Lake Okutama

Want to escape the city noise? Okutama is definitely the top choice! Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku, transfer to the Ome Line, and you’ll be there in just two hours. A relaxed round trip in one day~ Recommended hiking routes are super beginner-friendly: 1. Hatonosu Gorge: Just a 15-minute walk from the station, follow the boardwalk along the Tama River. The water is crystal clear, shaded by green trees on both sides, and the path is easy to walk—perfect for beginners~ 2. Okutama Lake: You can continue walking or take a bus to the dam. The lake is as blue as a gem, with an observation deck and café perfect for resting and taking photos. The scenery is so expansive, it touches your heart! Remember to bring a bento or energy bars before you go. There’s a convenience store near the station for supplies. The most important gear is comfort: hiking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are must-haves. If you love photography, bring a tripod—the river and lake views are so beautiful you’ll want to freeze the moment! Start early to avoid crowds, and don’t go if it’s rainy—the mountain paths get slippery and dangerous~ It’s a half-day to full-day trip, and you’ll feel completely refreshed when you return to the city!

📍Address: Hikawa, Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo 198-0212, Japan 🚗Transportation: From central Tokyo, take the JR Line to Okutama Station, then walk a short distance. 🕙Opening hours: 24 hours 💰Admission: Free ⏳When is the best time to visit? Mid-November to early December, when the maple leaves turn red, is the best time to visit. 🌟Must-visit spots: 1. Lake Okutama: Highly recommended. The lake is clear and the surrounding environment is beautiful, making it a great place for photography and relaxation. 2. Hatonosu Gorge: With spectacular natural scenery, such as the Twin Dragon Waterfall and Mizugami Waterfall, the well-maintained trails are perfect for hiking and maple viewing. 3. Mugiyama Floating Bridge: Spanning Lake Okutama, this scenic spot is a great place for photos. 4. Nippara Limestone Cave: The largest limestone cave in the Kanto region, with a comfortable temperature and mysterious scenery. The tour takes about 40 minutes.

--- 📸 Sharing travel, hotels, and healing spots → @cnek_0330 With the theme of “places that make you want to go,” sharing heart-throbbing spots. If you’re interested, please follow♡ --- 🌿 Hatonosu Gorge｜A breathtaking view in Okutama that makes you want to take a deep breath, unlike Tokyo Hatonosu Gorge in Okutama Town, Tokyo, is a magnificent gorge created by the Tama River eroding the Chichibu Paleozoic strata. The scenery of about 40-meter cliffs, huge rocks, and strange rock formations looks like a scene from a Studio Ghibli world. The view from the suspension bridge “Hatonosu Kobashi” is spectacular, and you can enjoy the changing expressions of the four seasons. The walking trail is easy even for beginners, and the sound of the river and sunlight filtering through the trees create a healing space that relaxes your mind. After hiking, lunch at the popular restaurant “Kamameshi Nakai” by the gorge is recommended. --- 🍚 Kamameshi Nakai｜Comforting gourmet food enjoyed with the nature of Okutama “Kamameshi Nakai,” renovated from a 70-year-old traditional house, retains a nostalgic atmosphere with a hearth and veranda. The specialty “Mushroom Kamameshi Set” features fluffy cooked rice infused with the umami of mushrooms, offering a gentle flavor. The set, which includes mizutaki (hot pot), sashimi konnyaku, and sweets, is also very filling. Eating kamameshi while gazing at the garden is truly a “feast of Okutama.” It’s a popular restaurant where you should expect a line, but it’s worth the wait! --- 🚃 Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Ome Line “Hatonosu Station” to the gorge. It takes about 10 minutes by car to Kamameshi Nakai. It’s also accessible from Kawai Station. 📍 Hatonosu Gorge: Official tourism information 📍 Kamameshi Nakai: Official website --- 🏷 Tags #HatonosuGorge #OkutamaHiking #KamameshiNakai #NatureAndMeals #UnbelievableInTokyo ---

#tokyospots Okutama is Tokyo’s wild frontier—a region of mountains, rivers, and forests where adventure seekers can immerse themselves in nature. The star attraction is Lake Okutama, a massive reservoir surrounded by wooded peaks that provide breathtaking views in every season. The area offers excellent hiking trails, such as those leading to Mount Kumotori and Hatonosu Valley, as well as camping and fishing spots along the Tama River. In autumn, the landscape bursts into fiery reds and golds, making it one of Tokyo’s best fall foliage destinations. Okutama feels far removed from the city’s pace, offering peace, fresh air, and outdoor adventure.

Location: Okutama Town, Nishitama District, Tokyo Lake Okutama is a hidden natural treasure near Tokyo, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by lush mountains and clear waters, it is an ideal spot for hiking, camping, and boating. About a 2-hour drive from central Tokyo, it offers a perfect escape from urban life and a chance to fully immerse in nature. 🌊 Photo Highlights: Lakeside Trails and Floating Bridges The lakeside trails and floating bridges around Lake Okutama add a serene atmosphere to the lake, making it an excellent spot for capturing natural beauty. The reflections on the lake are clearly visible, and from the floating bridges, you can photograph the scenic views of the lake, green forests, and tranquil waters, creating a natural landscape painting. The scenery is even more enchanting in the soft light of early morning and evening. 🚶 Hiking and Easy Trails The trails around Lake Okutama cater to visitors of all fitness levels, making it perfect for leisurely hikes. Surrounded by trees and fresh air, you can stop anytime to enjoy the tranquility of the forest or rest on a lakeside bench. Visitors who love water activities can also rent boats to enjoy the magnificent mountain views from the lake. 🎟️ Tips Lake Okutama has no entrance fee, but it is recommended to drive or take a train for easy access. Spring and summer are great for hiking, autumn offers a variety of colors, and the scenery is different throughout the year. It's a good idea to bring some snacks or drinks to enjoy a picnic by the lake at any time.

Okutama Lake, nestled in the western part of Tokyo Prefecture, offers a serene and refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Formed by the Ogouchi Dam, this picturesque man-made reservoir is surrounded by lush forests and scenic mountains, providing a tranquil haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The lake's pristine waters and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for various outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the numerous trails that wind through the surrounding mountains, offering breathtaking views of the lake and its environs. Fishing and boating are also popular pastimes, allowing for a more immersive experience with nature. In addition to its natural beauty, Okutama Lake serves as a crucial water source for Tokyo, underscoring its importance beyond recreational purposes. The area is particularly enchanting during the autumn months when the foliage transforms into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, creating a mesmerizing backdrop. For those looking to extend their escape, the greater Okutama region offers even more attractions, including hot springs, traditional inns, and cultural sites. Whether for a day trip or a longer stay, Okutama Lake provides a perfect respite from urban life, inviting visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature.