Nokogiriyama

Nokogiriyama is a mountain located in the Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture, standing at approximately 330 meters high. Its unique silhouette resembles the jagged teeth of a saw, with steep, rugged rock faces. From the Edo period until 1985, it thrived as a source of high-quality Boso stone, and it is said that at its peak, about 80% of the population in the Kanaya area was engaged in the stone industry. Boso stone is easy to work with and has excellent fire resistance, having been used in modern buildings across Japan, including Yokohama Port, Yasukuni Shrine, and Waseda University, greatly contributing to Japan's urban development. The cliffs and stone-cutting sites exposed by quarrying still remain in the mountains today, creating a dramatic landscape unique to Nokogiriyama.

On the southern slope of the mountain lies Nihonji, the oldest imperial temple in the Kanto region, which was established by the monk Gyoki about 1,300 years ago. The temple grounds cover an area equivalent to about seven Tokyo Domes and are dotted with numerous attractions. The Great Buddha of Nirvana, standing at 31.05 meters, is known as Japan's largest carved rock Buddha and was sculpted over three years by Ono Jingohei and his disciples in 1783. Visitors are also greeted by an array of diverse statues including the 30.3-meter tall Hyakushaku Kannon, carved from an old quarry site, and the 1,553 Arhats created over 21 years in the late Edo period.

One of the main attractions at Nokogiriyama, “Hell Viewing Point,” allows visitors to peer approximately 100 meters down from a narrow ledge protruding from a cliff, offering a thrilling experience. A magnificent panorama awaits, with views of Tokyo Bay, the Boso Peninsula, the Miura Peninsula, and, under good conditions, Mount Fuji, making it a particularly popular scenic spot.

There are various hiking routes available, including the “Shariki Path,” used by women transporting stone to the foot of the mountain, where tracks and stone pavements remain, showcasing the work conditions of the past. The "Kanto Fureai Road," which connects JR Hamakanaya Station to Yata Station, offers a variety of scenic views including the Moon Viewing Platform, Laputa Wall, quarry remnants, a viewpoint where the Earth appears round, and the summit of Nokogiriyama (Triangulation Point). The quarry site retains loading areas and heavy machinery from the mechanization era, drawing attention as an industrial heritage site. Furthermore, a new popular spot featuring a cat sculpture, reflecting the playful spirit of stonecutters, was unveiled in 2021.

Using the ropeway, visitors can reach the summit station in about four minutes, where large windows on the gondola provide a breathtaking view of the beautiful contrast between Tokyo Bay and the mountains. Around the summit station, there are signs proclaiming "Yahoo!!" and a post made from Boso stone called "Sharon Poston," which, when mailed from here, receives a date stamp illustrating Nokogiriyama and the ropeway, making it a popular travel memento. The summit observation deck offers a grand view that includes the Miura Peninsula, Mount Fuji, and on clear days, even Izu Oshima, establishing it as one of the top scenic spots in Chiba Prefecture.

Nokogiriyama is designated as part of the Minami Boso Quasi-National Park, benefiting from a mild climate that allows for year-round hiking and tourism. With convenient access by car, train, and ferry, it is a popular tourist destination packed with diverse attractions encompassing history, nature, breathtaking views, and industrial heritage. The mountain is dotted with numerous points of interest, and it is said that a full day is needed to explore thoroughly, while seeing everything could take up to two days.