Our Best Nature Excursions Near Tokyo
- Published on : 04/09/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Okutama
@Guilhem Vellut on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
You don't have to go far to get a change of scenery! Just outside Tokyo, trails quickly lead you away from the city and into forests and along rivers. The Japan Experience team shares its top picks for enjoying nature just a few hours from the capital!
Mountain Hikes
Mount Takao: The Classic Must-See
Less than an hour from downtown Tokyo, Mount Takao is a classic favorite among hiking enthusiasts. Easily accessible, it’s perfect for both a first-time mountain outing and a more challenging hike.
The various trails wind through a forest of cedars and maples, sometimes following streams, and offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains as you climb. At the summit, the view stretches all the way to Tokyo and Mount Fuji.
Our tip? In fall, set out very early to admire the changing leaves and avoid the crowds.
Difficulty: easy to intermediate
Duration: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route
From Tokyo: about 1 hour
Mount Takao (Tokyo)
@Dick Thomas Johnson on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Mount Kintoki: Mount Fuji on the Horizon
In the Hakone Mountains, Mount Kintoki (also known as Mount Ashigara) is one of the best choices for those who want to combine hiking with panoramic views.
The trail first winds through the forest before becoming rockier as it approaches the summit. Once at the top,Mount Fuji dominates the horizon when the weather is clear.
Note that this hike can easily be incorporated into a full day in Hakone. After the descent, you can even enjoy the hot springs.
Difficulty: intermediate
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
From Tokyo: about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
View of Mount Fuji from Mount Kintoki
@shutterstock
Mount Iwadono: A More Untamed Mountain
In Otsuki, Yamanashi Prefecture, Mount Iwadono offers a lesser-known alternative to the classic hiking routes around Tokyo.
The trail winds through a mountain forest before reaching the distinctive rock formations at the summit. The terrain gradually becomes more rugged, with a few sections that add a touch of adventure to the hike. A great option for those who are already familiar with Takao and want to explore a more rugged hike.
Difficulty: intermediate
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
From Tokyo: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
View from Mount Iwadono
@Yamanashi-kankou.jp
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Mount Nokogiri: Between the Forest and the Sea
On the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, Mount Nokogiri offers a radically different setting: the trail alternates between forest, stairways, and rocky outcrops,with magnificent views of Tokyo Bay! The route thus offers a lovely variety of landscapes, culminating in a spectacular view of the sea.
Difficulty: intermediate
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
From Tokyo: about 2 hours
View from Mount Nokogiri
@Trailrewind, royalty-free
Mount Mitake: For a Real Day in the Mountains
For those who want to go a step further, Mount Mitake is one of the best options near Tokyo. Once you reach the summit, several trails lead deep into the forest, where you can discover waterfalls and steep-walled valleys. The Rock Garden area is particularly beautiful: a trail over a kilometer long winds through a landscape of rocks covered in moss and dotted with small waterfalls.
The routes can be adapted to your fitness level and the time you have available. The more athletic can extend the hike to neighboring peaks for a full day in the mountains!
Difficulty: intermediate to difficult
Duration: 3 to 6 hours
From Tokyo: about 1.5 to 2 hours
Mitake (Tokyo)
@Rexby
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Down the River
Okutama: The Great Getaway
On the western edge of Tokyo, Okutama feels like a world away from the capital. The forest-covered mountains, valleys, and the Tama River offer a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts!
The region boasts several trails, ranging from easy walks along the water to more challenging hikes. The Otama Walking Trail, for example, connects Furusato to Hikawa and winds through a variety of river and gorge landscapes. For a longer hike, the historic Okutama Trail offers a four-hour walk between Okutama Station and Lake Okutama.
Our advice? If it's a popular destination in the spring and fall, Okutama is also a great option for cooling off during the hottest months. Keep that in mind!
Difficulty: easy to difficult, depending on the route
Duration: 2 hours to a full day
From Tokyo: about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Okutama
@Trailwind, royalty-free
Ome and the Mitake Gorges: Follow the River
As you travel west along the JR Ome Line, the landscape becomes more rugged. Around Ome and Mitake, the Tama River cuts deep into the mountains, forming magnificent gorges. This is especially true between the Mitake and Sawai stations, where a trail runs alongside the water for several kilometers. The rocks and forest create a spectacular setting, without requiring a strenuous climb. The hike is also pleasant in the fall, when the trees lining the river take on golden hues.
Further on, the Hatonosu Gorge offers an even wilder atmosphere, with its rock formations and rushing waters.
Difficulty: easy to intermediate
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
From Tokyo: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
Mitake (Tokyo)
@Rexby
The Hikawa Valley: Mountains as Soon as You Step Off the Train
Just a few minutes from Okutama Station, the Hikawa Valley lets you start your hike as soon as you step off the train.
The trail winds along the river, passing through rocky areas, over bridges, and through the forest. The Hikawa Kobashi suspension bridge, in particular, offers a beautiful view of the Tama River. It’s the perfect option for a more leisurely outing or to round out a day in Okutama without tackling a long climb.
Difficulty: easy
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
From Tokyo: about 1.5 to 2 hours
Hikawa (Tokyo)
@Guilhem Vellut on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
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The Akigawa Valley: Between River and Forest
South of Okutama, the Akigawa Valley follows the river of the same name through a succession of forests and small paths.
In the summer, the proximity to the water provides a bit of cool relief and allows you to take breaks along the river during your walk. In the fall, the trees completely transform the scenery. In fact, the valley is one of the iconic landscapes of the Okutama region and is a great alternative if you’re looking for a less mountainous outing.
Difficulty: easy to intermediate
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
From Tokyo: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
Akigawa (Tokyo)
@Mikhail Kotykhov on Flickr, CC-BY-2.0
The Secret of Writing
The Ochiai River: An Oasis in the Heart of the City
It’s our little secret: you don’t have to head into the mountains to reconnect with nature! In Higashikurume, the Ochiai River offers a peaceful escape just north of Tokyo. Here , it’s more of a stroll through nature than a hike. Fed by the Minamisawa springs, the river winds its way through the city’s green spaces.
Our favorite spot? Ochiaigawa Rest Waterside for a dip right in the heart of Higashikurume! When you get out of the water, be sure to stop by the café Your Big Family: in addition to enjoying some Japanese cypress tea, you can make your own noodles.
Difficulty: very easy
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
From Tokyo: about 30 minutes to 1 hour
Ochiai River
@Wheree.com
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