Mt Ishiwari, Mt Hirao and Mt Ohira: Lake Yamanakako hike

Mt Ishiwari (石割山, Ishiwari-yama) is a mountain right next to Lake Yamanaka-ko, and its close proximity to Mt Fuji makes for some excellent scenery if the weather is in your favour. With good public transport access via a direct bus from Shinjuku to the trailhead, Mt Ishiwari has a number of course options ranging from 4km to 10km, depending on if you want to extend your hike to visit the neighbouring Mt Hirao and Mt Ohira. I've hiked Mt Ishiwari three times now. The first two times were via public transport, and so I was able to take the point-to-point course and finish at a separate bus stop. Unfortunately I couldn't get a clear view of Mt Fuji on either one! My most recent hike was by car, so we started and ended at the Ishiwari Jinja carpark - and I finally got these amazing Fuji views (third time's the charm). Starting at the Ishiwari Shrine trailhead My most recent hike was via car, so we got the luxury of starting directly at the Ishiwari Shrine trailhead. If coming via bus -…