Stunning Mountain Near Tokyo Offers Scenic Hikes and Beautiful Natural Landscapes as a Ready Day Trip Destination
Mount Mitake, nestled within the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, offers an accessible nature escape from Tokyo, providing a perfect getaway for nature lovers, hikers, and cultural enthusiasts.
To reach Mount Mitake from Tokyo, the efficient JR train system combined with a cable car ride is the best option. From central Tokyo (e.g., Shinjuku or Tokyo Station), take the JR Chuo Line to Ome Station, a 75-minute ride. At Ome Station, transfer to the JR Ome Line toward Okutama and get off at Mitake Station, about 20 minutes away. From Mitake Station, you can either walk for approximately 40 minutes or take a local bus to Takimoto Station, the lower station of the Mitake Tozan Railway cable car. The cable car carries you up to Mitakesan Station, the upper station, from where it's a 30-minute walk to the summit and the main sites on Mount Mitake[1][3].
Upon arrival, visitors can expect a scenic hiking and nature experience. Mount Mitake offers lush mountain forests, scenic hiking trails, and enjoyable nature walks. The walk from the cable car station to the summit passes a visitor center where trail maps are available, making it ideal for nature lovers and hikers[1].
At the summit stands the historic Musashi Mitake Shrine, dating back to 91 B.C. This spiritual center for mountain worship offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s traditional religious practices[3]. Around the shrine are about 20 shukubo (temple lodges), the most famous being Shukubo Komadori Sanso. Visitors can stay here for a serene retreat featuring traditional Japanese architecture, meditation experiences like “takigyo” waterfall meditation, and public baths with cypress barrel tubs[3].
Mount Mitake is renowned for its seasonal foliage. The maple festival in autumn is especially popular. Visitors can enjoy tranquil moments surrounded by vibrant seasonal colors and potentially experience traditional festivals[3][4]. The Mitake Rock Garden trail, a 1.5-kilometer path, leads off from the shrine and takes about an hour to complete. This trail offers views of small waterfalls, picturesque streams, and the valley below[2].
Hikers can continue to nearby peaks like Mount Odake after completing the Mitake Rock Garden trail. The trail to the Mitake Rock Garden can get steep at times but is moderately difficult and requires no advanced mountaineering skills[2].
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the Tama region near Mount Mitake offers diverse outdoor experiences such as riverside rafting and opportunities to explore local sake stops, helping tourists combine nature, culture, and leisure in one trip[2].
In summary, Mount Mitake offers an accessible nature escape from Tokyo combining hiking, cultural heritage at the shrine, peaceful temple stays, and rich seasonal beauty—making it a worthwhile day trip or short overnight retreat[1][3].
[1] Mitake Tozan Railway official website: https://www.mitake-tozan.jp/ [2] Tama region tourism website: https://www.tama-tourism.jp/en/ [3] Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park official website: https://www.ctknp.jp/en/ [4] Musashi Mitake Shrine official website: https://www.mitakesan.com/en/
While exploring Mount Mitake's natural trails, hikers and nature enthusiasts can appreciate the scenic beauty of lush forests and vibrant seasonal foliage, making it a perfect destination for a travel adventure. After a fulfilling day of hiking, visitors can unwind at the historic Musashi Mitake Shrine, indulging in a taste of Japan's traditional religious culture and possibly experiencing a tranquil festival.
