Just an hour and a half away from Tokyo, Mt.Mitake (, Mitake-san) is a popular hiking destination for the inhabitants of the capital in search of nature and tranquility. This 929-metre high summit, nestled in the Okutama region, offers easy access trails, a preserved forest environment and a spiritual atmosphere around its ancestral Shinto temple. An ideal excursion to escape from urban agitation during a day.
Easy access from Tokyo
Mount Mitake is particularly appreciated for its easy access. From Shinjuku railway station, take the Chūō line to Tachikawa (25 minutes), change to Mitake (about 50 minutes in total), then reach the foot of the mountain by a local bus (10 minutes) or walk (40 minutes of steep climb). Once you arrive at Takimoto cable car station, the Mitake Tozan Railway avoids a tedious ascent of 400 meters in just 6 minutes.
This well-organized transport system makes this excursion perfectly feasible on a day from the center of Tokyo, even for unexperienced walkers.
Interactive hiking map and pdf
A mountain village with sacred looks
At the top of the cable car line, the walk starts with a gentle climb towards a red tori marking the entrance to a sacred place. Following the paved path, you will cross the small village of Oshi, composed of traditional houses and shukubō, old accommodation for pilgrims. Some shops offer something to eat or buy souvenirs before continuing.
In about 30 minutes, you reach the Musashi-Mitake-jinja shrine, located at the top. This sanctuary was founded more than two thousand years ago and is still a place of prayer for protection against natural disasters. It is also considered to bepower spot, a place spiritually beneficial according to Japanese tradition.
Hiking trails: nature, waterfalls and moss covered rocks
After visiting the sanctuary, several hiking routes are available to visitors. One of the most accessible and popular is the loop towards the rock garden (rock garden) through two waterfalls: Nanayo-no-taki and Ayahiro-no-taki.
The trail begins near the Nagaodaira Observatory, with a clear view of the western Tokyo mountains. Going down to the left, you reach a quiet forest path that most hikers do not know. This portion leads to the Nanayo waterfall, a seven-level waterfall surrounded by a landscape lined with moss and wet stones, very photogenic in spring and autumn.
Continuing, you climb a small escarpment equipped with ropes and ladders up to a wooded plateau. An accessible rock with a rope even allows to climb up to a small hidden sanctuary. As we descend, we reach the river and the famous rock garden, where the soft blocks chain along the stream in a magical atmosphere. Wooden picnic tables make it possible to take a lunch break in nature.
A little further away is the second waterfall, Ayahiro-no-taki. Higher than the first, it is sometimes used fortakigyō, a meditation practice under the waterfall. Nearby is the majestic Tengu-no-Koshikake Sugi, a 350-year-old cedar, named after the tengu, Japanese mythological creatures known to inhabit the mountain.
A route adaptable to time and energy
The complete loop path from the cable car station takes between two and three hours according to the rhythm, with very little elevation. For more ambitious hikers, it is possible to continue towards Mount Odake (1267 m), one of the three peaks of Okutama. This section requires good physical fitness and longer planning.
The return can be done by the same road or, for those who have time, by walking down to the station, through the cedar forest. This paved path, pleasant even in autumn, takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the bus stop. Regular buses allow you to return to the JR Mitake station, especially in the late afternoon.
Practical tips to enjoy hiking
Although the trails are well marked and accessible, some precautions are required. The soil can become slippery near waterfalls, especially in wet weather. Light hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip are recommended. In autumn, temperatures can remain mild but the night falls fast: as early as 16:30 in November, the light drops rapidly. It is advisable to leave early in the morning to avoid hiking in the dark.
Hiking is also possible with children or people with little training, provided they avoid steep sections. The cable car even accepts dogs, making this exit possible as an extended family.
For those who wish to extend the experience, one night in one of the shukubō can offer a glimpse of the spiritual hospitality of the Japanese mountains, sometimes with vegetarian meals inspired by shōjin cuisine.
A peaceful alternative to Mount Takao
Mount Takao attracts many visitors for its easy access trails and views of Tokyo. But this popularity makes it a popular place, especially in high season. Mount Mitake, on the other hand, remains calmer, even in autumn during the kôyo, the red foliage. This is an ideal option for those looking for more authentic contact with the mountain, without the crowd.
The natural setting, the cultural richness of the sanctuary, the variety of trails and the ease of access make Mount Mitake an excellent day trip from Tokyo, mixing walking, discovery and relaxation.
Mount Mitake offers a wilderness immersion without leaving the metropolitan area. It is a great opportunity to discover a part of Japan that is mountainous, spiritual and accessible. A welcome break during an urban stay in Tokyo, whether you are a seasoned hiker or simply an amateur of walks in the forest.
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
Pour une dose de Japon au quotidien, suivez-nous sur Threads
*hike, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a walk
Discover more from Evasions Rebelles - Travel Planner Japon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
