Mount Mitake & Okutama: Nature, History & Relaxing Onsen Getaway from Tokyo

Looking for a refreshing weekend getaway surrounded by nature, but don’t want to travel too far?
Okutama, located just about a two-hour train ride from the heart of Tokyo, is the perfect destination for you. Okutama boasts breathtakingly magnificent nature, historical shrines, relaxing hot springs, and delicious local cuisine, along with charming accommodations.
This article will fully convey the allure of Okutama.

The Breathtaking Natural Beauty of Okutama

The greatest charm of Okutama is undoubtedly its abundant nature. Rugged mountains line the horizon, clear streams flow, and beautiful scenery unfolds in every season.

The Clear Streams of the Tama River

The Tama River, a symbol of Okutama, boasts a level of clarity that is hard to believe exists so close to the metropolis. You can stroll along the riverbank, and in the summer, enjoy activities such as playing in the water and canoeing.

Lake Okutama

This man-made lake is surrounded by lush green mountains, creating a picturesque beauty. Taking a pleasure boat to enjoy the scenery from the lake or walking along the lakeside promenade is highly recommended.

Abundant Forests

The mountains of Okutama are covered with broad-leaved forests such as beech and mizunara (Japanese oak), and in autumn, they transform into stunning displays of autumn foliage. Hiking while enjoying the forest bathing is an exceptional experience.

Mount Mitake Shrine: A Mountain of History and Faith

When visiting Okutama, be sure to visit Musashi-Mitake Shrine. Located at the summit of Mount Mitake, 929 meters above sea level, this shrine has been revered as a sacred site for mountain worship since ancient times.

• Sacred Atmosphere: Climbing the long stone steps and reaching the solemn shrine buildings, you will be enveloped in a sacred atmosphere. The panoramic view of the mountains spreading out below also evokes a sense of divinity.
• Wolf as the Guardian Deity: At Musashi-Mitake Shrine, the wolf (“Oinusama”) is worshipped as a deity that wards off evil. It is unique that wolf statues are placed instead of komainu (guardian dogs).
• Treasure Hall: The treasure hall, which displays valuable treasures passed down through the shrine, allows you to see historical materials and weaponry.
• Temple Lodging Experience (Shukubo): Musashi-Mitake Shrine has temple lodgings where you can stay within the shrine grounds. You can enjoy tasting Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) and participating in the morning service, providing a valuable experience. Mitakesansou (http://www.mitakesansou.com/) is one option.

Highlights of Okutama: Hiking Trails to Enjoy Nature

Okutama has a variety of well-maintained hiking trails that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to seasoned mountaineers.

• Mount Mitake Hiking Trails: Centered around the approach to Musashi-Mitake Shrine, there are several easy-to-enjoy hiking trails. By using the cable car, even those who are not confident in their体力 can reach near the summit.
• Mitake Keikoku Promenade: The promenade along the Tama River is perfect for a stroll while listening to the murmur of the clear stream. Along the way, there are also spots to visit such as the Gyokudo Art Museum and Sawanoi-en (sake brewery garden).
• Mount Kumotori Climbing Trails: This is a full-fledged mountain climbing course aiming for Mount Kumotori, the highest peak in Tokyo. The view from the summit is truly spectacular, but requires体力 and proper equipment.

Savoring the Bounty of Okutama: Local Cuisine

The delicious local cuisine unique to Okutama is also one of the pleasures of the trip.

• Salt-Grilled Yamame and Iwana (Trout and Char): Yamame and Iwana raised in the clear streams, carefully grilled over charcoal with salt, have a simple yet concentrated natural flavor. You can try it at restaurants like Chiwa.
• Okutama Wasabi (Japanese Horseradish): Grown in the pure waters of Okutama, this wasabi is characterized by its rich aroma and sharp spiciness. It is popular as a condiment for soba noodles and as a souvenir.
• Handmade Soba (Buckwheat Noodles): Soba made with the clear water and air of Okutama has a high aroma and excellent smoothness. The handmade soba using locally produced buckwheat flour is a dish you definitely want to try. Danzaburo is a recommended place.
• Wild Boar Dishes: In Okutama, you can also enjoy dishes using wild boar, a bounty of the mountains. Botan nabe (wild boar hot pot) and wild boar marinated in miso are attractive for their deep, rich flavors.
• Local Sake and Beer: Local sake and beer brewed in the rich nature of Okutama allow you to enjoy the unique flavors of the region. Enjoy Okutama craft beer at Beer Cafe VERTERE.

Okutama’s Renowned Sake: “Sawanoi”

Sawanoi Garden

When it comes to local sake representing Okutama, it’s undoubtedly Sawanoi. Brewed by the historic Ozawa Shuzo (https://www.sawanoi-sake.com/), a brewery with a history dating back to 1702, “Sawanoi” is made with the pure waters of Okutama, resulting in a mellow, smooth, and endlessly enjoyable taste. Ozawa Shuzo offers a wide variety of sake, from classic dry sake to fragrant ginjo-shu, rich junmai-shu, as well as nigori-zake (cloudy sake) and ume-shu (plum wine). The “Junmai Ginjo Soten” and “Daiginjo” are particularly highly regarded both domestically and internationally.

Within the Ozawa Shuzo grounds, you’ll find the beautiful Sawanoi Garden, overlooking the clear stream, where you can savor freshly brewed sake. You can also enjoy a meal at Mamagoto-ya, a restaurant specializing in tofu cuisine that highlights local ingredients and pairs well with Sawanoi sake. For souvenirs, various types of Sawanoi sake are recommended, as well as pickles made with sake lees.

Charming Accommodations for a Relaxing Stay in Okutama

Temple lodging Mitake-sanso

Okutama offers various types of accommodations, including hot spring ryokans where you can fully enjoy nature, welcoming minshukus (guesthouses), and the shukubo (temple lodgings) of Musashi-Mitake Shrine.

• Hot Spring Ryokans: There are several ryokans in Okutama where you can enjoy natural hot springs. You can soothe your body tired from hiking or relax while gazing at the beautiful scenery. Tokyo-Okutama Onsen Seiryu no Yado Okutamaji (http://www.tokyo-okutamaji.jp/), Okutama no Kaze Hatonosu-so (http://www.okutamas.co.jp/hatonosu/) are recommended.
• Minshukus (Guesthouses): Minshukus run by local people are attractive for their warm hospitality and homey atmosphere. You can also enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. Minshuku Unzenya is an example.
• Guesthouses: For more affordable options, consider Kiyokawa Guesthouse.
• Shukubo (Temple Lodgings): At the shukubo of Musashi-Mitake Shrine, you can spend a special time in a sacred atmosphere. Mitakesansou (http://www.mitakesansou.com/), Nobori (http://mitake-nobori.com/) are available.

Access to Okutama

The train is the most convenient way to access Okutama.

• Train: Take the JR Chuo Line and transfer to the Ome Line. It takes about 2 hours to reach “Okutama Station.”
• Bus: From Okutama Station, take a bus bound for Musashi-Mitake Shrine and get off at “Mitake Station” or “Cable Shita.” If you plan to use the cable car, get off at “Cable Shita.”

Conclusion: Refresh Your Mind and Body in Okutama

Despite its easy access from the city center, Okutama is a place with diverse attractions, including abundant nature, history, hot springs, and gourmet food.
You can fully enjoy it as a short weekend trip or even as a day trip. Why not escape the hustle and bustle and embark on a journey to refresh your mind and body in the nature of Okutama?
Feeling the sacred atmosphere of Musashi-Mitake Shrine and savoring the blessings of Okutama will surely create unforgettable memories.