An oasis for nature lovers and adventure seekers, Okutama lies on the western end of Tokyo. The mountainous area is a 2 to 3-hour ride from Shinjuku and graces its visitors with breathtaking sights that provide respite to the weary traveler as well as thrill to the adrenalin junkie. Here are a few things you should check out when planning a day trip to Okutama from central Tokyo.
Okutama Attractions & Places of Interest
Lake Okutama
This man-made reservoir serves as Tokyo’s major freshwater source. The vast lake can be enjoyed from different vantage points, the most popular of which is Ogouchi Dam, where the buses headed for Lake Okutama take its passengers. Ogouchi Dam marks the eastern end of the lake and is also the culminating point of the Mukashi Michi hiking trail. Travelers who wish to cross the lake on foot can do so at two different points: the Tozura Floating Bridge and the Mugiyama Floating Bridge. Both bridges are located several bus stops away from Ogouchi Dam and take longer to get to.
Mugiyama Floating Bridge
Snaking its way across the blue-green waters of Lake Okutama, Mugiyama Floating Bridge takes pedestrians to the foot of Mt. Mito.
Mugiyama Floating Bridge is also a walking distance from Ogouchi Shrine, a quiet place of worship that replaces all the shrines that have been displaced when Lake Okutama was built.
Tozura Floating Bridge
Slightly farther away from Okutama Station, Tozura is one of the two floating bridges straddling Lake Okutama. The bridge is equally as stunning as Mugiyama, but has a small parking area. This means that the pontoon bridge is close to a toilet, vending machines, and a restaurant—lifesavers if you’re traveling via public transport since buses come only once every hour.
Hatonosu Valley
A gorgeous ravine with a suspension bridge, Hatonosu Valley is particularly popular in summer and fall for its beautiful foliage. The valley is part of the Ootama Walking Trail; its large rocks among the things hikers have to navigate. Swimming is discouraged in the area, but visitors can sit on the rocks and have a picnic while enjoying the view.
Gallery Poppo
Located in Hatonosu Valley, this cozy restaurant is tucked in one end of the suspension bridge. Gallery Poppo serves delicious soup curry, pizza toast, and cake along with coffee and tea. Only counter seats are available, allowing diners to enjoy the beautiful view of Hatonosu while having their meals.
Shiromaru Dam
Standing at 30 meters tall, Shiromaru Dam is an impressive structure in the middle of Okutama’s vast greenery. The dam is one of the highlights of the Ootama Walking Trail, with an observation deck that allows hikers to take in the view. The dam is also known for its fish ladder, which helps fish migrate upstream. It’s the longest of its kind in Japan.
Nippara Limestone Cave
Nippara is Kanto region’s largest cave, well-loved for its wondrous sights and sounds. Around 800 meters of the cave is open for the public to explore, with some parts more challenging to go through than the others. Certain areas of the cave are lit in colorful lights. A section where the water sounds like a melodious koto and a Buddhist Kanon statue that is said to grant prayers related to the matters of the heart are also among the highlights.
Ozawa Sake Brewery
Try different types of sake at Tokyo’s oldest sake brewery! Each cup is around 400-500 yen, and you taste test different brands from all over Japan. Ozawa Sake Brewery also overlooks the Tama River, and you can enjoy the view with alfresco seating. You can even go down to the river for a dip and come back to the brewery for a bite and a drink. A tour of the brewery is also conducted at specific days and times.
Moegi no Yu
A 10-minute walk from Okutama Station, Moegi no Yu is the perfect way to cap a long hike. The hot spring is equipped with indoor and outdoor baths, as well as a restaurant for dining. A communal foot bath is also available for people who want a quick soak.
Odd Spots & Bizarre Locations in Okutama
Abandoned Ropeway
Built in 1961, this ropeway was originally built to take passengers from one side of Lake Okutama to another, allowing them to enjoy the view in between. Attracting fewer customers than expected, the ropeway stopped operating in 1966 and has been abandoned since.
Today, the ropeway can be accessed at two points: Mitosanguchi and Kawano stations. The latter is visible on Google Maps, but there’s reportedly a lady who shoos people away when they try to get to the station. Mitosanguchi is more accessible, and you’ll find specific directions on how to get there, if you google in Japanese.
Okutama Factory
Looking like a steampunk fantasy come to life, Okutama Industrial Hikawa Plant is just a 10-minute walk from JR Okutama Station. This huge factory is accessible via a public road, made even creepier by the trees towering in the background. Rail lovers can find abandoned dollies on tracks if you’re brave enough to follow a path that cuts through the woods.
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Okutama Activities
There’s a plethora of water sports and outdoor activities that you can do in Okutama. Here are some ideas.
Hiking
Although relatively easy, Okutama’s hiking trails are around 8-10 kilometers long and takes 2 to 4 hours to complete. The trails have signs that are easy to follow, making them
Popular Trails:
Otama Walking Trail
Mukashi Michi Hiking Trail
Fureai Shinrin Yoku Course (Japanese Only)
Trekkling
A portmanteau of the words “trekking” and “cycling,” Trekkling is the name of the Okutama-based company that offers bike rental as well as trekkling tours around the area. English support is available. Find more info on Trekkling’s official website.
Kayaking/Canoeing
My kayaking experience in Okutama was with Tokyo Gaijins, an outdoor/sports event and travel company. Tokyo Gaijins acts as a middle man for Japanese activity operators, and holds different outdoor events in English each month. It’s a great option for non-Japanese speakers as they provide Engish support, but it also means you’ll have to check their calendar for when they’ll hold kayaking again.
If booking in Japanese is not an issue for you, you can book directly with Concept. Activities operate from April to October.
SUP
Like kayaking stand-up paddling is a sport that doesn’t require a high degree of physical fitness. Grandex Okutama Base offers lake SUP activities, albeit only in Japanese. Available from April to November.
Rafting
One of the most popular choices for water sports in Okutama. Big Smile and Big Wave has English pages, while Concept and Grandex offer services in Japanese. Rafting activities usually take place from March to November.
Canyoning
Adrenalin junkies can get their fix with canyoning tours in Okutama. Canyons offers tours in English and has an introductory course for beginners. Grandex offers activities in Japanese. Usually available from April to October.
Glamping
Among the most recent trends to take off in Japan, glamping can also be done in Okutama. For more information, see Circus Outdoor Tokyo or Okutama River Terrace.
Tips when Planning Okutama Activities
- Allot a full day when planning an activity in Okutama. The place may be only 2-3 hours away from central Tokyo, but the trains are few and far in between. Always check the train schedules to estimate your arrival time. This way, you’ll be able to make the most out of your Okutama day trip.
- The sun usually goes down at around 4 or 5 in fall and winter. Many of the trails take 4 hours to complete, so make sure to start early.
- Wild bears are also common in the area so wear a hiking bell for precaution.
How to Get to Okutama
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line. Trasnfer to Ome Line at either Tachikawa or Ome Station and get off at Okutama Station.
The Holiday Rapid Okutama is a direct line from Shinjuku to Okutama Station. It runs on weekends and holidays only.