Tokyo's Okutama Area: 7 Splendid Autumn Foliage Spots and Access

Autumn Foliage in Otakuma, Western Tokyo

Otakuma, located in western Tokyo, is an area rich in nature with mountains, lakes, hot springs, and beautiful gorges.

We introduce 7 famous autumn foliage spots in Otakuma, along with their peak autumn color season and access information.

The peak season for Otakuma's autumn leaves is typically late October to mid-November. In 2024, due to the slower progression of the seasons, the autumn colors are expected to appear from early to mid-November.

Autumn Foliage Spots in Okutama

1. Lake Okutama
2. Hikawa Valley
3. Hatonosu Gorge
4. Mitake Gorge
5. Gyokudo Art Museum
6. Nippara Gorge
7. Akigawa Valley

1. Lake Okutama

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Tokyo's water reservoir, Lake Okutama, is an artificial lake created by damming the Tama River. The Okutama Lake Circulation Road runs around the lake, allowing you to enjoy the autumn foliage reflected on the lake's surface while driving.

Additionally, there is a 12 km long promenade along the southern shore, which is also popular as a hiking trail.

Another feature is the Mugiyama Floating Bridge located roughly in the middle of Lake Okutama. It can be crossed on foot, providing a leisurely experience of swaying on the floating bridge while enjoying the autumn leaves around the lake.

You can use the nearby Minegaya Bridge free parking lot to access the Mugiyama Floating Bridge. It is also easily accessible by public transportation from the Ogochi Shrine bus stop along Lake Okutama.

After enjoying the autumn foliage, it's a great idea to stop by the Water and Green Interaction Center, which is located by the lakeside. This facility features interactive exhibits such as a 3D theater where you can learn about water and dams. There is free parking available, and it is also a short distance from the Okutama Lake bus stop.

Address	Hara, Okutama, Nishitama, Tokyo
Business Hours	24 hours
Parking	Free parking available
Access	By car: Approximately 50 minutes from Hinode IC Public transportation: 15 minutes by bus from Okutama Station, get off at Okutama Lake bus stop
Peak Season	Late October - Early November
Light-up	None

2. Hikawa Valley

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Located about a 5-minute walk from Okutama Station, Hikawa Valley features a wide riverbed, making it a popular spot for leisure activities such as camping and fishing. Its proximity to the station is a great advantage for easy access, even for those without a car.

One of the best autumn foliage spots in Hikawa Valley is the Hikawa Kobashi, a suspension bridge that allows you to walk through a tunnel of autumn leaves. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and visiting places like the Oku Hikawa Shrine and the riverbed is recommended.

The Hikawa Valley Promenade is well-maintained, making it easy to walk. There are several courses available to choose from based on your schedule, including a short 20-minute course and a longer 40- to 50-minute course.

In addition to the beautiful autumn foliage, the Three Tall Cedars of Hikawa are also worth seeing. They are considered the tallest trees in Tokyo, with one soaring majestically at about 50 meters.

Furthermore, there are many shops and restaurants around Okutama Station, and buses run from Okutama Station to Okutama Lake. It serves as a perfect base for sightseeing.

Address	Hikawa, Okutama, Nishitama, Tokyo
Business Hours	24 hours
Parking	No dedicated parking available, but there are paid parking options nearby
Access	5-minute walk from Okutama Station (JR Ome Line)
Peak Season	Late October ~
Light-up	None

3. Hatonosu Gorge

Picture courtesy of Pixta
Among the many valleys in Okutama, the one that offers the most authentic valley experience is Hatonosu Gorge. This dynamic gorge was formed by the flow of the Tama River.

The impressive cliffs and the contrast of giant rocks and autumn foliage create a breathtaking view. While the latter part of the promenade can be a bit rough, it is said to be worth taking the time to explore.

One of the highlights is the view from the Hatonosu Kobashi, a suspension bridge that offers a panoramic look at Hatonosu Gorge. It has been selected as one of the 30 scenic spots of the Tama River and can be enjoyed along with the Double Dragon Falls.

To access Hatonosu Gorge, it's a 5-minute walk from JR Ome Line Hatonosu Station. If you're driving, there is a town-operated free parking lot near Hatonosu Station. However, it tends to get crowded in any season, so another option is to park at the Shiramaru Dam parking lot and enjoy a walk while you explore.

The Shiramaru Dam was created by damming the Tama River and features a fish ladder that you can visit to see how fish migrate upstream.

As for walking courses, you could get off at Kosugi Station and head towards Hatonosu Station, enjoying sights like Unzen Bridge, the Matsunoki Ridge viewpoint, and Kiyomi Falls along the way!

Address	Tanazawa, Okutama, Nishitama, Tokyo
Business Hours	24 hours
Parking	Free parking available
Access	5-minute walk from Hatonosu Station (JR Ome Line)
Peak Season	Early to late November
Light-up	None

4. Mitake Gorge

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Located in the upper reaches of the Tama River, Mitake Gorge has been designated as one of Japan's top 100 drinking water sources by the Ministry of the Environment. It is a spot where you can see the autumn foliage reflected on the clear water's surface.

Visitors can also experience activities such as canoeing, rafting, and canyoning, making it a great recommendation for those looking to enjoy leisure activities alongside the scenery.

Furthermore, there is a well-maintained promenade approximately 4 km long along both banks of the Tama River, making it perfect for strolling. While there, you can visit attractions such as the Gyokudo Art Museum, the Kushi Kanzashi Hair Accessory Museum, and the Sawanoi Ozawa Sake Brewery.

The area surrounding the promenade also has many dining options, allowing you to enjoy both autumn foliage and sightseeing all at once.

Address	Mitake, Ome City, Tokyo
Business Hours	24 hours
Parking	No parking available
Access	By car: Approximately 30 minutes from Ome IC Public transportation: 3-minute walk from JR Ome Line Sawai Station
Peak Season	Mid-November to early December
Light-up	None

5. Gyokudo Art Museum

Picture courtesy of Pixta

If you're looking to enjoy the autumn foliage in Mitake Valley, be sure to visit the Gyokudo Art Museum, located just across the Mitake Bridge. Amidst the trees turning red in the surrounding area, you'll find a row of yellow gingko trees.

Inside the museum, visitors can enjoy views of a dry landscape garden alongside the gingko-lined path.

During the autumn foliage season, the museum features nighttime illumination, which is a highlight to see.

Until November, the museum's opening hours are until 17:00, with the illumination starting at 16:30, making it an excellent idea to explore the museum and then await the illumination. The Gyokudo Art Museum showcases around 300 works by Gyokudo Kawai, a master of modern Japanese painting.

Address	1-75 Mitake, Ome City, Tokyo
Business Hours	March to November 10:00 - 17:00 December to February 10:00 - 16:30
Parking	No parking available
Access	By car: Approximately 40 minutes from Ome IC Public transportation: About a 5-minute walk from Mitake Station (JR Ome Line)
Official Website & Social Media	Gyokudo Art Museum, Instagram
Peak Season	Mid-November
Light-up	16:30 - 19:00

6. Nippara Gorge

Picture courtesy of Pixta

If you take a bus for 40 minutes from Okutama Station, you'll arrive at the Nippara Gorge, an area that retains pristine nature even within Tokyo.

While it is quite a distance from the station, it is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the autumn foliage along with other attractions such as the Nippara Limestone Cave, hiking, and fishing.

Nippara Gorge offers a vast expanse of autumn foliage, making it perfect for hiking. Stream fishing is also popular here, with fishing ponds available, allowing you to fish amid the beautiful fall colors.

Additionally, be sure to check out the Nippara Limestone Cave, a designated natural monument of Tokyo, which is one of the largest in the Kanto region.

Some areas of the Nippara Limestone Cave are illuminated, and exploring the entire cave takes about an hour. The temperature inside the cave stays around 11°C year-round, so it's a good idea to bring something to keep warm.

Address	Nippara, Okutama, Nishitama, Tokyo
Business Hours	24 hours
Parking	No parking available; however, there are paid parking options at the limestone cave and fishing sites
Access	By car: Approximately 1 hour from Hinode IC Public transportation: About 40 minutes by bus from Okutama Station
Light-up	None

7. Akigawa Valley

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Located in Tokyo's Akiruno City, Akigawa Valley is a tourist destination where you can enjoy approximately 20 km of stunning gorge scenery and free foot baths.

The beautiful contrast of the red autumn leaves and the blue of the clear streams is a highlight. Additionally, the view of the gorge from the approximately 96-meter-long Ishibune Bridge is spectacular.

The Akigawa Valley Seotonoyu is a popular hot spring that has won first place three times in the national hot spring election in the skin moisture category. The foot baths are free to use, providing a perfect way to relax and refresh while surrounded by the autumn foliage.

Seotonoyu is about a 15-minute drive from Musashi-Ikusa Station, and it's also accessible by bus. If you prefer to stroll on your way, you can visit sights like Tokura Shiroyama Terrace, Koganji Temple, and the ruins of Tokura Castle along the way.

Address	1420 Tokura, Akiruno City, Tokyo
Business Hours	24 hours
Parking	Paid parking available at Musashi-Itsukaichi Station Free parking at Jurigi Parking Lot
Access	Public transportation: 15-minute walk from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station (JR Itsukaichi Line) By car: Approximately 15 minutes from Hinode IC
Peak Season	Mid-November
Light-up	None

Enjoy Tokyo's Autumn Colors in Okutama

This time, we introduced seven autumn foliage spots in Okutama. In addition to the stunning autumn leaves, Okutama offers many attractions, including hot spring trips, scenic drives, hiking, and fishing.

We encourage you to find your favorite autumn leaf viewing spot in Okutama!

Moreover, various autumn festivals and momiji (maple) festivals are held throughout Okutama from late October to late November. With many events celebrating the autumn season, it might be worth checking them out if you're interested.