Okutama

Okutama (奧多摩町, Okutama-machi) is a town in the far western reaches of Tokyo, deep in the Okutama Mountains. It is Tokyo's largest municipality by area but one of the least populated, consisting almost entirely of forested mountains, deep river valleys, and the artificial Lake Okutama (the primary reservoir for Tokyo's water supply).

Okutama is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and river sports. The town is known for the Okutama Valley, a scenic gorge along the Tama River, and the Mount Mitake area with its historic shrine and cable car. The climate is cooler than central Tokyo, with crisp autumns, snowy winters, and lush green summers.

By Plane

Haneda Airport (HND) is about 80 km east. The most practical route is by train via Shinjuku and the JR Ome Line (about 2.5 hours). Narita Airport (NRT) is about 140 km east.

By Train

Okutama Station is the western terminus of the JR Ome Line. From Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa, then the Ome Line to Okutama (about 2 hours total). The train journey through the mountains is scenic.

By Car / Road

From central Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway to the Ome IC, then Route 411 west to Okutama (about 1.5 hours). The road follows the Tama River through the scenic valley, but is narrow and winding in sections.

Okutama is spread out along the Tama River valley. A car is the most practical way to explore. Local buses connect Okutama Station to the Lake Okutama dam, trailheads, and the Mount Mitake cable car. Bicycle rental is available at the station.

• Lake Okutama — A large reservoir dammed by the Ogouchi Dam, surrounded by forested mountains. Walking trails along the shore and boat tours.

• Mount Mitake — A sacred mountain with the Mitake Shrine at the summit, accessible by a historic cable car (Mitake Tozan Railway). Hiking trails and panoramic views.

• Hatonosu Valley — A scenic 5 km gorge along the Tama River with walking trails, suspension bridges, and waterfalls.

• Okutama Valley — The broader river valley offers viewpoints, hot springs, and river-beach access.

• Ogouchi Dam — Tokyo's primary water supply dam, with a visitor center and observation deck.

• Hiking — Extensive trail network from easy valley walks to multi-day mountain treks. Trails connect to Mount Gozen and the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.

• River sports — Kayaking, canoeing, and rafting on the Tama River (April–October).

• Camping — Several riverside campsites and auto-camp grounds.

• Fishing — The Tama River is stocked with ayu (sweetfish) and trout (fishing license required).

• Autumn foliage — November brings spectacular red and gold leaves to the valley.

• Okutama Fishing Park — A managed fishing pond for beginners and families.

• Okutama wasabi soba — Buckwheat noodles served with freshly grated wasabi from local streams.
• Ayu no shioyaki — Grilled sweetfish from the Tama River, salted on a skewer.
• Yamame trout — Freshwater trout grilled or fried at riverside restaurants.
• Budget meals ¥800–1,200 at shops near the station and along the main road.

Okutama has few bars. Most dining happens at ryokan or campsites. The mountain huts serve tea. Okutama produces local fruit wines and shochu. Tap water is excellent — the source is the protected Okutama watershed.

• Budget: Camping (riverside sites from ¥500/night) or mountain huts from ¥5,000/night.
• Mid-range: Minshuku in Okutama town, about ¥8,000–12,000/night with meals.
• Upscale: Ryokan in the valley with onsen, from ¥14,000/night with kaiseki dinner.

Okutama produces wasabi (grown in the mountain streams), soba noodles, honey, and mushrooms. Lake Okutama souvenirs and local crafts are sold at the visitor center. The roadside stations (michi-no-eki) sell local produce.

• Mount Mitake (via cable car from Mitake area) — Sacred mountain with shrines, hiking, and views.
• Hatonosu Valley (accessible by bus) — Scenic gorge walks along the Tama River.
• Ome (30 min by train) — Historic Ome Kaido district and the Railroad Park.
• Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park (south/west) — Vast national park with Mount Kumotori and long hiking trails.
• Kawagoe (2 hours by train) — "Little Edo" Saitama, with a preserved warehouse district.