Tokyo Day Trip Okutama | Ghibli-Like Forest Hike, Japan Walk

Tokyo Day Trip Okutama | Ghibli-Like Forest Hike, Japan Walk

We’re heading to Mount Mitake — one of Tokyo’s most spiritual and powerful mountains. After yesterday’s rain, the air feels fresh and clear.Maybe… we’ll be lucky enough to see a sea of clouds today. So I caught an early train,hoping to see something beautiful waiting above the mist. The nearest station, Mitake Station, is only about an hour and twenty minutes from central Tokyo. Before long, we’re surrounded by deep, peaceful greenery. Right outside the station, there’s a bus stop that takes us to the cable car station. After about ten minutes on the bus, I arrive at Takimoto Station — the base of the cable car. Even this early in the morning, quite a few people are already here. From Takimoto to the top station, Mitakesan, it’s only about six minutes by cable car. It climbs a steep 22-degree slope — the steepest in the Kanto area — and soon we’re gliding right into a sea of mist. It feels like I’m floating through the clouds… surreal and beautiful. I’ve arrived at Mitakesan Station. Stepping outside, everything is still wrapped in fog. Maybe if I go a little higher, I’ll see the sea of clouds spreading below. My excitement keeps growing. Today, we’re walking the beginner-friendly “Rock Garden Course.” It takes about two and a half hours at an easy pace. First, we’ll visit Mitake Shrine. And then we’ll make our way toward the mystical Rock Garden. Alright — let’s start our peaceful mountain walk. Mount Mitake has been cherished as a “sacred mountain” for over 1,400 years. Long ago, people came here to train their minds and spirits in the quiet of the mountains. The scent of greenery and the soft morning light —I can almost feel the mountain quietly breathing. Just feeling this pure air makes me so glad I came. The mix of sunlight and mist feels like the border between a Ghibli film and reality. It’s the kind of scene that makes me feel like the divine is right here beside me. They say around 120 people still live on Mount Mitake today. And there are about twenty temple lodgings called shukubō. One day, I’d love to stay at “Higashibaba,” There’s something timeless about it — simple and quietly elegant. Along the approach, there’s a street lined with old-fashioned shops. It has that nostalgic warmth that instantly puts me at ease. It feels unhurried here—like the kind of place that lets my shoulders drop. Before entering, let’s cleanse our hands at the temizuya beside the torii gate. There’s even a small temizuya for dogs — how cute is that? Looking up, a grand torii stands before us, with quiet stone steps leading to the mountain’s deity. Along the stairs, the leaves are just beginning to change color.We take our time, walking slowly, feeling autumn’s arrival. Mitake Shrine is deeply connected to wolf deities. That’s why we often see visitors bringing their dogs — said to be descendants of wolves — to pray. The main hall is finally in sight. The view from up there must be stunning… Wow… what a breathtaking sea of clouds. It’s so beautiful, it leaves us speechless. It feels like I’m seeing the same view the gods once looked upon. All I can feel is deep gratitude for being here in this moment. In this calm silence, we gently bow our heads before the main shrine. Mitake Shrine—formally known as Musashi Mitake Shrine—has long watched over the region of Musashi. Behind it stand several smaller shrines,marking this place as the very summit of Mount Mitake. Now we can truly feel why this mountain is called “the mountain of the gods.” Even after leaving that view, my heart was still racing with excitement. Feeling as if something unseen was guiding me,I decided to continue toward Nanayo Falls—a trail for more experienced hikers. Sunlight streaming through the trees feels like it’s gently leading the way. This section is mostly downhill—steep in places and a bit winding. Along the way, I arrived at Nagaodaira. There are benches scattered around here—perfect for a short break. I’m starting to feel a bit hungry,so let’s sit down here for a moment. Beyond the open view, the sky stretches endlessly,and everyone seems to be relaxing in their own quiet way. Birdsong and the faint murmur of voices drift through the air—so peaceful. The clouds spread right at eye level,so close it feels like I could almost reach out and touch them. They drift and shift, changing the scenery moment by moment—each fleeting shape more beautiful than the last. And beyond that— Wow… it’s like a dream. A world above the clouds. It’s hard to believe this is still Tokyo. They say seeing a perfect sea of clouds here at Mount Mitake is truly rare. It’s beyond words—quietly filling my heart with peace. Let’s take a seat on that bench for a bit. What a view—this must be the best seat in the house. That café latte and melon bread we hurriedly grabbed this morning— —became a meal I’ll never forget. I wish I could stay longer, but with a bit of reluctance, we start walking toward the falls. Along the way, the leaves show hints of autumn,painting the trail in soft, warm colors. They say the mountain gets much busier once the foliage turns red. I can only imagine how crisp and refreshing it feels here at peak autumn. Alright, let’s take a deep breath and keep going toward Nanayo Falls! I walk carefully, step by step—even on paths that look safe, the ground can be slippery. Mountain walks can be tough sometimes… but the quiet that waits at the end always brings peace to the heart. Maybe that’s what makes moments like these so special. Everyone seems to be resting wherever they like,taking things at their own pace. A gentle greeting when we pass,and the sight of dogs and children walking earnestly—it’s all so heartwarming. Watching the smiles of people hiking the mountain,I realize this place brings peace to everyone who visits. At last, we’ve reached Nanayo Falls. The air here is so pure—it feels as if it’s cleansing not just my body, but my heart too. The sound of flowing water, the cool mist on my cheeks, the crisp mountain air—everything wraps gently around my tired heart. I take a deep, slow breath. It feels so good to have come all this way. With the sound of the waterfall behind me, I continue on toward the Rock Garden. The moss-covered rocks and the quiet trickle of water feel like something straight out of Princess Mononoke. Bit by bit, the scenery begins to look more and more like a Ghibli world. Tree roots stretch across the ground, as if protecting the earth itself—a reminder of the forest’s strength. I’ve arrived at Tengu Rock. It’s said to resemble the long nose of a mythical tengu, which is how it got its name. This marks the entrance to the Rock Garden. A little farther ahead, an even more magical world awaits. I can feel the air slowly changing. The Rock Garden is a 1.5-kilometer path lined with clear streams and moss-covered stones—a walk of pure serenity. With the river as my soundtrack, it’s easy to lose track of time. Every turn looks like a scene from a painting. After the rain, the moss glows softly, shimmering with droplets of water. Looking closely, each patch of moss has its own color and texture— like tiny forests growing side by side. Its beauty lies in how it grows slowly and quietly—held by the forest’s stillness. The light filtering through the trees feels almost magical. Wow… this really is the world of Princess Mononoke. It leaves me without words. Nature feels miraculous in moments like this. The murmur of the stream, the moss-covered rocks, the shafts of light—the very heartbeat of the forest. Soothed and overwhelmed at once—my heart is full. Moments like this remind me why Mount Mitake is such a truly special place. It’s the kind of place you just want to come back to, again and again. At a rest area along the way, many hikers were enjoying their lunch. As for me—I’d already set my sights on rice balls and a cold beer, so I kept walking. Soon, I see Ayahiro Falls come into view. Both Ayahiro Falls and Nanayo Falls have long been known as sacred places for waterfall meditation. Even today, people come here to experience takigyō— standing under the icy waterfall to purify the mind and spirit. From here, I’ll make our way back toward the summit through the Rock Garden. There’s so much to see—my heart feels warm and content. Let’s slow down and walk quietly for a while, just to take it all in. The area near the cable car was crowded, but once I started hiking, it felt like stepping into another world—so calm and still. Only wind in the trees and the hush of leaves surround me. Along the path stands a 350-year-old cedar called “Tengu no Koshikake Sugi.” Legend says a tengu once sat here to rest. I wonder what made it bend like this… It feels like nature’s quiet power at work. I’ve made it back to the entrance of Nagaodaira. Here stands “Nagao Chaya,” run by a certified sommelier. Their hot wine is popular,and their coffee—brewed with spring water from Ayahiro Falls—is also a favorite. But since I already promised myself rice balls and a cold beer, let’s keep moving a little farther. Wow… the street near the torii gate is so lively at this hour. The scent of soba noodles and freshly grilled rice dumplings fills the air. But I’ll resist the temptation—for now. Rice balls and beer are waiting ahead… or so we thought. Wait—what!? It’s closed today! 😭 All of a sudden, my legs feel heavier than ever… Well… some days just turn out this way. Still, I’m grateful for the good weather and for making it back safely, without a single scratch. That said… I’m really getting hungry now. Then something catches my eye—melon bread😄 I had melon bread this morning, and now again for lunch! 😆 Paired with a lemonade, of course. The sweet-and-tart flavor seeps gently into my tired body. This melon bread is fried in coconut oil—crispy outside, fluffy inside. Freshly made, warm and soft… absolute happiness. 🥰 They use lemons grown locally in Ōme City, and every piece is crafted with care. You can really taste the love and attention that went into it. 🍋 Even the lemon peel is edible— it feels like savoring the blessings of nature itself. It’s been a day full of unexpected encounters and gentle surprises. I never imagined I’d see a sea of clouds like that… Or find such magical light deep within the Rock Garden. …another melon bread—and somehow, the gentlest way to end the day. Grateful for the quiet, for the beauty, and for this time that nature gave me🌿 Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed this peaceful journey, please consider subscribing. I hope we can keep sharing calm, gentle trips like this—together🌸

Just about 1.5 hours from central Tokyo,
Mt. Mitake in Okutama offers a quiet, peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
Covered in mist and moss, the forest feels straight out of a Ghibli film.
It’s hard to believe such calm, untouched beauty exists this close to the city. 🌿

📍 Access |
Mt. Mitake (Okutama, Tokyo)
From central Tokyo: about 1.5 hours to Mitake Station (JR Ōme Line).
From there, take a 10-minute bus and a 6-minute cable car to reach the main trailhead,
or hike up from the base if you prefer a full mountain walk.

A perfect Tokyo day trip for anyone who loves nature, quiet moments,
and discovering another, gentler side of Japan. 🌸

⏰ Highlights
0:00 Starting the trail from Tokyo → Okutama
1:45 Cable car ride through mist
3:00 Arrive at Mt. Mitake Station & forest welcome
5:20 Shrine visit & views from above the clouds
10:00 Begin descent toward waterfall trails
13:00 Rock Garden entrance, moss trails
17:30 Tengu Rock & entrance to magical forest
19:00 Scenes from Rock Garden & riverside serenity　
21:00 Waterfall, forest hush, and reflections
27:30 Local treats: melon bread & Yamanoue Lemonade

🍋 Places Visited
・Mt. Mitake
https://tadanoyamajanai.jp

・Kimagure Bōya
https://www.instagram.com/utsuboya_so?igsh=MW5hajR3eDgxOHl1OQ==

・Yamanoue Lemonade
https://www.instagram.com/yamanoue_lemonade?igsh=dXhwcTN6ZDZ4Yndo

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