One Day in Mitake: A Perfect Autumn Escape from Tokyo
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Japan, and Mitake (御岳山) is the perfect destination for a nature getaway from Tokyo, especially when the vibrant fall foliage transforms this countryside and mountain scenery.
I had an unforgettable day trip to Mitake from Tokyo and highly recommend this excursion. In this article, I’m excited to share the itinerary I used to explore this stunning area, including hidden gems and personal tips for making the most of your time in Mitake.
Why You Should Visit Mitake?
Nestled in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, in the city of Ome (青梅市), Mount Mitake is a sacred mountain that offers the perfect blend for nature and temple lovers.
This area offers so much to see and do: panoramic views of the Kanto region, a tranquil mountain village, lush forests, a large 2,000-year-old shrine complex, picturesque hiking trails and seasonal colours. Like Mount Takao, this nature getaway is a Tokyoites’ favorite looking for a breath of fresh air away from the busling megacity. And there is more to Mitake than just the mountain, the gorge below is also a beautiful area to explore.
Mitake is also an excellent base for exploring the Okutama region, known for its natural landscapes, especially during the autumn season when the foliage is at its most vibrant. So if you have the time, you should consider staying overnight.
As this article suggests, I recommend heading there in the fall to admire the magnificent autumn colors, but Mitake remains a great excursion whatever the season, and the following itinerary can be used all year round.
How to Get to Mitake From Central Tokyo
From central Tokyo, it takes about 90 minutes to reach the JR Mitake station (御嶽駅), the start of this day trip.
From Shinjuku station, take a rapid train on the Chuo Line to reach Ome station (青梅駅). From there, transfer to the Ome Line bound for Okutama until you reach Mitake Station. The trip costs ¥950 (or more if you take an express train).
A One-Day Detailed Itinerary to Make the Most of Your Trip in Mitake
1. Take a Scenic Ride Up Mount Mitake with the Tozan Cable Car
Once you’ve arrived to the JR Mitake station, just go out of the station to the nearby bus stop and take bus 10 to the ケーブル下 (Keburu shita) bus stop. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes. Though there are additional buses during the autumn season, buses in the Japanese countryside are not very frequent and I always recommend checking bus timetable in advance using Google Maps or other apps. If you’ve missed the bus and don’t want to wait for the next, it takes about 40 minutes (2.4 km) to walk to the Takimoto cable car Station for Mt. Mitake (御岳登山鉄道 滝本駅).
The cable car round-trip ticket to Mt Mitake station costs ¥1,200 and you can find the timetable here. Know that you can directly use your SUICA or PASMO card to pay for your ticket, which is quite useful!
The ride is short, but I found the steepness of the ascent quite impressive and you can already enjoy some stunning views of the valley below you.
2. Enjoy a Peaceful Walk Through Mount Mitake Village
After exiting the cable car, the real excitement starts! If you visit in autumn, you should already be welcomed by vivid fall foliage. Follow the path to the left, leading to a torii gate, marking your entry into a sacred space.
Indeed, Mt. Mitake has long been a destination for pilgrims, and over time, a charming mountain village has developed to accommodate travelers. The village offers traditional minshuku inns and small shops selling local products, all with a nostalgic, old-world feel. I enjoyed strolling through the village and its narrow streets. Be sure to stop by the Mitake Visitor Center (東京都御岳ビジターセンター), where you can find hiking maps, guides, and additional information about activities and sights in the area.
The walk from the cable car through the village takes about 20-30 minutes at a leisurely pace. After passing the shopping street, which is the perfect spot to pick up any supplies you may need for your hike, you will see an impressive wooden torii gate. It marks the entrance to Musashi-Mitake Shrine (武蔵御嶽神社), the next stop of this itinerary.
3. Enjoy a Moment of Spirituality and Serenity at Musashi-Mitake Shrine
Established over 2,000 years ago, Musashi-Mitake Shrine is a must-visit during your trip to Mount Mitake, with its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere.
You may be intrigued by the presence of wolf and dog-like statues around the shrine, which represent Oinusama, a wolf deity revered for protecting farmers and warding off disasters. As a result, the shrine has become a popular destination for dog lovers, many of whom bring their furry companions along.
My travel tip: Don’t hesitate to wander around the shrine’s grounds and admire the views of the nearby mountains and autumn foliage. You can download this great pamphlet made by the Musashi-Mitake Shrine, which included a detailed map and guide of the shrine’s grounds.
4. Embark on a Hike in the Heart of the Forest to the Rock Garden
When you're ready, make your way by following the signs to the starting point of the Rock Garden hike (ロックガーデン • 御岳岩石園), the next highlight of this itinerary. As you venture through this narrow valley, you'll be surrounded by a peaceful forest and moss covered stones, with the clear mountain stream flowing alongside you. The colored foliage of autumn and the carpet of fallen leaves also create some stunning scenery.
I was really amazed by the beauty of this hike, reminiscent of the enchanting landscapes I had seen in the Mononoke Forest and Yakushima. Among the notable points in this area is Tengu Iwa (天狗岩), a large rock formation with tengu statues at the top, Nanayo Falls (七代の滝), where small waterfalls fall in succession, and Ayahiro Falls (綾広の滝), where the priests of Mitake Shrine conduct their training.
Ayahiro Falls (綾広の滝)
The entire hike took me about an hour and a half and is suitable for beginner hikers, though there are a few steep sections. The trail is easy to follow, and since the hike goes in a circle, it will take you back to Musashi-Mitake Shrine.
5. Admire the View and Autumn leaves from Mitake Observatory
Instead of going straight back to the shrine, I’d recommend heading to the observatory nearby the start of the Rock Garden hike, called Nagaodaira Observatory (長尾平展望台). There were some stunning momiji foliage there, and the view from the observatory was really worth the little detour.
If you’ve packed a picnic, this would be the perfect spot to take a break. If not, you can head back to the shopping street, where you'll find a variety of restaurants to choose from.
6. Enjoy the Rewarding Lunch and Rest
As mentioned above, there are plenty of lunch options in Mitake mountain village.
In my case, I decided to stop at Kuraya (西須崎坊蔵屋), a hotel also serving delicious lunch set menus.
I took the kamameshi lunch set which was really tasty, with the mixed rice dish heated in front of me in a small iron pot and plenty of side dishes using local ingredients.
7. Travel Back Done the Mountain
As you begin your descent from Mount Mitake, you have a couple of options. You can retrace your steps along the same scenic path you took earlier, or take the chairlift, another route back to the cable car station. Even as an adult, I was thrilled by the short ride and the magnificent views I could admire from my seat. I recommend trying it out—it’s just 100¥ for a one-way trip.
While waiting for the next cable car, why not taking an additional dessert in one of the small shops? I love dango so it was a mandatory stop for me.
My travel tip: After arriving at Takimoto Cable Car Station, I suggest taking a moment to explore the local products available there. I recall discovering some delicious snacks, local beers, and fresh wasabi that were well worth trying.
8. Take a Scenic Stroll along the Beautiful Mitake Gorge
This part of the itinerary is most likely the hidden gem of the day. Once you have taken back the bus to Mitake station, instead of directly leaving, if you have the time and energy, I would recommend to take a little walk in the Mitake Gorge (御岳渓谷) along the Tama river (see map below).
Start by crossing the suspension bridge to take in a panoramic view of the valley from above. Then, retrace your steps to find the nearby staircase that leads you down to the riverbed. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river while soaking in the autumn foliage as you head toward Sawai Station. The entire walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
At one point I decided to cross the river at Unose Bridge (鵜の瀬橋) to continue the promenade on the other side of the Tama river and walk by a small temple called Kanzanji (寒山寺). You can then cross another suspension bridge called Kaedebashi (楓橋), to reach Sawai.
Kanzanji (寒山寺)
Kaedebashi (楓橋)
9. Arrive at Sawai and Head Back to Tokyo
After crossing the bridge, check the schedule for the next train. If you have the time, I recommend you to stop at Seiryu Garden Sawanoi-en (清流ガーデン 澤乃井園). You can relax in this nice natural Japanese garden on the banks of the Tama river while enjoying a light meal or taste local snacks or sake from the shop. Indeed, Sawai is known for its local Sawanoi sake made by the 300 years old Ozawa Sake Brewery. When it’s time, you can then head to Sawai Station (沢井駅) and start your journey back to Tokyo.
My Itinerary in a Map
Tips and Things to Know Before You Go to Mitake
1. When to go? The best time to visit Mitake for autumn foliage is generally between late October and late November (pictures in this article where taken on 3rd November), but given that autumn foliage period vary each year, I advise you to check autumn forecast websites and social media before your trip.
2. You should expect autumn crowds especially on weekends. I’d recommend to arrive to Mitake early (I arrived at Mitake station before 9am) and visit if possible on a weekday. It is likely that you will have to queue to board the bus or the cable car, so I recommend you to get there in advance of their departure time.
3. How long to spend in Mitake? Visiting Mitake on a day trip is possible as you can see on my itinerary. Nevertheless, if you have the time, you could also rearrange this itinerary and spend a night in one of the minshuku or hotels in Mount Mitake village, which could be a lovely experience as well. There are longer hikes than the Rock Garden trail and plenty of other things to do in the Okutama region (such as hiking around Okutama lake). If you are interested in sake for instance, the Ozawa Sake Brewery mentioned before also offers brewery tours.
4. Things to know before hiking in Mount Mitake? Although the Rock Garden trail is relatively easy and suitable for beginner hikers, it does feature some steep sections, so wearing hiking shoes is recommended as the path can be slippery. Additionally, be aware that bears inhabit the area; I encountered one from a distance during this hike, which was a first for me! I didn’t feel threatened, as other hikers and the noise we made scared it off, but you might consider bringing a bear bell, like those used by Japanese hikers, to alert bears of your presence. It’s also helpful to know that there are restrooms along the Rock Garden trail.
To Conclude
I spent a fantastic day in Mitake and I think it is one of the best day trips you can find for autumn foliage around Tokyo. Will you add Mitake to your Japan bucket list?
If you’re planning to explore Japan in the fall, you can check out all my Japan autumn articles.
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