Okutama Mukashi Michi: Walk from Okutama Station to Lake Okutama

Okutama Mukashi Michi (literally “Okutama’s Old Road”) is a 9km path that roughly follows the Tama River from Okutama Station (the last stop of the Ome Line) to Ogouchi Dam and Lake Okutama. It used to be the main road in the area, until 1945 when the new road, which had been constructed originally for transporting material for the construction of Ogouchi Dam, became open to the public. Nowadays, the Mukashi Michi is a popular walking course that goes through mountain trails and paved roads, passing by suspension bridges, shrines and waterfalls along the way and offering a great view on the surrounding mountains, especially now with autumn colors near their peak.

Here is an official map of the trail in English. There is also a large map right outside the train station and there are regular markers on the trail itself. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. For the way back, there are regular buses running from Lake Okutama (schedule).

Here is a map of the path I walked (download KML):

Above, the Information Office, a 2min walk from the station. They give out pamphlets (in English) with maps.

Above, the new road.

Above, red Japanese Maple leaves.

Above, view of Tama River from the Shidakura suspension bridge.

Above, on Dodokoro suspension bridge.

Above, view of Ogouchi Dam and Lake Okutama.