Just 90 minutes from central Tokyo, Mount Mitake in Ome offers a peaceful day trip into the wild beauty of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Rising 929 meters above sea level, Mitake is home to an ancient shrine, mossy forests and traditional mountain lodges called shukubo. Whether you’re after a scenic walk or a taste of rural Japan that’s still accessible from the capital, Mount Mitake is a lovely escape that’s just a short trip from the capital but feels worlds away.
Here’s how to spend a day exploring one of Tokyo’s most beautiful — and often overlooked — mountain getaways.
Morning: Ride the Cable Car to Sacred Heights
Start your day by taking the Mitake Tozan Railway, a short but steep cable car that whisks you from Takimoto Station to Mitakesan Station in about six minutes. From there, it’s a gentle 20 minute uphill walk through a picturesque village of old wooden inns and souvenir shops to reach Musashi-Mitake Shrine — the spiritual heart of the mountain.
Founded over 2,000 years ago, Musashi-Mitake Shrine sits atop the summit and is dedicated to a wolf deity called Oinusama who is said to protect travelers, making it also a popular spot where visitors bring their pet dogs for blessings. The shrine is an atmospheric blend of history and nature, and on clear mornings, the views toward Tokyo and the Kanto Plain are stunning; If the weather is nice, you might even catch sight of Tokyo Skytree in the distance.
Late Morning: Choose Your Trail Adventure
From here, you can tailor your hike based on time and fitness. Here are the best routes for mountain climbing and hiking, all departing from the Mitake Visitor Center. Each offers unique terrain and atmosphere:
Rock Garden Loop Course (2.5 hours round-trip)
This is the most popular trail for a reason. This 1.5 km trail follows a clear mountain stream through lush, mossy ravines and dramatic rock formations. Along the way, stop at Nanayo Falls, or take the easier route that bypasses the steep stairs to avoid overexertion. It’s family-friendly, with benches, toilets and scenic rest areas throughout.
Mount Hinode Course (2 hours round-trip)
Standing at 902 meters, Mount Hinode boasts one of the best panoramic views in the area — you can see everything from Tokyo Skytree to the Tanzawa mountains. From the Mitake Visitor Center, you can take a shaded forest path to its peak; this route is known for its azaleas and rhododendrons, and it’s especially beautiful in winter when the surrounding ranges are dusted with snow. At the end, you can opt to return the way you came, or descend toward Tsurutsuru Onsen in Hinode town for a perfect end to your hike.
Mount Otsuka Course (1 hour round-trip)
Looking for something light? The Mount Otsuka trail is an easy walk through mixed forest, ideal for a picnic or forest bathing. In spring, the path becomes a tunnel of pink azaleas, and in autumn, golden and orange leaves blanket the trail.
Mount Otake Course (5 hours round-trip)
For seasoned hikers, the trail to Mount Otake (1,266m) is a true mountain trek. The route includes rocky outcrops, chain-assisted scrambles and dense forest trails — a demanding course, but the view from the top includes Mount Fuji on clear days. This is one of the “Three Famous Peaks of Okutama” and ideal for those seeking a challenge.
Lunch: Fuel Up with Mountain Food
Head back toward the village near the shrine for lunch. Many small, family-run shukubo inns and restaurants here serve vegetarian dishes like sansai soba — buckwheat noodles topped with seasonal mountain vegetables — or tororo gohan, rice with grated yam, a local delicacy.
Try Momijiya, known for its terrace views and local specialties like soba and udon noodles paired with a special walnut dipping sauce, tempura of mountain vegetables and hearty soups.
Evening: Forest Bathing and the Descent
Before heading back down, take one last quiet stroll through the towering cedar forests that line the paths near the shrine. If you’re visiting in late autumn, the entire area blazes with fiery red and gold foliage — especially striking around mid to late November.
As the sun starts to dip, descend via the cable car and make your way back to Mitake Station. The return journey to Tokyo is easy, but you’ll feel like you’ve been much farther away.
How To Get To Mount Mitake from Tokyo
By train: From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Ome Station (about 75 min). Transfer to the JR Ome Line and ride to Mitake Station (approx. 20 min).
From Mitake Station: A short bus (10 min) or taxi ride takes you to the cable car base station (Takimoto).
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