Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park

Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park (秩父多摩甲斐国立公園) is a vast mountainous national park spanning Saitama, Tokyo, Yamanashi, and Nagano prefectures. Within Tokyo, the park covers much of the western Okutama region, including Mount Kumotori (2,017 m) — the highest peak in Tokyo — and the headwaters of the Tama River.

The park's Tokyo section is characterized by deep forested valleys, the Okutama Lake reservoir, and mountain ridges that form the boundary between Tokyo and Saitama/Yamanashi. It is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers from the capital, offering accessible wilderness within a few hours of central Tokyo.

By Plane

The park is not accessible by plane. The nearest airports are Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT), both requiring 2–3 hours of train/bus travel to reach the park boundaries.

By Train

The Tokyo side of the park is accessed via the JR Ome Line to Okutama Station, the last stop on the line. From Shinjuku, take the Chuo Line to Tachikawa, then the Ome Line to Okutama (about 2 hours). From Okutama Station, buses connect to trailheads and Lake Okutama.

By Car / Road

From central Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway to the Ome IC, then drive west on Route 411 (about 1.5 hours to Lake Okutama). Parking is available at trailheads but fills early on weekends.

The park within Tokyo is large and requires a car or bus to reach trailheads. Buses from Okutama Station serve Lake Okutama and the Mount Mitake cable car. Hiking is the main mode of travel within the park.

• Mount Kumotori — Tokyo's highest peak at 2,017 m. A challenging day hike from the Okutama side or a popular one-night trek.

• Lake Okutama — The reservoir created by the Ogouchi Dam, surrounded by hiking trails and forest.

• Mount Mitake — A sacred mountain with the Mitake Shrine and a historic cable car.

• Hatonosu Valley — A scenic gorge with walking trails, suspension bridges, and waterfalls along the Tama River.

• Hike Mount Kumotori — The premier hike in Tokyo: start from the Taba or Mitsumine trailheads, summit, and return or stay overnight at the mountain hut.

• Hike Mount Mitake — Cable car to the summit, then explore the shrine and hiking trails.

• Camping at Lake Okutama — Designated campsites on the lake's north shore.

• River trekking in Hatonosu Valley — Follow the Tama River through the scenic gorge.

• Okutama soba — Mountain soba served at restaurants near the station and Lake Okutama.
• Yamame trout — Grilled freshwater trout from the Tama River.
• Mountain huts serve simple hot meals like curry rice and noodles.
• Budget meals ¥800–1,200.

Mountain huts serve tea, coffee, and beer. The visitor center has vending machines. Okutama's tap water is excellent — from the protected watershed.

• Budget: Mountain hut on Mount Kumotori (Kumotori Sanso) from ¥7,000/night. Camping from ¥500.
• Mid-range: Okutama area minshuku from ¥8,000–12,000/night.
• Upscale: Onsen ryokan in the Okutama valley from ¥14,000/night.

The Okutama Visitor Center and mountain huts sell maps, snacks, and local produce. Wasabi products and honey from the Okutama area make good souvenirs.

• Okutama Town (within the park boundary) — The gateway town with river activities and hot springs.
• Ome (30 min by train) — Historic Ome Kaido district and the Railroad Park.
• Chichibu City (via the Chichibu Railway or Mitsumine trail) — Chichibu Shrine and the famous Night Festival.
• Mount Gozen (within the park) — A classic day hike from the Okutama side.
• Hachioji (1 hour by train) — Mount Takao hiking and Takaosan temple.