Mitake Valley Day Trip from Tokyo

When people think of Tokyo, they usually imagine neon lights, skyscrapers, and packed trains. But just 90 minutes from the city center, there's a totally different side: quiet riverside trails, mossy shrines, mountain hikes, and tiny cafés tucked into the forest.

As someone who lives in Tokyo and often feels overwhelmed by city life, I’ve found my escape in Okutama’s Mitake Valley. This day trip is perfect for introverts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to reset without leaving Tokyo.

In this guide, I’ll take you on my favorite walking route — from Ishigamimae Station to Mitake Station, with stops at a hidden museum, a forest shrine, a riverside bakery, and an optional hike to Mt. Mitake with its peaceful shrine and traditional temple lodgings.

From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chūō Line (Rapid or Special Rapid) toward Ōme. The journey to Ōme Station takes approximately one hour, depending on the train type.

At Ōme Station, transfer to the JR Ōme Line. Board a local train heading toward Okutama and disembark at Ishigamimae Station (石神前駅). The ride from Ōme to Ishigamimae is about 10 minutes.

From here, your walk begins. And yes — it really is just walking. No tours, no tight schedules, just a map, your shoes, and curiosity.

From Ishigamimae Station, I followed a quiet backstreet for about 30 minutes, crossing a few small bridges and passing almost no one — just the sound of a nearby stream and the occasional local fishing in the river.

Eventually, I arrived at the Eiji Yoshikawa Memorial Museum, a peaceful spot dedicated to one of Japan’s most celebrated historical novelists. Yoshikawa is best known for Musashi (1935−1939), a sweeping fictionalized biography of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s most legendary swordsman and philosopher. The novel isn’t just about swordsmanship — it’s about discipline, growth, and finding one’s path, written in a way that has inspired readers for generations. It has sold millions of copies and has been adapted into films, manga, and even anime.

Even if you’ve never read his books, the museum is worth visiting for its serene garden, thoughtful exhibits, and the quiet inspiration that lingers in the air. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down — not just your steps, but your thoughts too.

From the museum, I took a small forest path toward Atago Shrine (愛宕神社). The uphill trail is short and easy, surrounded by trees and birdsong. I passed no one. Not even a single other hiker.

Atago Shrine is small, but there’s something quietly powerful about it. What makes it even more fascinating is its historical link to the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage — a spiritual journey of 88 temples associated with the monk Kūkai (空海), also known as Kōbō Daishi, one of Japan’s most revered religious figures. While the official pilgrimage is on the island of Shikoku, satellite sites like this shrine were once used for training or prayer by those who couldn’t travel far. Some believe these places still carry echoes of the spiritual energy of the main route.

After your café break, head toward the Ikusabata Riverbank area and join the start of the Mitake Valley Riverside Trail — one of Tokyo’s quietest and most beautiful walks along the Tama River.

Follow Ōme Kaidō (青梅街道) about 400 meters in the direction of Mitake. On your right, you’ll find a small staircase that leads down to the river. Step carefully — especially after rain — and soon the Tama River will come into view, sparkling in the light. This is the official beginning of the Mitake Valley Riverside Trail (御岳渓谷遊歩道).

The trail hugs the river, with crystal-clear water beside you and leafy trees overhead. And if you’re really lucky, you might catch sight of a Japanese serow (ニホンカモシカ) quietly grazing along the river — a rare, magical moment that reminds you you’re not far from the wild. It's an easy, breezy walk with lots of shade, perfect for introverts and nature lovers.

On the way to Mitake Station, I always make time to stop at Sawanoi Garden — a peaceful riverside spot run by the long-established Sawanoi Sake Brewery.

You’ll likely notice it before you even see it — the faint, warm scent of freshly brewed sake drifting through the air. There’s a small outdoor sake tasting area, with tables set beside the river, where you can sip different brews while watching the water flow past. You’ll also find a few places to eat on-site, all operated by the brewery and carefully designed to complement the calm of the space.

Café Shizuku (カフェしずく) is housed in a renovated wooden building originally constructed in 1979, thoughtfully preserved in traditional Japanese architectural style. Inside, you’ll find beautifully presented seasonal drinks in a peaceful, sunlit room. (Closed Mondays, or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday.)

Mamagotoya (ままごと屋) is one of my favorite finds for a light, nourishing lunch —especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Here, they make fresh tofu and yuba (tofu skin) daily using carefully selected domestic soybeans and the same pristine spring water used to brew Sawanoi sake. The menu is mostly plant-based, and the flavors are delicate and thoughtful. (Advance reservations are required — available up to 3 months in advance. Closed Mondays and Fridays, with some seasonal exceptions.)

This time, I chose to skip the hike and continued my slow walk toward Mitake Station. As you near the station, you’ll pass through Mitake Gorge (御岳渓谷), a scenic riverside area where locals gather for BBQs and picnics.

From Mitake Gorge, it’s only a 5-minute walk to Mitake Station. If you still have energy, this is where your Mt. Mitake adventure can begin.

To reach the trailhead, either walk or take a short bus ride to Takimoto Station (滝本駅), then ride the Mitake Cable Car partway up the mountain. From there, the hike to the summit is beginner-friendly and incredibly rewarding — especially in autumn when the forest glows with red and gold leaves, or after a light rain when everything smells like cedar and moss.

At the top, you’ll find the sacred Musashi Mitake Shrine, peaceful woodland paths, and several shukubō (宿坊) — traditional pilgrim lodgings run by temple families, where visitors can stay overnight and experience mountain hospitality.

But as for me? I decided to call it a day.

Before boarding the train back to Tokyo, I made one last stop: Tōhōen (東峯園) — a local favorite ramen shop just minutes from Mitake Station. Their signature Mitake Ramen is a simple soy sauce-based bowl topped with seasonal vegetables and local meat. Nothing fancy — just soul-warming food made with care.

Whether you go for the riverside walk, the forest shrine, or just a slow lunch by the water, I hope this peaceful pocket of Tokyo brings you the same calm it brings me.