topo:
Recommended Problems
・Pole Position V5/6 – A signature Toyota classic.
・Bunmei Kaika – A popular balancey crimp line.
This article introduced recommended bouldering areas you can visit as a day trip from major cities.
Be sure to enjoy Japan’s unique bouldering culture during your travels as well.
If you’re coming to Japan primarily for a climbing trip, check out this article below!
For more trekking and activity trips, check them out here too!
