3-Day Tokyo Nature Itinerary - Hiking, Shrine Stays, and Katana in Okutama and Mount Mitake

What Sort of Places Are Mount Mitake and Okutama?

Located in the mountainous western reaches of Tokyo, Okutama and Mount Mitake present a striking contrast to the city’s urban image.

Much of Okutama lies within the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, where dense forests, clear rivers, and rugged peaks create a scenic natural landscape. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails like the historic Okutama Mukashi Michi and picturesque locations such as Lake Okutama and Hatonosu Gorge.

Mount Mitake, also part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, rises 929 meters above sea level and is home to Musashi Mitake Shrine, a sacred site of mountain worship with a history said to span around 2,000 years. Visitors can follow paths through the mountain and nearby valleys, and stay overnight at a “shukubo” shrine lodging that preserves the area’s spiritual traditions.

Thumbnail: PIXTA

How to Get to Mount Mitake and Okutama from Tokyo

Okutama is easily reached by train from central Tokyo. From Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station, board the JR Chuo Line and transfer at Tachikawa Station or Ome Station to the JR Ome Line, which takes you to the final stop, Okutama Station. The trip takes just under two hours from Shinjuku or about two hours from Tokyo, with one-way fares ranging from approximately 1,100 to 1,280 yen.

Mount Mitake can also be easily reached from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station. Take the JR Chuo Line, transfer at Tachikawa or Ome Station to the JR Ome Line, and continue the ride to Mitake Station. The journey takes about 90 minutes from Shinjuku and just under two hours from Tokyo, with one-way tickets costing 950-1,100 yen. From Mitake Station, a short 10-minute bus ride (340 yen) or a 45-minute walk leads to Takimoto Station on the Mitake Tozan Railway cable car, which ascends close to the summit of Mount Mitake (1,200 yen roundtrip).

Depending on the day and time, the no-transfer Holiday Rapid Okutama trains and Ome Special Rapid trains are also in operation. The Holiday Rapid Okutama runs outbound on weekend and holiday mornings from Shinjuku through Tachikawa to Ome, and inbound in the late afternoons from Ome back through Tachikawa to Shinjuku and Tokyo. The Ome Special Rapid operates between Tokyo, Tachikawa, and Ome.

・Example of Holiday Rapid Okutama Timetable from Shinjuku (Japanese only). Use the tabs to check times for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays/holidays.

・Example of Ome Special Rapid Timetable from Shinjuku (Japanese only). Ome Special Rapid trains are highlighted in green; use the tabs to check times for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays/holidays.

Day 1: Okutama - A Refreshing Nature Escape Just Outside Central Tokyo

AM - Okutama Mukashi Michi Hiking Trail

For this deep dive into Tokyo's mountainous west, we recommend starting with a hike on the Okutama Mukashi Michi (Old Okutama Road), which follows the historic Koshu Ura Kaido route used by merchants and travelers journeying between Ome in Tokyo and Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture during the Edo period (1603 - 1868). Once lined with tea houses and small lodgings, this scenic path still preserves traces of the past: stone monuments, Buddhist statues, and shrines quietly guarding the way. The 9.7-kilometer trail connects Okutama Station and Okutama Lake, winding through the lush forests of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, which are especially stunning during the autumn foliage season!

Instead of starting the hike from Okutama Station, we recommend taking the local bus from the station to Lake Okutama - a quick 16-minute ride - and then hiking back to Okutama Station for an easier walk.  Depending on the time of day, a number of buses connect the station to the lake: such as Bus 9 (bound for Kamosawanishi), Bus 10 (bound for Taba), Bus 15 (bound for Okutamako), and Bus 14 (bound for Minedani).

Expect around four hours of hiking in total, though the time for each section may vary depending on the person. 

The trail is well signposted - just follow the signs for Okutama Mukashi Michi (or 奥多摩　むかし道) pointing toward Okutama Station (or its equivalent in kanji: 奥多摩駅) - but it’s best to pick up a map from the Okutama Visitor Center near Okutama Station or print it beforehand. There are no vending machines or shops along the route, so bring water and snacks. There is one point where you can refill your bottle: Sakai no Seisen, a natural spring where people come to draw fresh water. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and non-slip shoes, and bring a bear bell for safety. 

Toilets along the trail are located near Okutama Water and Green Museum, Okutama Old Road Tree Planting & Rest Area (out of service at the moment), Sogaku Fudoson Temple, and Bato Kannon.

Alternatively, on the Okutama Historical Road Half-Day Cycling Tour, you can uncover this side of Tokyo few ever see by cycling along the scenic Okutama Mukashi Michi through peaceful mountain villages and sacred shrines. Guided by certified Japan Cycle Tourism Association experts, the tour even includes a visit to a wasabi field where renowned Okutama wasabi is cultivated.

Lake Okutama

Access: 16-minute bus ride from Okutama Station to Okutamako Bus Stop.

Lake Okutama is a man-made reservoir, also known as Ogouchi Reservoir, lying above Ogouchi Dam. Surrounded by lush mountains, its deep blue waters stretch into the distance. The lake, created when the dam opened in 1957, provides more than 20 percent of Tokyo’s water supply.

Stunning in every season, the autumn scenery at Lake Okutama is especially captivating, with colorful foliage reflecting on the water and creating a mirror-like effect. Visitors can take in panoramic sights from Ogouchi Panoramic Hill or Happoiwa Observatory. Be sure to also try crossing the lake on one of the floating pedestrian bridges, a unique experience that allows you to walk across the lake’s surface.

Mizune Kannon and Aomedachi Fudoson Temple

Access: Approx. a 16-minute hike from Okutama Water and Green Museum to Aomedachi Fudoson Temple.

To start the Okutama Mukashi Michi, take the path near Okutamako Bus Stop, next to the Okutama Water and Green Museum. Shortly after passing the museum, you’ll spot a stone monument and a small bridge. Cross the bridge, and you’ll arrive on a road for cars. For a while, you’ll follow a paved uphill road until you arrive at the intersection with National Route 411. Look for a very narrow, steep path beside it - this marks the entrance to the mountain trail of Okutama Mukashi Michi, which leads to Mizune Kannon, a group of Buddhist statues nestled amidst the vegetation, and Aomedachi Fudoson Temple (not open to the public at the moment). From this section of the trail, you can also admire stunning views of Okutama Lake.

Sengen Shrine and Okutama Old Road Tree Planting & Rest Area

Access: Approx. a 35-minute hike from Aomedachi Fudoson Temple to Sengen Shrine, then approx. a 25-minute walk to Okutama Old Road Tree Planting & Rest Area.

The trail narrows again as it climbs along the mountainside, offering stunning views of Okutama Lake and Ogouchi Dam as it winds toward a small village and Sengen Shrine. The village suddenly emerges from the forest, a charming and unexpected settlement tucked into this remote mountainside. Here, the mountain trail ends and the path begins its downhill stretch. Along the way, you’ll find the Okutama Old Road Tree Planting & Rest Area, surrounded by beautiful Japanese maples. In autumn, the foliage here creates a spectacular display of red and orange, adding a magical touch to the refreshing walk.

Dodokoro Bridge, Horse Watering Place, and Shidakura Bridge

Access: Approx. a 13-minute hike from Okutama Old Road Tree Planting & Rest Area to Dodokoro Bridge, then approx. a 16-minute walk to Shidakura Bridge.

Continuing along the paved path, you’ll encounter Dodokoro Bridge, a suspension bridge over the Tama River that allows up to five people to cross at the same time and offers charming river views. Note that the bridge is a dead end, so you’ll need to return the same way.

Not far ahead is the Horse Watering Place, a historic spot where travelers once rested and watered their horses. Further along, another narrow suspension bridge over the Tama River, the Shidakura Bridge, allows only two people at a time, but again rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the gorge, especially magnificent during autumn.

Sogaku Fudoson Temple and Iroha Kaede

Access: Approx. a 5-minute hike from Shidakura Bridge to Sogaku Fudoson Temple, then approx. a 10-minute walk to Iroha Kaede.

A short distance ahead, stop by Sogaku Fudoson Temple, marked by a stone torii gate. A long, rugged staircase winds into the forest, shrouded in shadows and moss, giving the climb an almost otherworldly feel as you make your way to pay respects. A little further along, don’t miss the Iroha Kaede, a grand old maple tree and the largest along the Okutama Mukashi Michi. Its autumn colors peak in late November, attracting photographers from near and far. This is the perfect spot to pause, admire, and capture the tree’s fiery foliage in unforgettable photos.

Shirahige Shrine

Access: Approx.  an 11-minute hike from Iroha Kaede to Shirahige Shrine.

Next, take a short detour to the remote and serene Shirahige Shrine. Set beneath the dramatic overhang of Shirahige Oiwa, a massive rock slab rising roughly 30 meters high, it is arguably the most impressive of the sacred sites along the Okutama Mukashi Michi. The rock has been worshiped since ancient times, and features rare geological fault lines that have earned it designation as a Natural Monument by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Fudo no Uetaki Waterfall and Bato Kannon

Access: Approx. an 11-minute hike from Shirahige Shrine to Fudo no Uetaki Waterfall, then approx. a 10-minute walk to the Hashizume Bus Stop. Approx. a 22-minute walk to Bato Kannon.

On your way to Fudo no Uetaki, a waterfall with an impressive 7-meter drop, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the abandoned Ogouchi Railway, passing old elevated tracks that span over a small settlement. 

After taking a moment to bask in the refreshing spray of the waterfall, continue along the paved path toward the Hashizume Bus Stop. If you wish to continue the hike (buses from here return to Okutama Station), take the staircase found just before reaching the main road. Continuing along the paved mountain road, you’ll come across the Bato Kannon and other stone statues. This Kannon is believed to protect travelers on their journey and to save those who have lost their way. Just beyond these, a turnoff leads down to the final mountain trail.

Abandoned Ogouchi Line and Haguromita Shrine

Access: Approx. a 10-minute hike from Bato Kannon to Haguromita Shrine, then approx. a 10-minute walk to the entrance of the trail, and approx. 7 minutes to Okutama Station.

As you descend the final mountain trail, keep your eyes open! This section of the Okutama Mukashi Michi is where you’ll encounter the most remnants of the abandoned Ogouchi Line and come closest to the old tracks.

The railway was originally built in 1952 to transport supplies for the construction of Ogouchi Dam, which led to the creation of Okutama Lake, but after the dam’s completion in 1957, the line fell into disuse. Featuring multiple tunnels and bridges carved through steep mountains, remnants of tracks and ironwork overgrown with vegetation remain dotted along the Okutama Mukashi Michi, blending with the forest. The juxtaposition of industrial ruins, shrines, and stone Buddha statues evokes an otherworldly atmosphere.

Nearing the end of the Okutama Mukashi Michi, you’ll spot a disused railway tunnel hidden behind foliage - the first of the many along the abandoned Ogouchi Line.

When the mountain trail ends and transitions to a paved road, you’ll see the torii gate of Haguromita Shrine at the bottom of a steep slope leading to the main hall, marking the conclusion of your long walk. From there, simply follow the main road to Okutama Station.

LUNCH - Tamado

Access: 1-minute walk from Okutama Station.

After your hike, treat yourself to Okutama’s specialty rolled egg omelets at Tamado, a charming local eatery. Using local eggs and water, their freshly made “dashimaki tamago” Japanese rolled omelettes are delightfully rich and fluffy. Choose from set meals like the “Dashimaki Set” or the unique “White Dashimaki Set,” made with a rare local brand of eggs renowned for their white yolk. Each set includes rice, miso soup, and small side dishes such as pickles. And don’t miss the homemade pudding for a well-earned dessert!

PM - Hikawa Gorge

Access: A 5-minute walk from Tamado to the entrance of Hikawa Gorge.

Hikawa Gorge, just a short walk from Okutama Station, plunges steeply into a verdant valley, offering dramatic views despite its proximity to the station. The gorge features a series of bridges, including the suspension Hikawa Kobashi and Tokei Bridge, both framed by fiery foliage in autumn. Along the Hikawa Valley Promenade, you’ll encounter maple trees, panoramic mountain vistas, and serene river scenery - and if you simply want to see the suspension bridge and its surroundings, it doesn’t take long at all, making it an easy stop for any traveler!

The 700-year-old sacred Hikawa Sanbon Sugi Triple Cedar near Oku-Hikawa Shrine adds a mystical touch, especially in late autumn when the ginkgo trees within the shrine grounds turn golden. It’s also not far from the entrance of the gorge, ideal for a short but memorable detour.

STAY & DINNER: Okutama no Kaze Hatonosuso

Access: A 5-minute train ride on the Ome Line from Okutama Station to Hatonosu Station, then a 5-minute walk to the hotel.

Perched above the deep Hatonosu Valley, Hatonosuso offers rooms with balconies overlooking the flowing Tama River, forested banks, and the surrounding mountains. Guests can unwind to the sounds of nature while enjoying the seasonal beauty of Okutama. Dinner features exquisite course meals highlighting local ingredients such as Akigawa beef, Ome pork, and Okutama wasabi. Afterward, conclude your day in the hotel’s hot springs, featuring both cozy indoor baths and a scenic open-air onsen. From the outdoor bath, soak while taking in breathtaking views of the valley, letting the peaceful surroundings melt away your stress.

Day 2: Hatonosu and Mount Mitake - Scenic Gorges and a Tranquil Shrine Stay

AM - Hatonosu Gorge

Access: A 2-minute walk from Hatonosuso.

Carved by the Tama River, Hatonosu Gorge offers a breathtaking blend of rugged cliffs, emerald waters, and seasonal beauty. Kick off your second day in Okutama with a walk along the riverbank as the soothing sound of rushing water echoes through the valley, or cross the Hatonosu Kobashi Suspension Bridge for sweeping views of the gorge below. In autumn, the landscape bursts into vivid shades of red and gold, creating an enchanting contrast with the deep green of the river - a perfect spot for photos, quiet strolls, and peaceful reflection.

AM - Coffee Break at Gallery Poppo

Access: 1-minute walk from Hatonosu Gorge.

Perched on a cliff by the entrance to the suspension bridge, Gallery Poppo is a cozy little cafe that feels like a hidden retreat overlooking Hatonosu Gorge. Guests slip off their shoes and settle into counter seats facing wide windows that frame the river and forest beyond. With its slow pace and soothing atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring the gorge - sip coffee, savor some homey sweets, and watch the autumn leaves dance in the breeze!

・We recommend arriving early before opening time (12:00 pm) as seating is limited.

・Put on room slippers and take a number tag, you’ll need it to order food and drinks.

・Only one or two staff members run the cafe, so expect some waiting time.

・Cash only.

LUNCH - Tamagawaya

Access: Walk from Gallery Poppo to Hatonosu Station (5 minutes) and take the Ome Line to Mitake Station (11 minutes). Tamagawaya is a 2-minute walk from the station.

Move to Mitake Station for lunch at Tamagawaya, a beloved soba restaurant housed in a traditional thatched-roof building. Founded in 1915, this historic eatery once welcomed literary figures such as Dazai Osamu, and still exudes the warmth of old Japan with its wooden interior. Enjoy specialties like “tenzaru soba,” featuring crisp tempura and chilled noodles, or “niku nanban soba,” a hearty local favorite from Ome (where Mount Mitake is located), featuring soba in a rich broth with tender meat and fragrant green onions. Pair your meal with Sawanoi sake, brewed nearby in Sawai’s 300-year-old Ozawa Brewery, for a true taste of the region.

PM - Gyokudo Art Museum

Access: A 5-minute walk from Tamagawaya.

The Gyokudo Art Museum showcases the exquisite works of ”nihonga” (Japanese-style painting) master Kawai Gyokudo, who once lived in Ome. Designed in a gorgeous traditional style, the museum harmonizes perfectly with its quaint surroundings. Don’t miss the “karesansui” Japanese dry landscape garden made with carefully arranged rocks and enhanced by seasonal colors. It is recognized as one of the best of its kind in the whole of Tokyo! A replica of Gyokudo’s studio also allows visitors to glimpse his tools and unfinished masterpieces.

PM - Mitake Gorge

Access: A 2-minute walk from Gyokudo Art Museum.

Mitake Gorge is a favorite escape for Tokyoites, renowned for its serene, lush greenery and stunning autumn foliage. A 4-km walking path winds along the riverbanks, where you can cross suspension bridges, stroll beside the flowing water, and admire vibrant ginkgo and maple leaves. The gorge is also a haven for canoeing and other water activities, providing fun opportunities to reconnect with nature.

SHUKUBO SHRINE STAY & DINNER: Shukubo Komadori Sanso

Access: Walk from Mitake Gorge to Mitake Station (2 minutes) and take the bus to Takimoto Station (10 minutes). From there, walk 6 minutes to the cable car station and take the cable car to Mitakesan Station (6 minutes). Shukubo Komadori Sanso is a 16-minute walk from the station.

Right in the heart of sacred Mount Mitake, this historic “shukubo” shrine lodging for Musashi Mitake Shrine has welcomed visitors since 1776, now run by the 18th-generation head of the family. The building features a charming, traditional exterior highlighted by its striking red Nagayamon Gate marking the entrance. Inside, rooms are tatami-style, ranging from refined to simpler layouts, with some even boasting private bathrooms with cypress barrel baths, verandas, and breathtaking mountain views. Guests can savor authentic, homecooked-style Japanese breakfasts and dinner while enjoying the genuine warmth and hospitality of the owners.

Day 3: Mount Mitake - Discover a 2000-Year-Old Shrine and Traditional Blade Craftsmanship

AM - Musashi Mitake Shrine

Access: A 15-minute walk from Shukubo Komadori Sanso.

Start your final day with a visit to the nearby Musashi Mitake Shrine, a sacred mountaintop sanctuary with a history stretching back 2,000 years. Perched at the 929-meter summit of Mount Mitake, the shrine has long been a key site for mountain worship and Shugendo (mountain asceticism) practice. Its vivid vermilion buildings, tranquil forest surroundings, and unique wolf statues, revered in local legends as divine protectors, create a powerful spiritual presence throughout the grounds. Surrounded by beautiful seasonal colors, it also makes for a perfect autumn escape.

Before reaching the shrine, you’ll pass through Mitake Village, a charming mountainside settlement lined with traditional inns and small shops that preserve the nostalgic look of days gone by.

AM - Rock Garden

Access: The hike from Mitake Shrine through the Rock Garden to Ayahiro Falls takes about 40 minutes.

After exploring Mitake Shrine, continue along the 1.5-km Rock Garden trail, where clear mountain streams wind through moss-covered rocks and lush forest. The trail follows the river, revealing stunning rock formations and serene woodland scenery that reminds one of the magical world of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke.

The hike culminates at the 10-meter Ayahiro Falls, a sacred waterfall used for purification ceremonies at Mitake Shrine which is marked by a torii gate, providing a breathtaking finale to your journey through this hidden natural gem!  After enjoying the waterfall, you’ll exit the gorge onto a paved path that leads back toward the shrine. It works like a loop, so you won’t need to retrace your steps.

LUNCH - Momijiya

Access:  A 30-minute walk from Ayahiro Falls to Momijiya.

After hiking the Rock Garden, stop at this charming noodle shop to refuel. Known for its friendly staff and excellent service, its rustic interior, wooden tables, and beautiful mountain views create a relaxing atmosphere. Savor their rich, homemade udon, and don’t miss the signature “kurumi” (walnut) udon, a perfect harmony of nutty flavor and hearty noodles!

PM - Knife Forging at Hirata Tantojo Katana Swordsmith

Access: Walk 15 minutes from Momijiya to Mitakesan Station, then take the cable car to Takimoto Station (6 minutes). From there, take the bus to Mitake Station (10 minutes) and board the Ome Line to Futamatao Station (7 minutes). Hirata Tantojo is a 6-minute walk from the station.

End your trip into Tokyo’s wilderness with a hands-on experience at Hirata Tantojo, one of Japan’s few katana workshops still forging Japanese swords the traditional way. Master swordsmith Sukehira Hirata and his wife, professional “murage” iron maker Nodoka Hirata - the only woman among Japan’s few remaining “tatara” (traditional Japanese furnace) specialists - teach visitors about the ancient art of katana with workshops and tours. 

In the “Kitchen Knife Making Workshop” and the “Small Knife Making Workshop,” you’ll forge blades using the same steel and techniques as katana (prior reservation required). Best of all, you can take your finished knife home and actually use it in your daily life. Guests can also join forging tours and tatara iron making tours by appointment, gaining a rare insight into centuries-old craftsmanship!

Make the Most of 3 Days in Okutama and Mount Mitake

Close enough to Tokyo for a quick escape, yet rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences, Okutama and Mount Mitake are an ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure without straying too far from the capital. From hiking the historic Okutama Mukashi Michi trail and exploring the scenic gorges of Hatonosu and Mitake, to wandering  the sacred Musashi Mitake Shrine and relishing soothing hot springs and joining traditional katana-making experiences, visitors can immerse themselves in nature and discover a hidden corner of Tokyo!