Climbing Mount Kintoki as a Parent and Child: Kintoki Shrine Trailhead Course

Mount Kintoki is a mountain located on the border between Kanagawa Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture, with an elevation of 1,212 meters, making it an ideal mountain for family hiking. In particular, the Kintoki Shrine Trail is relatively short, allowing beginners and those with children to enjoy it with peace of mind. This time, I will introduce the Kintoki Shrine Trail in detail and explain the necessary equipment and the time required to climb.

The charm of Mt. Kintoki

Kintoki Mountain is also known as the setting for the folktale "Kintaro Legend." From the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Fuji, the Hakone mountains, and Sagami Bay, making it well worth the climb. Additionally, there are many courses that, while relatively short in distance, are rich in variety, making them appealing for children who won't get bored.

Overview of the Kintoki Shrine Trailhead Course

Course Features

• Distance and Time: This is a round trip course totaling approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to about 3 hours.
• Difficulty: Suitable for beginners. The ascent is relatively gentle, and there are few dangerous areas, making it safe even for those with children.
• Highlights: You can enjoy climbing with attractions such as Kintaro's footprints, Kintoki Shrine, and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Course details

Starting point: Kintoki Shrine

• Kintoki Shrine is a place that serves as the base for climbing Mount Kintoki and is associated with the legend of Kintaro. The climb begins here. Kintoki Shrine also has a parking lot, making it convenient to access by car.

Kintaro's Footsteps

• As soon as you leave Kintoki Shrine, you will see a large stone believed to be the footprint of Kintaro. It is an interesting spot for children and perfect for commemorative photos.

Gentle uphill path

• The hiking trail from Kintoki Shrine continues with a relatively gentle ascent. As it winds through the forest, it remains cool and comfortable even in summer. There are also rest points along the way, allowing for a leisurely pace.

Viewpoint

• There are several viewpoints along the way where you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji and the mountains of Hakone. If the weather is good, you can see as far as Sagami Bay, and the beautiful scenery will surely delight the children.

Summit

• It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach the summit from Kintoki Shrine. The summit is spacious and has plenty of resting areas. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, and the sight of Mount Fuji is particularly breathtaking.

Precautions and measures to take during the rainy season and summer vacation

Things to be aware of during the rainy season

• The rainy season has a lot of rain, making the mountain trails slippery, so caution is necessary. Let's take the following measures to enjoy climbing safely.
  • Rainwear: Be sure to bring highly waterproof rainwear. Prepare a set for both the top and bottom to be ready for sudden rain.
  • Waterproof Backpack Cover: By attaching a waterproof cover to your backpack, you can prevent the contents inside from getting wet.
  • Non-slip shoes: Wear trekking shoes with a sturdy sole to walk safely even on slippery paths.
  • Towels and Change of Clothes: Since the body tends to get cold when wet, please bring a towel and a spare change of clothes.

Summer vacation precautions

• During the summer vacation period, it is important to take measures against heatstroke and to stay adequately hydrated.
  • Early Morning Departure: By starting your hike before the temperature rises, you can avoid the heat. Let's aim for an early morning departure.
  • Sunblock: In high mountains, UV rays are strong, so be sure to apply sunblock thoroughly and take measures against UV rays with hats and sunglasses.
  • Hydration: Bring enough water and make sure to hydrate frequently. Sports drinks are also recommended.
  • Snacks and Energy Bars: Bring snacks and energy bars for energy replenishment and consume them in moderation.

Regarding equipment

When climbing with children, preparing the equipment is especially important. Below, I will explain the necessary equipment in detail.

Basic Equipment

• Hiking Boots: For safe and comfortable hiking, sturdy trekking shoes are essential. Be sure to have options for children as well.
• Backpack: To keep both hands free, each parent and child should have their own backpack. Choose a lightweight and well-fitting one for children.
• Hat: Necessary in summer to block sunlight and in winter for warmth.
• Gloves: They are essential for keeping warm in winter. They also provide protection for your hands when climbing on rocky surfaces.
• Rainwear: Let's bring highly waterproof rainwear to cope with changes in weather.
• Water Bottle: Hydration is very important. A small water bottle will also be prepared for children.
• Snacks and Light Meals: Bring chocolate, nuts, fruits, etc. for energy replenishment.

Safety Equipment

• First Aid Kit: Prepare items such as band-aids, disinfectants, and bandages in case of injury.
• Whistle: It is necessary to signal your location with sound in an emergency.
• Mobile phone: Be sure to bring it as a means of contact in case of emergency.

clothing

• Quick-drying shirts and pants: Choose high-performance materials that dry quickly to stay comfortable even when sweating.
• Fleece and down jackets: I will bring them as a measure against the cold during low temperature periods.
• Mountaineering Socks: Wear thick, cushioned socks to protect your feet.

Preparations and precautions before climbing

Check the weather

• Before climbing, always check the weather forecast, and if bad weather is expected, do not push yourself and change your plans. Be especially careful as it can become slippery during rain.

Health Management

• It is important for both children and adults to be in good health. Make sure to get enough sleep the night before and have a proper breakfast on the day.

Share your plan

• It is also important to inform your family and friends about your climbing route and planned time. In case of an emergency, make sure to share your climbing plan with those around you.

Pacing

• It is important to climb at the child's pace without overdoing it, taking frequent breaks. If you feel tired, do not push yourself and take breaks at appropriate times.

Nature Conservation

• "Do not stray from the hiking trails, always take your trash back with you, and remember to cherish the natural environment. This is also a great opportunity to teach children the importance of nature conservation."

How to enjoy the summit

The summit of Kintoki Mountain is spacious and has ample resting areas. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Fuji, the mountains of Hakone, and Sagami Bay, and the beautiful scenery is more than enough to give you a sense of accomplishment.

Lunch and snacks

• Lunch and snack time at the summit is one of the joys for the children as well. Enjoying a meal slowly while gazing at the scenery also helps to relieve the fatigue of climbing.

photo shoot

• Taking family photos with a stunning view in the background will also create good memories. The children will surely feel the joy of taking pictures with their own cameras or smartphones.

Rest and relax

• At the summit, let's take a good break and prepare for the descent. By stretching out and relaxing, we will recover our stamina.

Tips for descending

At a slow pace

• Descending the mountain puts more strain on your legs than climbing up. It's important to take your time and descend at a slow pace. Since children can get tired easily, let's take breaks as needed while going down.

Watch your step

• Be especially careful of your footing when going down the mountain. Be sure to walk carefully in slippery areas and on steep slopes.

summary

Mount Kintoki is a perfect mountain for family hiking. In particular, the Kintoki Shrine trail is ideal for beginners and families with children, as it allows you to reach the summit in a short time while enjoying the scenery. Considering the rainy season and summer vacation, make sure to prepare appropriate gear and have a wonderful time in nature with your children. Hiking is not only a great way to strengthen family bonds but also an excellent opportunity to teach children about the beauty of nature and the importance of physical fitness. Enjoy a safe, fun, and wonderful hiking experience.

At Outdoor Path, we provide the equipment and information necessary for mountain climbing. Be sure to check it out and enjoy your next outdoor adventure.