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Sightseeing in Okutama

Mt. Kumotori

Mt. Kumodori borders Tokyo, Saitama, and Yamanashi Prefectures, and, with an elevation of 2,017 meters (6,617 feet), is the highest mountain in Tokyo. It is also the only mountain in Tokyo to be included in the collection One Hundred Mountains of Japan. Together with Mt. Myoho (1,332 meters/4,370 feet) and Mt. Shiraiwa (1,921 meters/6,302 feet), it is one of the three Mitsumine Mountains. There are many hiking trails on Mt. Kumodori, and regardless of which starting point you choose, the trail to the summit is very long. This hike is difficult for even seasoned mountain climbers to complete in one day. Kumotori Sanso (the Mt. Kumotori Lodge) is located 30 minutes from the summit, so you can spend the night and ensure that you have plenty of time for your climb. From the summit, you can see a beautiful view that includes Mt. Fuji.
(C)Tourism and Industry Division, Town of Okutama

Mt. Kumodori

The Nippara Limestone Caves

These limestone caves, located in the Ogawa valley that feeds into the Nippara River, are among the largest in the Kanto region. Since the Kamakura Period (1185-1333 CE), the caves have been regarded as a holy site for Shugendo, a type of mountain asceticism incorporating both Shinto and Buddhism. The stalactites and stalagmites are said to resemble buddhas, and have been given nicknames. Inside the caves, where the temperature remains 11°C (52°F) all year round, an otherworldly landscape awaits you. Among the rock formations are figures such as the solemn, mysterious Shirai Kannon (the white-clad Goddess of Mercy) and the Gama Rock, which resembles a toad. It is said that the stalactites that hang from the cave ceiling take 70 years to grow one centimeter (0.39 inches), and that the stalagmites that seem to grow from the floor take 130 years. In these caves, you can experience a great mystery of nature that exceeds imagination. To get to the caves, take a bus from JR Okutama Station, and get off at the Nippara Shonyudo bus stop. The bus ride takes about 35 minutes.
(C)Tourism and Industry Division, Town of Okutama

The Nippara Limestone Caves

Lake Okutama and Its Drum Bridges

Lake Okutama is a man-made lake that was created by damming the Tamagawa River with the Ogouchi Dam. The total reservoir capacity of the lake is 180,000,000 tons, and it provides approximately 20% of the water used by the residents of Tokyo, making it an important water source. Ogouchi Dam was completed in 1957. During its construction, 87 lives were lost, and 945 households were displaced to accommodate the new lake. Two floating bridges, Tozura and Mugiyama, cross the lake. These bridges, which are commonly referred to as “drum bridges,” are used as pedestrian bridges to connect Ome Kaido (a major highway) withOkutama Syuyu Doro (the path around Lake Okutama). The bridges, however, cannot be used in times of drought, when the water level of Lake Okutama is low.
To get to Lake Okutama, take a bus from JR Okutama Station and get off at the Okutama-ko bus stop. The bus ride tales about 20 minutes.
(C)Tourism and Industry Division, Town of Okutama

Lake Okutama

Hatonosu Valley

Hatonosu Valley is located in the upper stream of the Tamagawa River. From this spot, you can see breathtaking scenery as the Tamagawa River flows around boulders and oddly-shaped crags at the bottom of a cliff that is approximately 40 meters (131 feet) high. There is a path following the course of the valley, and it is well known as a place to see the new green leaves in the springtime and the colorful foliage in the fall. Turn left before you get to the Hatonosu suspension bridge (Hatonosu-kobashi) to head toward Kori, and then cross the bridge and continue walking upstream. Gaze at the crags and boulders lining the beautiful valley, and continue up the path until you reach Lake Shiromaru, which was created by damming the Tamagawa River with the Shiromaru Dam. The Shiromaru Power Plant makes effective use of the discharge water from Shiromaru Dam, producing a maximum of 1,100 kilowatts of energy. Hatonosu Valley is a 10-minute walk from JR Hatonosu Station.

Hatonosu Valley

Mt. Kawanori and Hyakuhironotaki Falls

Mt. Kawanori is one of the most famous mountains representing the Okutama area. From the peak of Mt. Kawanori, you can enjoy a panoramic view encompassing many of Okutama’s mountains. A hiking trail from which you can watch Hyakuhironotaki Falls, a famous cascade with a height of 40 meters (131 feet), is popular. From the path, which follows the river, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, including the new green leaves in spring or the colorful foliage in fall. In the winter, the waterfall sometimes freezes, and you may be able to see an ice cascade. The hiking trails around Hyakuhironotaki Falls are rocky, so please be careful not to slip or fall. To get to the entrance to the Kawanori Valley hiking course, take the bus from JR Okutama Station to the Kawanori-hashi bus stop. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes.

Hyakuhiro Falls

Mt. Gozenyama

Mt. Gozenyama is located to the southeast of Lake Okutama, and its beautiful shape has caused it to be counted among the “three mountains of Okutama.” It is known for its dogtooth violets, which bloom in the early spring. In addition to the beautiful flowers that can be seen in all four seasons, hikers are drawn to the mountain for its beech and maple trees, which are beautiful whether decked in the new green of spring or the colorful foliage of fall. On the northern slope of the mountain is a facility called Okutama Tomin no Mori, or Forest of Tokyo Citizen. This facility provides a variety of programs that allow visitors to get close to nature. The entrance to the Obuna-one hiking course, from which you can see colonies of dogtooth violets, is next to Lake Okutama’s Ogouchi Dam.

Mt. Gozen

Wasabi

Okutama is famous for wasabi production. Wasabi is cultivated alongside rivers, using the water from the mountain streams. Records even exist of this wasabi being presented as a gift to the shoguns of old and their families. Many expert techniques have been used to protect and grow this wasabi, and many of the old wasabi fields still remain. The abundant minerals in the mountain spring water and river water, as well as the fact that the water temperature remains the same year-round, make this area ideal for wasabi cultivation. Okutama wasabi is considered a top-class ingredient and seasoning, and processed foods made by using this wasabi, such as wasabi-pickled vegetables, are also sold. Wasabi is one of the most well-known specialties of the Okutama area.
(C)Tourism and Industry Division, Town of Okutama

Okutama wasabi

Okutama Yamame

Masu salmon lay their eggs in the fall, when the leaves are dyed in colorful hues. The eggs then hatch in the winter, and in the following fall, some of the one-year-old salmon swim down the Tamagawa River to Tokyo Bay, and spend the winter in the ocean. The next spring, the salmon swim back upriver. These salmon have two names in Japanese. The young salmon who have not yet returned upriver are called yamame, and the salmon returning from the ocean are called sakura-masu. In 1998, in order to increase consumption of the smaller yamame (the masu salmon that remain in the river) the Okutama Fish Farming Center developed the Okutama Yamame, a larger variety of masu salmon that can live for two years or more. Okutama Yamame are currently used for sashimi and sushi, and are also sautéed, fried, and cooked in a variety of other ways.
(C)Tourism and Industry Division, Town of Okutama

Okutama Yamame

Wasabi Udon Noodles

This local specialty is made by using every part of the wasabi that is grown by using the clear stream water of Okutama. Udon (thick noodles made from flour) is served in a soup made from dashi (fish-based soup stock) and ground wasabi root. The leaves and stems of the wasabi are finely chopped and mixed into the soup. This udon, made from ingredients that are unique to Okutama, has a refreshing taste born from the harmony of sweet and spicy flavors, as well as a satisfying texture. You’ll fall in love at first bite!

Wasabi udon noodles

Wasabi Gelato

This gelato is made by using fresh wasabi grown in Okutama, milk, and cream. It contains small bits of wasabi, and is pale green in color. With the sweetness of the cream, the fresh taste of the wasabi, and a zesty aftertaste, this unique gelato is bound to become a favorite.

Wasabi gelato

Mountain Climbing

The Okutama area is easy to access from the center of Tokyo, and has many mountains that are suitable for one-day hiking trips. Mt. Otake, Mt. Mito, and Mt. Gozenyama, which are collectively referred to as the “three mountains of Okutama,” are popular mountains that can be hiked in one day. When you come to hike in Okutama, please bring basic supplies such as a head lamp, a trail map, and rain gear. Because even the one-day hiking trails take six to seven hours to complete, you should plan to arrive at the trail entrance by 9 a.m. For the latest information about the mountains in Okutama, visit or call the Okutama Visitor Center.

Mountain climbing

Fishing

Okutama is home to breathtaking nature, and also to many enjoyable fishing spots. Escape from the daily grind with a trip into nature, where you can even eat the fish that you caught yourself. Almost all of the fishing spots in Okutama offer equipment rentals, and many of them are also close to barbecue facilities. If you make a reservation, you can even arrange to have all of the barbecue ingredients and supplies waiting for you—in other words, you can set out on your fishing trip empty-handed! Because fishing in Okutama is so convenient and easy, it is growing in popularity among families with small children, couples, and large groups.
(C)Tourism and Industry Division, Town of Okutama

Fishing

Okutama Visitor Center

The Okutama Visitor Center is located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, at the entrance to the Okutama area. This facility provides a variety of information about mountain climbing, hiking, nature, history, culture, and general sightseeing in Okutama, as well as instructions to visitors on how to use the park facilities. Information about the plants, animals, geography, topography, and culture of the natural park is provided in a way that is easy for visitors to understand. The visitor center also conducts guided tours called nature walks, and nature classes. Please stop by! To reach the visitor center by train, take the JR Ome line to Okutama Station. The visitor center is a two-minute walk from the station. To reach the visitor center by car, take the Ken-o Expressway to Ome Interchange, and then take national route 411. The visitor center is about 50 minutes by car from Ome Interchange.

Okutama Visitor Center

Yama no Furusato Mura

Yama no Furusato Mura, affectionately known as “Yama-furu” to the people of Tokyo, is a natural park facility operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, located on the shore of Lake Okutama. This large park offers camping facilities, where you can spend the night in a tent or a log cabin, as well as a craft center offering craft and pottery lessons, barbecue facilities, and a restaurant. This park also includes trails that let you take a walk through nature, and is a safe place for even small children to experience nature. To reach Yama no Furusato Mura, take a bus from JR Okutama Station (about a 30-minute bus ride), and get off at the Ogouchi-jinja-mae bus stop. Yama no Furusato Mura is about a 40-minute walk from the bus stop. To reach us by car, take the Chuo Expressway to Hachioji Interchange, and then take national routes 16 and 411. It takes about an hour and 40 minutes from Hachioji Interchange.

Yama no Furusato Mura

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