Standing 330 meters above sea level, Nokogiriyama is a great weekend getaway right across Tokyo Bay. The main temple grounds of Nihonji, built across the cliffs and rolling hills, were first constructed some 1300 years ago, making it one of the oldest temples for the sect of Soto Zen Buddhism in the Kanto area. Here you can find one of the largest daibutsu (large Buddha) statues (standing 31m tall!) in Kanto, as well as a wide array of 1500 other statues and carvings spread throughout the area–all the work of master artisan Jingoro Eirei Ono in the 1780s. Also, you can visit Jigoku Nozoki (Hell Peak Point) to get some amazing vistas of Tokyo Bay (see the top photo).
Getting there: Take the ferry from Kurihama to Kanaya port (¥800 one way; about 40min) and then walk about 12 minutes, or take a taxi, to the base of the mountain. There you can ride the Nokogiriyama Ropeway (¥950 round trip, ¥500 one way), which can efficiently take you to the summit. Though, as an alternative, and more exciting route in our opinion, take one of the many trails that lead around the mountain to get to the top (times vary but most can be done in an hour or so).