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Day Trip from Tokyo

Day Trip from Tokyo to Ome & Okutama

Travel Time

90 min to Okutama by JR Ome Line from Shinjuku

Round Trip Cost

¥1,400–¥1,800 (covered by JR Pass)

Ome and Okutama represent Tokyo's wild west — the mountainous westernmost edge of the metropolitan area where you can hike through ancient cedar forests, walk above a crystal-clear river gorge, and be back in Shinjuku for dinner.

Highlights

Model Day Trip Itinerary

07:30

Depart Shinjuku on JR Chuo-Ome Line direct to Okutama (change at Ome)

09:00

Arrive Okutama Station — start Okutama Valley Gorge Walk trail along the river

10:00

Okutama Lake dam overlook and mountain forest scenery

11:00

Cable car up Mitake-san mountain — Musashi Mitake Shrine at the summit (hiking from base takes 1.5 hr)

12:30

Lunch at Mitake-san summit restaurants — mountain vegetable tempura set

14:00

Descend by cable car — stop at Sawanoi Sake Brewery for tasting (¥500 for 3 varieties)

15:30

Ome Station retro district — browse Showa-era movie poster shops and antique stores

17:00

Depart Ome for Shinjuku (arriving approximately 18:30)

Stay Overnight?

Ome and Okutama make for a great active day trip. Those interested in multi-day hiking can stay at mountain lodges (yamagoya) near Mitake-san.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Okutama good for hiking beginners?+
Yes — the Okutama Valley Gorge Walk is a flat riverside trail suitable for beginners. Mitake-san is accessible by cable car for non-hikers, or a moderate 1.5-hour hike from the base. More challenging peaks like Mt. Kumotori require experience.
What is the Ome retro district?+
Ome is famous for its collection of Showa-era (1926–1989) movie posters that decorate shop fronts throughout the town center. It's an unexpected retro time-warp experience only 1 hour from central Tokyo.
Is JR Pass valid for Ome and Okutama?+
Yes — JR Pass covers the entire JR Chuo-Ome Line from Shinjuku to Okutama. This is one of the most rewarding JR Pass day trips from Tokyo, covering all transport costs for the day.
Can I swim in the Okutama river?+
Swimming is popular in the Tama River at designated spots near Okutama in summer (July–August). The water is cool and clear from mountain snowmelt. Obento picnics on the riverside rocks are a Tokyo locals' summer tradition.
What wildlife can I see in Okutama?+
Okutama is home to Japanese macaque monkeys (especially near Mitake-san), tanuki (raccoon dogs), Japanese serows, various deer species, and outstanding birdlife including the Japanese copper pheasant. Wildlife encounters are common on forest trails.

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