The Takeda Clan is said to have opened Chichibu Urakaido Road as a by-road of Chichibu Okan Road. It is an old road stretching from Jokoji-jo Castle Ruins to the Takeda Residence in Kofuchu Tsutsujigasaki through Kotoge Pass and Taragatoge Pass. Guard stations were built in Akashiba Village, Sessa Village, and other such strategic locations, because the road was used for secret military purposes during Takeda Shingen’s era. Additionally, as the Nishiho area was a treasure trove of lumber, the guard stations also served an important role in protecting the Imperial forest of the Shogunate during the Edo Period (1603–1868). Kakigake Guard Station in Akashiba Village had its gate restored, and has been designated a Historical Site of Yamanashi City.
COURSE MAP
Where to next?
Tracing the major sites on Chichibu Okan Road
Climbing to a mountain pass toward the Oku-chichibu Mountain Range along the Fuefuki River
This route starts from the three-way intersection at Yamasaki in Kofu City and ends at the entrance of the Karisaka Tunnel located on the border of the prefecture. It rises approximately 1,000 meters and runs through the Chichibu Okan Road in Yamanashi Prefecture.
There are many historically interesting and significant spots along the road. In the northern mountainous area from Ichinohashi in Yamanashi City, visitors can discover the true nature of Chichibu Okan Road surrounded by affluent water and greenery such as the magnificent Ichinokama Waterfalls, Daitakesan Nagato-jinja Shrine situated deep in the mountains, and Kichijo-ji Temple with a sculpture related to the messengers for Takeda Shingen. It is also possible to trek at Tokuwa Valley and Nishizawa Valley, and hike up Mount Kentoku, Mount Kobushigatake, Mount Tosaka and Mount Karisaka.
This route is long and hard to complete within a day. Please consider staying overnight along the route at Isawa Onsen, Enzan Onsen, Iwashita Onsen, or Kawaura Onsen. We also recommend limiting the number of sites that you would like to visit.
There are many historically interesting and significant spots along the road. In the northern mountainous area from Ichinohashi in Yamanashi City, visitors can discover the true nature of Chichibu Okan Road surrounded by affluent water and greenery such as the magnificent Ichinokama Waterfalls, Daitakesan Nagato-jinja Shrine situated deep in the mountains, and Kichijo-ji Temple with a sculpture related to the messengers for Takeda Shingen. It is also possible to trek at Tokuwa Valley and Nishizawa Valley, and hike up Mount Kentoku, Mount Kobushigatake, Mount Tosaka and Mount Karisaka.
This route is long and hard to complete within a day. Please consider staying overnight along the route at Isawa Onsen, Enzan Onsen, Iwashita Onsen, or Kawaura Onsen. We also recommend limiting the number of sites that you would like to visit.
about 60 km / 1 day or more / Car