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A view from on top on Mt. Mitake very near Tokyo Japan

 

About

Mount Mitake (929 meters or 3,048 ft. tall) is a popular "Nature Get-a-way" spot for Tokyo'ites. It is located in the mountains west of Tokyo and part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, a National Park that covers more that 1,250 square kilometers of forests and mountains. Along with Mt. Takao, Mt. Mitake is one of Tokyo'ites favorite "day trip" destinations for hikers, daters and families looking for a mini-adventure and nature as it can be reached from central Tokyo in about 2 hours (if connections are planned perfectly). The summit of Mt. Mitake can give some great views looking out over the Kanto Plain toward Tokyo and Chiba as well as a bunch of interesting attractions, hiking trails, temples and historical destinations. There is a lot to do in the area and you will be hard pressed to see it all in one day... either leave very early in the morning and choose your route wisely or spend the night in the area, take a little more time and enjoy a relaxing two day adventure.

When you arrive at Mitake Station head strait for the Tourist Information Office just outside the station (Note that the Tourist Information Office is CLOSED on Mondays). At the Mitake Tourist Information Office you can pick up local area maps and a wealth of information about the area and it's attractions, English information is also available. Mt. Mitake is the "main attraction" of the area but Musashi Mitake Shrine, the Mitake Gorge and the Tama River (for Rafting and camping) are also popular destinations for the Japanese. Don't forget to pick up the excellent hiking map, which shows the extensive network of hiking trails in the Okutama region around Mt. Mitake.

After leaving the Mitake Tourist Information Office you can... if your up to it, hike up Mt. Mitake right from the train station but if your in the area for just a day, the better option is to ride the Mitake Tozan Railway, a cablecar to near the summit and start your adventure from there. The bus/bus-stop you need to ride to "Takimoto Station" (the name of the Mitake Tozan Railway station at the bottom) is out Mitake Station to left about 70 meters or 230 feet. The bus ride takes around 10 min. and costs 280 yen. Once you arrive at the final bus stop, called "Cable Shita", it's a short walk up to Takimoto Station, the lower station of the Mitake Tozan Railway. A one-way adult ticket costs 590 yen or 1,110 yen for a round-trip ticket and the ride only takes 6 minutes.

The Mitake Tozan Railway will take you up to "Mitakesan" Station. From Mitakesan Station its another good 30 min. walk to Musashi-Mitake Shrine which is on the summit of Mt. Mitake. Along the way you will pass through a small village that has souvenir shops (which have been catering to tourists and pilgrims on their way to Musashi-Mitake Shrine for hundreds of years), restaurants and Ryokans (Japanese style Inns). If you leave Tokyo in the morning, it might be the perfect time and opportunity to get yourself a nice Japanese lunch before heading up to the summit. There are a variety of restaurants offering everything from Sushi to Udon. Some of the restaurants have outdoor terraces which provide a great view over the Kanto Plain and the neighboring mountains. Also, if you would like to stay the night in the area, the Ryokans and Shukubo (traditional Buddhist Temple guest houses) in the little village would be the perfect over-night place. Figure on spending 15,000 - 30,000 yen per person and two meals at a Ryokan or about 10,000 - 12,000 yen per person, including two meals at a Shukubo.

Just before you reach Musashi Mitake Shrine, you pass through a narrow shopping street, also filled with restaurants and tourist shops selling a variety of local products including locally made sake. Right after the shopping street is a steep stairway leading up to Zuishinmon Gate, the lower gate of Musashi Mitake Shrine and main shrine itself. After visiting Musashi Mitake Shrine, you can either call it a day and head back or continue on and see more of what the area has to offer. Among the most beautiful destinations is the so called "Rock Garden", which, in fact, is a narrow, forested valley with a picturesque stream, lots of moss covered stones and two nearby waterfalls. It takes less than an hour to reach the valley from the shrine. From there you can even continue on further to Mt. Otake (at 1,267 meters or 4,156 ft.) with an hour "intermediate" type hike.

Access to Mount Mitake

The "Access" Graphic above is a simplified "Quick Glance" at transportation options. Due to fluctuating schedules & pricing, Times & Costs are subject to change.

from Shinjuku (Tokyo)

• by Train - 2.5 to 3.5 hours total time including transfers, around 920 yen (not including the cablecar)
  1. JR Chuo Line - Jump on the JR Chuo Line (orange train) to Ome Station (about 75 min.). Some trains go all the way to Ome Station but some will end in Tachikawa where you will have to transfer.
  2. JR Ome Line - From Ome Station you need to transfer to the JR Ome Line. The train is usually waiting at the same platform, opposite side. Ride this train to Mitake Station (20 min.).
  3. Bus - From Mitake Station you should take a bus to the cablecar station. Buses only leave every half hour. It's a 10 min. ride and casts 290 yen.
  4. Cablecar - The cablecar will take you to the summit (or rather near the summit) of Mt. Mitake. A cablecar leaves every 20 min. and costs 1,110 yen for a "round-trip" ticket.

 

Access

Closest Train Station: Mitake(Tokyo)

Tokyo Japan

from Shinjuku by Train figure about 2.5 to 3.5 hours total time including transfers and cost around 920 yen to get to Mitake Station. See the access information above for more details.

Google Map

 

Hotels & Lodging

Recommended

View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Mt. Mitake (Mitake San).

 

Hours & Fees

Hours: Mt. Mitake is an "Area". Each individual attraction has different hours. As a general rule, Japanese shops typically open at 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. with restaurants closing at 9:00 p.m. or much later.

Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.

Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.

 

Resources

Website: Mt. Mitake (Mitake San) Homepage