What comes first to your mind when you think of Tokyo? It may be the world-famous chaotic yet organized Shibuya crossing, the colorful neon signs in Shinjuku, or the skyline dotted with skyscrapers… But actually, there are many hiking places where you can immerse yourself in nature but with easy access from the city center. Try one of the following places we have listed for you, you will be surprised that Tokyo is not just about tall grey buildings and crowds.
Mt. Ajiro Benten-yama (281m) and Mt. Joyama (331m)
弁天山・城山
Benten-yama is located within the Bentenyama Park. At the trailhead, there is a small rice terrace and a red torii gate (gateway to Shinto shrine) where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of rice terrace in each season. Bentenyama is also known for azaleas. In mid-April to late-April, the area is decorated with pink azalea flowers. It also has a spectacular view of Tokyo city center, and even the 634m-tall Tokyo Skytree tower is visible on sunny days. Mt. Joyama along the trail has ruins of a mountain castle keep at the mountain top.
Time needed: 2 hours
Area: Okutama, Tokyo
Nearest Train Station: Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line
Official Information: Komine Visitor Center
284-1 Totohara, Akiruno-shi, Tokyo
Mt. Yaeyama (531m) and Mt. Nodake (542m)
八重山・能岳
Yaeyama is named after Yae Mizukoshi, who donated the mountain to the city at the beginning of Showa Era, as a token of gratitude to the city of Uenohara and the Uenohara Elementary School. Located just 15-minute bus ride away from the station, Yaeyama is popular among people living in Tokyo for its accessibility. There are several trails starting from Yaeyama to nearby mountains including Mt. Nodake and Mt. Toramaru-yama. From the wooden observation deck near the mountain top, you can enjoy a great view of Mt. Fuji.
Time needed: 2 -3 hours
Area: Yamanashi Prefecture
Nearest Train Station: Uenohara Station the JR Chūō Main Line
Official Information: Uenohara-shi Tourism Office
946 Arata, Uenohara-shi, Yamanashi
Mt. Kuradoyama (1,169m)
倉戸山
Kuradoyama is located along Lake Okutama. The trail itself is not long but steep, and suitable for intermediate-level hikers. It is famous for wild cherry trees near the mountain top in spring and colored leaves in autumn. If you are coming by car, it is recommended to park at Lake Okutama since the parking area near the trailhead has very limited spaces.
Time needed: 3 hours 15 minutes
Area: Okutama, Tokyo
Nearest Train Station: Okutama Station on the JR Ome Line
Mt. Takao (599m) & Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama (670m)
高尾山・小仏城山
Takaosan or Mt. Takao has 7 trails (Trails No.1 to No.6 and Inariyama Trail) and other trails that stretch to the nearby mountains. Trails No.1, 2 and 5 are for beginners, No. 3 and 4 are for intermediate-level hikers and Trail No.6 and Inariyama Trail are for experienced hikers. Trail 1 is especially popular for tourists, because it is paved, cable car and two-seater chairlift are available from near Takaosan-guchi Station to the middle of the trail, and there are teahouses where you can enjoy local delights. From the mountain top of Mt. Takao to Kobotoke-Shiroyama is another 1-hour hike. Unlike Takaosan, you will see less tourists and more hikers with proper hiking gears.
Time needed: 3 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes
Area: Hachioji, Tokyo
Nearest Train Station: Takaosan-guchi Station on the Keio Line or Takao Station on the JR Chuo Line
Official Information: Hachioji City Hall website
Mt. Mitake & Mt. Hinode-yama
御岳山・日の出山
Mitakesan or Mt. Mitake is also one of the accessible mountains from Tokyo city center. Right outside of the train station, you can catch a bus to “Cable-Shita” bus stop. A little walk away from the bus stop is the cable car “Takimoto” station where you can use the cable car to “Mitakesan” Station. Mitakesan is famous for Japan-native Anemonopsis macrophylla (“レンゲショウマor rengae shoma” in Japanese) blooming in large colonies from late-July to late-August. Normal shoes can be worn for the trail from the Mitakesan Station to the mountain top, but if you head to Hinode-yama from where the trail forks near at the Mt. Mitake Visitor Center, proper hiking shoes will be required.
Time needed: 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours
Area: Ome, Tokyo
Nearest Train Station: Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line
Official Information: Ome City Tourism Association
NOTE: Please note that the time needed for each trail may vary depending on your walking speed, hiker’s physical conditions, etc.
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