Hike to Mount Takanosu / Nippara Limestone Cave
Mount Takanosu (鷹ノ巣山) is a 1,736m-high mountain in Okutama City, in western Tokyo. It is a popular waypoint on the way to Mount Kumotori, the highest peak in Tokyo.
autumn
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park in Tokyo that blends the French, English and Japanese styles of gardens.
Nagatoro: Iwadatami Rocks & Mount Hodo
After getting down from Mount Buko, instead of directly going back to Tokyo, I made a quick detour by Nagatoro, north of Chichibu City. The area is famous for the Iwadatami Rocks, next to the Arakawa River. It is possible to ride a traditional Japanese boat through rapids but I was too late for that. However, fall colors were in full swing. The other attraction of the area is Mount Hodo, a 497m high mountain. There is a ropeway to the summit about 20min from the Iwadatami Rocks. I arrived just in time to watch the sunset.
Hike to Mount Buko in Chichibu
Mount Buko (武甲山) is a 1,304m high mountain in Chichibu, in Saitama prefecture, about 1h30 north-west of Tokyo. The face visible from the Chichibu Basin is scarred by a large limestone quarry.
Lake Okutama
After reaching Lake Okutama at the end of the Mukashi Michi trail, I spent some time on the Ogouchi Dam itself. I then walked in the area north-west of the dam: There are some nice view points of the lake. Finally, I ended the day by hiking up Mount Kurato (倉戸山). However, the view at the summit was blocked by trees so it was a bit of a letdown. I also managed to get lost on the way down… Another option would have been to walk the combined Ikoi trail (奥多摩湖いこいの路 ; literally “Lake Okutama Relax Trail”) + Lakeside Path (湖畔の小道), two easy trails that follow the south bank of the lake all the way from the dam to the so-called Drum Bridge (a floating bridge), near the Ogouchi Shrine.
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.