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.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival
This festival begins as the trees in the Ginkgo Avenue inside Meiji Jingu Gaien turn yellow. There are also stalls selling specialty products from different regions of Japan, while the local mascots also make the occasional appearance. The event will last until December 9th.
Hike in the Fuji 5 Lakes area: Lake Kawaguchi, Mount Ashiwada, Aokigahara Forest
A couple of weeks ago, I went on a day trip to Fujikawaguchiko, in Yamanashi Prefecture. The area is located on the north side of Mount Fuji, west of Tokyo, and is famous for being a great spot for watching the mountain. It also known under the name “Fuji Five Lakes” (after Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, Lake Motosu and Lake Yamanaka). On top of the lakes, the area has mountains and swathes of woodland, the most well-known being Aokigahara Forest, also called the “Sea of trees” (and sometimes “Suicide Forest”).
Hike from Hatonosu Valley to Mount Mitake & Mount Hinode
After enjoying the Hatonosu Valley, I decided to hike the trail to Mount Mitake and Mount Hinode.
Hatonosu Valley / Otama Trail
The Otama Trail is in Okutama City, in Nishitama District, the westernmost area of Tokyo. It is a gentle path that follows the Tama River from Kori to Okutama through well-built trails, mountain roads and suspension bridges. I followed it for a short section, from Hatonosu to Shiromaru Dam. Autumn colors were not fully there yet but the sights were still great.
Hike to Mount Oyama (Tanzawa Mountains)
Mount Oyama is a 1252m peak in the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park, in Kanagawa Prefecture. I went there on a day trip a few weeks ago.
Jonanjima Seaside Park
After my visit to the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, I finished the day by walking to Jonanjima Seaside Park: It is a park bordering Tokyo Bay, directly across the water from Haneda Airport. Its position makes it a good spot for watching the planes landing at the airport: They are flying overhead every few minutes. There is also a beach (swimming forbidden though…) and a camping site.
Hike from Mount Takao to Mount Jinba in the rain
A few weeks ago, I went back to Mount Takao, in Hachioji City, in western Tokyo. This time, the objective was to hike all the way to Mount Jinba, passing through the summits of Mount Kobotoke-Shiroyama and Mount Kagenobu along the way. Although it started to rain quite heavily at some stage, I still had a great time.