Okutama and Mount Mitake: A Spectacular Day Trip That Doesn't Feel Like Tokyo
Located about 1.5 hours from central Tokyo, Okutama and Mount Mitake offer abundant nature and mysterious power spots. This day trip guide features the clear streams and moss of Rock Garden, the history of Musashi-Mitake Shrine, and hot springs along the mountain streams—a perfect way to refresh both body and mind.
Jul 24, 2026·✍️ olablog·⏱ 8 min read
Located about 1.5 hours from central Tokyo, Okutama and Mount Mitake offer abundant nature and mysterious power spots. This day trip guide features the clear streams and moss of Rock Garden, the history of Musashi-Mitake Shrine, and hot springs along the mountain streams—a perfect way to refresh both body and mind.
Tap a region to browse articles
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and enjoy the great outdoors on a day trip, Mount Mitake in Okutama is an ideal destination. Although it is only about 1.5 hours from central Tokyo, this spectacular area is surrounded by such abundant nature that it hardly feels like Tokyo at all. Spend a refreshing day exploring the mysterious Musashi-Mitake Shrine, Rock Garden with its clear streams and moss-covered rocks, and hot springs alongside the mountain streams.
Getting to Mount Mitake: Conveniently Located About 1.5 Hours from Central Tokyo
Mount Mitake is accessed from Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line. From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line and Ome Line, arriving at Mitake Station in about 80 minutes. From Mitake Station, take the Nishi-Tokyo Bus bound for Cable Shita. The ride takes about 10 minutes and ends at the Cable Shita bus stop. From the bus stop, it is about a 3-minute walk to Takimoto Station on the Mitake Tozan Railway.
From Takimoto Station, take the cable car and arrive at Mitakeyama Station, located at an elevation of 831m, in about 6 minutes. The views from the cable car as it steadily climbs the steep slope are also one of the highlights of the trip.
Transportation Fares (as of July 2026)
| Route | Transportation | Fare (Adult One-Way) | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku Station～Mitake Station | JR Chuo Line・Ome Line | Approximately 1,290円 | Approximately 80 minutes | |
| Mitake Station～Cable Shita | Nishi-Tokyo Bus | 340円 | Approximately 10 minutes | |
| Takimoto Station～Mitakeyama Station | Mitake Tozan Railway Cable Car | 600円 | Approximately 6 minutes |
※The information above is current as of July 2026. Fares and schedules may change, so be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Mount Mitake Rock Garden: A Mystical Forest of Clear Streams and Moss
Located about 1 hour on foot from Mitakeyama Station, Rock Garden is one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Mitake. Also known as a “sacred place for moss,” it features clear streams flowing between strangely shaped rocks of all sizes. The moss-covered rock faces and green trees reflected on the water create scenery that feels as though you have wandered into a secluded mountain valley.
Rock Garden is a relatively easy, well-maintained trail running alongside a stream for about 1.5km from Tengu Rock to Ayahiro Falls. Along the way, you can enjoy sights such as Ayahiro Falls and Nanayo Falls while refreshing yourself amid the abundant negative ions. Allow about 1 hour 50 minutes to complete the Rock Garden loop.
Musashi-Mitake Shrine: A Power Spot on One of the Kanto Region’s Most Sacred Mountains
Musashi-Mitake Shrine, located at the summit of Mount Mitake (elevation 929m), is a historic shrine that has long been revered as the guardian shrine of the entire Kanto region. It is said to have been founded in 91 BC and is also known for its belief in wolves (mountain dogs), said to have been companions of Yamato Takeru, as guardian deities called “Oinu-sama.”
A paved road leads from Mitakeyama Station, but after passing through the settlement lined with shukubo pilgrim lodgings, you will encounter steep slopes and approximately 330 steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. On clear days, the summit offers spectacular panoramic views extending from the skyscrapers of Shinjuku’s business district and Tokyo Skytree to Yokohama and Enoshima in the distance.
Relaxing in Hot Springs Along the Mountain Streams
After hiking on Mount Mitake, it is a good idea to wash away the sweat and soothe your tired muscles at one of the hot springs along the nearby mountain streams. The Okutama area is dotted with hot spring facilities that offer day-use bathing.
Recommended Hot Spring Facilities
- Okutama Onsen Moegi no Yu This natural hot spring is especially appealing for its open-air bath overlooking the clear waters of the Tama River. Located around Lake Okutama, about 2 hours by car from central Tokyo, it is also an ideal way to end a day trip by car.
- Tsurutsuru Onsen This hot spring facility is also popular as the endpoint of the hiking route that descends via Mount Hinode from Mount Mitake. There is a bus stop right in front, allowing you to relax and rest until your bus arrives.
- Day-Use Bathing at a Shukubo Mount Mitake is home to settlements of families of Shinto priests known as “oshi,” who have welcomed pilgrims since the Edo period. Some of these shukubo offer accommodation and meals, while others provide day-use bathing plans that include a meal. They are recommended for anyone looking for a special experience.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary for Mount Mitake
Here is a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your day on Mount Mitake.
| Time | Itinerary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Arrive at JR Mitake Station | Approximately 80 minutes from Shinjuku via the JR Chuo Line and Ome Line |
| 9:10 | Bus (Mitake Station→Cable Shita) | Approximately 10 minutes, 340円 |
| 9:40 | Cable car (Takimoto Station→Mitakeyama Station) | Approximately 6 minutes, 600円 |
| 9:50 | Arrive at Mitakeyama Station, begin hiking | You can also gather information at the Mitake Visitor Center |
| 10:20 | Visit Musashi-Mitake Shrine | Enjoy the spectacular views from the summit |
| 10:40 | Set out for Rock Garden | Via Nagao-daira |
| 10:45 | Nagao-daira (observation deck) | Ideal for a break or picnic lunch |
| 11:45 | Ayahiro Falls, Nanayo Falls | Highlights of Rock Garden |
| 12:40 | Finish exploring Rock Garden, lunch | Eat at a shukubo or around Mitakeyama Station |
| 14:00 | Cable car (Mitakeyama Station→Takimoto Station) | |
| 14:10 | Bus (Cable Shita→Mitake Station) | |
| 14:20 | Head to a hot spring near JR Mitake Station | Such as Okutama Onsen Moegi no Yu or Tsurutsuru Onsen |
| 16:00 | Refresh at the hot spring | Relax and soothe away the day’s fatigue |
| 17:00 | Begin the journey home |
This sample itinerary is just one example. Feel free to adjust it according to your fitness level and interests. If you want to enjoy Okutama’s beautiful natural scenery, you may also want to browse day tours departing from Tokyo. With a guided tour, you can efficiently visit a variety of appealing spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Mount Mitake suitable for beginners? A. Yes. By taking the cable car, you can begin walking from Mitakeyama Station at an elevation of 831m, making this a manageable route even for visitors with little hiking experience. Rock Garden is also well maintained and popular as a relatively easy trail. However, some sections include steep descents and slippery areas, so we recommend wearing suitable hiking shoes and allowing plenty of time.
Q. Can I bring my dog to Mount Mitake? A. Yes. Mount Mitake is popular with hikers accompanied by dogs because Musashi-Mitake Shrine has a tradition of worshipping “Oinu-sama.” Pets can also ride the cable car. However, please be considerate of other passengers, such as by keeping your dog’s leash short while riding.
Q. When is the best time to see the autumn leaves on Mount Mitake? A. Mount Mitake offers beautiful autumn scenery every year. Rock Garden in particular is a wonderful place to enjoy the colorful foliage along the valley. The exact peak varies depending on the weather, but it is generally from late October to late November.
Q. Are there any other recommended sightseeing spots in Okutama besides Mount Mitake? A. The Okutama area has many attractive destinations besides Mount Mitake, including the beautiful scenery of Lake Okutama, the mysterious underground world of Nippara Limestone Caves, and the dramatic landscape of Hatonosu Gorge. There are also plenty of activities for enjoying Okutama’s natural surroundings. You can book sightseeing tickets and passes for experiences such as rafting and SUP.
Q. Are there places to eat around Mount Mitake? A. Shukubo, restaurants, and shops can be found around Mitakeyama Station and along the approach to Musashi-Mitake Shrine. There are many options, from light snacks to full meals. Stopping by for a break during your hike is also a great option.
Okutama and Mount Mitake are appealing destinations packed with nature, history, and opportunities to relax, despite being easily accessible from central Tokyo. On your next day off, why not enjoy a memorable day trip to Mount Mitake, where spectacular scenery awaits that feels nothing like Tokyo?
Comments
No reviews yet — be the first!
