- Escape the Crowds and Discover Tokyo’s True Nature
- Why “Beyond Mt. Takao” is Recommended Now
- Case Study ①: [Power Spot & Valley Beauty] Mount Mitake (Mitake-san)
Escape the Crowds and Discover Tokyo’s True Nature
Hello! I’m Ken, the editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.
When you hear “hiking in Tokyo,” most people probably think of “Mount Takao.” It’s a wonderful mountain, easily accessible from the city center and even featured in the Michelin Guide. But honestly, especially on holidays, you might be surprised by the long lines of people stretching all the way to the summit. Have you ever thought, “I came to enjoy nature, but I just got tired from the crowds…”?
But don’t worry. Near Tokyo, there are many hiking courses just as charming as Mt. Takao, where you can enjoy nature more quietly and deeply.
This time, I’ll thoroughly guide you through two of my personal favorites: “the spiritual power spot and beautiful valleys of Mount Mitake (Mitake-san)” and “the historic Kamakura Alps with ocean views,” complete with perfect one-day model itineraries!
Why “Beyond Mt. Takao” is Recommended Now
By slightly broadening your horizons from Mt. Takao, you’ll make new discoveries. With fewer people, you can enjoy a quiet mountain walk at your own pace, listening to the birds and the sound of the wind. It’s also a chance to see a more authentic side of Japanese holidays, as you’ll encounter more local hikers than tourists. A different kind of beauty—stunning valleys, historic townscapes, and ocean views—awaits you.
Case Study ①: [Power Spot & Valley Beauty] Mount Mitake (Mitake-san)
If you want to be healed by sacred air and mystical scenery woven by water and greenery, this is the place I strongly recommend. Even beginners can easily enjoy the spectacular views by using the cable car.
3 Key Charms:
- Musashi-Mitake Shrine: A solemn power spot located at the summit, which enshrines a wolf as a guardian deity. The air is crisp and pure, and it feels like your soul is being cleansed.
- Rock Garden: A beautiful hiking course where a clear stream flows between moss-covered rocks, just like a scene from a Ghibli movie.
- Cable Car: Ride the steepest cable car in Japan to get to the summit station at an altitude of 929 meters in one go.
One-Day Model Itinerary:
- 9:00 AM Take the JR Chuo Line / Ome Line from Shinjuku Station to Mitake Station.
- 10:30 AM From Mitake Station, take a bus to the Cable Shita bus stop.
- 11:00 AM Ride the cable car to Mitakesan Station.
- 11:30 AM Visit Musashi-Mitake Shrine.
- 12:30 PM Start hiking the Rock Garden loop course (approx. 1.5 hours).
- 2:00 PM Take a break at Ayahiro-no-taki Waterfall along the course and soak in the negative ions.
- 3:00 PM Enjoy a late lunch of famous soba noodles at a restaurant near Mitakesan Station.
- 4:30 PM Descend via cable car and head home.
Access & Key Info:
- Starting Point: JR Ome Line, Mitake Station
- Time from Shinjuku: Approx. 90 minutes
- Hiking Time (Model Course): Approx. 2.5 hours
Case Study ②: [History & Ocean Views] The Kamakura Alps
This course is recommended for the ambitious traveler who wants to enjoy not only hiking but also visiting ancient temples and sightseeing in a historic city all at once.
3 Key Charms:
- Tenen Hiking Course: A pleasant ridge trail with continuous viewpoints overlooking the townscape of Kamakura and the sparkling Sagami Bay beyond it.
- Start from a Historic Temple: A unique experience where you can begin your hike from the grounds of a historic temple like “Kencho-ji,” which houses a national treasure temple bell.
- Connects to Sightseeing: After the hike, you can descend directly into the heart of Kamakura to enjoy Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and snacks on Komachi-dori street.
One-Day Model Itinerary:
- 9:30 AM Take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Kita-Kamakura Station.
- 10:30 AM Visit Kencho-ji Temple and proceed to the hiking course entrance at the back of the grounds.
- 11:30 AM Walk the ridge trail (Tenen Course) and take a break at the “Shojoken” viewpoint.
- 1:00 PM Descend towards Zuisen-ji Temple.
- 1:30 PM Have lunch at a restaurant near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
- 3:00 PM Stroll along Komachi-dori street (enjoying famous treats like Hato Sable cookies and delicious ice cream).
- 4:30 PM Head home from Kamakura Station.
| Recommended Google Map Search Keywords |
| After arriving at JR Kita-Kamakura Station, please enter the following keywords in order. ①Kencho-ji Temple,②Tenen Hiking Course,③Tsurugaoka Hachimangu,④Komachi-dori,⑤Kamakura Station |
Access & Key Info:
- Starting Point: JR Yokosuka Line, Kita-Kamakura Station
- Time from Shinjuku: Approx. 60 minutes
- Hiking Time (Model Course): Approx. 2.5 hours
Essential Packing List (What to Wear & Bring)
- Clothing: Comfortable, quick-drying clothes (T-shirt, pants), well-worn sneakers (sandals are absolutely not allowed), a light jacket for temperature changes (like a thin hoodie).
- Gear: A backpack to keep your hands free, drinks (at least one 500ml bottle), snacks (candy, chocolate, onigiri), a towel for sweat, band-aids, a mobile battery, and a trash bag (always take your trash home with you).
Ken’s Final Advice: Discover a New Weekend in Tokyo
Tokyo has a strong image as a busy, urban metropolis, but just a short train ride away, a quiet and rich natural world awaits, making the city’s hustle and bustle feel like a distant memory.
Walking a mountain path away from the crowds is not only a great way to refresh your mind and body, but it’s also the best opportunity to discover a new side of Tokyo. With this guide in hand, I hope you find your very own new Tokyo weekend.
【Disclaimer】
The information in this article is current as of the time of writing. Hiking trail conditions and transportation schedules may change due to weather or other factors. Please be sure to check the latest information on official websites before you go.
Comments