Musashi Mitake Shrine, a sacred shrine on the top of Mt. Mitake
■Introduction
Embarking on a journey to Japan often entails immersing oneself in the vibrant energy of Tokyo's urban landscape, filled with endless opportunities for shopping and culinary delights. However, nestled within Tokyo's bustling streets lies a hidden gem of unparalleled natural beauty: Mount Mitake in Okutama. In this article, we invite you to uncover the allure of Mount Mitake, a sanctuary of tranquility amidst Tokyo's vibrant atmosphere.
■Tokyo's hiking spot : Discovering Okutama
Location of Okutama
Okutama, nestled in the scenic western region of Tokyo , beckons travelers with its pristine wilderness and captivating landscapes. For this Okutama has been one of the popular hiking spot in Tokyo(Tokyo hiking spot). As you venture deeper into Okutama's lush forests and winding rivers, you'll find yourself enveloped in the serenity of nature, far removed from the urban bustle.
Mount Takao, which is relatively popular with foreign tourists, is also located near this area.
Check out this article for more Mount Takao information!
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Discover the Natural Oasis of Tokyo: Mount Takao(Candidate for a tourist spot!)
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Attractions of Okutama
Immerse yourself in the myriad attractions that Okutama has to offer. From exhilarating outdoor adventures like river rafting and canyoning to serene nature walks and picturesque camping sites, Okutama caters to every traveler's desire for exploration and relaxation.
There are several shops that offer rafting tour in Okutama. Most stores are open from April to October.
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BIGSMILE rafting tour
Rafting Bigwave
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Recommended Hiking Trails in Okutama
Traverse Okutama's enchanting trails, where each path offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Whether you're embarking on the scenic Tama River Trail or conquering the rugged terrain of Mount Gozen, Okutama's hiking trails promise unforgettable experiences for adventurers of all levels.
There a lot of hiking course in Okutama area, and each course have a beautiful mountain top view. And each course is not hard to walk, so we highly recommend to beginners.
In this article we will introduce one of the best hiking course, Mt.Mitake hiking course.
■Unveiling Mount Mitake
Understanding Mount Mitake
Mt. Mitake is a mountain that even beginners can enjoy, with an altitude of 929 meters and a 30-minute walk to the summit after getting off the cable car.
Mount Mitake, with its soaring peaks and rich cultural heritage, stands as a testament to Japan's spiritual reverence for nature. Delve into the myths and legends that shroud this sacred mountain, where ancient rituals and spiritual practices continue to thrive amidst its towering forests.
Musashi Mitake Shrine , known as a symbol of mountain worship, is located at the top of Mt. Mitake, and its name originates from the fact that in the 8th year of Tenpyo (736 A.D.), Gyoki built a hall here and enshrined Zao Gongen. The adjacent treasure hall displays many valuable items, including national treasures.
Accessing Mount Mitake from Tokyo
It takes less than two hours to get to Takimoto Station, where Mt. Mitake is located, from the center of Tokyo, making it an extremely accessible mountain that you can easily visit.
To reach Takimoto Station, the departure point for the cable car to Mount Mitake from Shinjuku Station, follow these simple steps:
①From Shinjuku Station:
Start your journey at Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo's major transportation hubs.
②Board the JR Chuo Line:
Look for the JR Chuo Line platform within Shinjuku Station. Ensure you're on the correct platform heading towards Otsuki.
③Take the Limited Express "Azusa" or "Kaiji" (特急あずさ・かいじ):
These Limited Express trains will take you directly to Otsuki Station. The ride is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
④Transfer to the JR Chuo Main Line (Local Service):
Upon arrival at Otsuki Station, transfer to the local JR Chuo Main Line bound for Takao Station.
⑤Arrive at Tachikawa Station:
At Tachikawa Station, board the JR Ome Line (JR青梅線) towards Okutama.
⑥Reach Takimoto Station:
After approximately 40 minutes by walk, you'll arrive at Takimoto Station, the station for the Mount Mitake cable car.Buses also run from Mitake Station to Takimoto Station. You will arrive at Takimoto Station in about 10 minutes by bus. Please check the bus schedule carefully.
This route offers a picturesque journey through Tokyo's outskirts, allowing you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty before arriving at Takimoto Station, where your adventure to Mount Mitake begins.
■Exploring Mount Mitake's Hiking Trails
A Trail for Every Adventurer
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along Mount Mitake's diverse hiking trails, where each path leads to new discoveries and breathtaking vistas. Explore the tranquil beauty of the Takimoto Shrine Trail or challenge yourself with the rugged terrain of the Rock Garden Trail, where the wonders of nature await at every turn.
Recommended Hiking Courses on Mount Mitake
Discover the hidden treasures of Mount Mitake through its recommended hiking courses, carefully curated to showcase the mountain's natural splendor. From the scenic Musashi-Mitake Shrine trail to the awe-inspiring ascent of the Ayahiro Waterfall trail, each course offers a unique perspective of Mount Mitake's majestic landscape.
Takimoto staiton(cable car station)
You can buy the ticket in this station. Cash and IC card(Suica), and creditcard are available.
The cable car runs every 15-30 minutes. The dates vary depending on the season, so please check the website below for details.
There is also a vending machine at the station, so don't worry.
Cable car
Inside the cable car
The mountain trail is paved as shown below and is very easy to walk. You can also walk while looking at traditional Japanese torii gates and houses, and you can feel the mystical atmosphere as you walk.
There are many guesthouses along the trail, such as the ones below, and many of them also serve lunch, so if you have time, be sure to enjoy them.
The approach to the Musashi Mitake Shrine at the top of the mountain is as shown in the video below, and you can climb while feeling the sacred atmosphere.
It takes about 30 minutes to get to the top of the mountain from the cable car at Takimoto Station, but there is also a route that does not use the cable car from Takimoto Station and can be reached in about an hour and a half. If you have the energy and time, please give it a try.
■Beyond Hiking: Additional Pleasures
Immersing in Cultural Delights
Experience the rich tapestry of Japanese culture at Mount Mitake's cultural landmarks, including the historic Musashi-Mitake Shrine and the tranquil Musashi-Mitake Shrine Garden. Pay homage to the mountain's guardian deities and savor the flavors of local cuisine at the summit's charming restaurants, where panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes await.
Momijiya (Traditional soba and udon restaurant) http://mitakesan.com/syouten/momijiya/index.html
Enhancing Your Journey with Additional Insights
For further inspiration and insights into Mount Mitake and its surrounding wonders, explore the rich resources provided by Mountain-C and Yamatabitabi. From in-depth guides to captivating photography, these sources offer a wealth of information to enrich your journey and deepen your appreciation for Tokyo's natural treasures.
As you plan your adventure to Mount Mitake, let the captivating beauty of Tokyo's natural haven inspire your sense of wonder and exploration. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan's scenic wonders, where every trail leads to new discoveries and cherished memories.
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