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Chichibu-Tama-Kai NP, Yamanashi
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Daibosatsu inspired a literary giant: Nakazato Kaizan began serializing his novel in 1913. Swordsman Tsukue Ryūnosuke opens the tale by killing an old pilgrim on the pass; the 41-volume story was still unfinished when Kaizan died in 1944.
Today’s pass marker isn’t exactly where earlier travelers crossed. An older route went over Sai no Kawara, while another crossed Ishimaru Pass; the routes were later consolidated at today’s pass in the Meiji era, though accounts differ.
Loaded horses couldn’t cross this steep pass, so traders met at Niwatashiba—the “cargo-transfer place.” Rice, salt and miso came from Enzan; Tanbayama sent charcoal and konnyaku, with silk added after silkworm farming took hold.
The old Ōme Kaidō was more than a trading route: Yamanashi Prefecture records that it was opened in the early Edo period to carry limestone from western Tama for Edo Castle. Its route crossed Daibosatsu Pass on the way toward Kōfu.
One recorded origin story—not settled history—says warrior Minamoto no Yoshimitsu lost his way here, then followed a woodcutter who vanished. Seeing 8 white banners, Yoshimitsu praised Hachiman Daibosatsu, giving the mountain its name.
Local hut-family accounts say Nakazato Kaizan stayed at San界庵, beside Shōen-sō, while writing his novel. The nearby Kaizansō mountain hut takes its name from the author—a literary connection tucked into the trail’s history.
In Kōshū, the Kaizan Festival marks the mountain-opening season with 2 observances in 1: a memorial service for novelist Nakazato Kaizan and prayers for hikers’ safety. The tradition keeps the pass’s literary namesake part of local mountain life.
The pass sits on a watershed: rain on its eastern slope feeds the Kosuge River and Tama River system, while water on the west flows toward the Hino River and Fuefuki River. A short walk across the ridge sends water into different basins.
Near Sai no Kawara, even deer-proof fencing needs repairs: a park ranger found holes chewed in the mesh and loose stakes during patrol. Yamanashi says deer browsing is also harming rare plants and biodiversity in the protected area.
