Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Okutama is Tokyo’s great outdoors: mountains, clear rivers, limestone caves, campsites and hot springs, all inside Tokyo’s borders. Hike Mt. Mitake, raft the Tama River, see autumn colors at Hatonosu Gorge, then stop in the Showa-retro town of Ome or Fussa’s 1950s-America street.
Quick answer
Getting there: Okutama Station (JR Ome Line)
Time needed: A full day, or stay overnight
Best time: Spring cherry blossoms, summer for rivers and camping, autumn leaves
Good for: Hiking, rafting, fishing, camping, onsen
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Overview
| Getting there | Okutama Station (JR Ome Line) |
| Time needed | A full day, or stay overnight |
| Best time | Spring cherry blossoms, summer for rivers and camping, autumn leaves |
| Good for | Hiking, rafting, fishing, camping, onsen |
Best Things to Do
Hiking
Trails to Mt. Mitake and Mt. Odake.
River activities
Swim in the clear river, go white-water rafting or canoeing on the Tama River, or try canyoning in the Okutama gorges.
Fishing
Mountain-stream fishing on the Nippara and Otamba rivers, tributaries of the Tama, where you can barbecue your catch.
Camping and onsen
Okutama is ideal for summer camping, and hot springs are scattered through the area for day trips or overnight stays. See Onsen in Tokyo.
Seasonal views
Lake Okutama, Mt. Mitake, Hatonosu Gorge and the Akigawa Valley are spots for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. See Autumn leaves in Tokyo.
Ome
A retro town with a Showa-era (1926–89) atmosphere and the Showa Retro Goods Museum of old snack wrappers, cans and movie posters.
Fussa Base Side Street
Along the Yokota U.S. base, a street of shops, restaurants and 1950s-America memorabilia.
Food & Drink
- Barbecue your catch at the fishing spots.
- Restaurants on Fussa Base Side Street.
Shopping
- Memorabilia shops on Fussa Base Side Street.
Where to Stay
Okutama has campsites and hot-spring inns for an overnight stay; otherwise, stay in Shinjuku, where the Chuo Line starts. See Best hotels in Shinjuku.
Getting There
- Okutama Station: JR Ome Line.
- From Shinjuku: JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa, then the JR Ome Line to Okutama, about 2 hours. From Tokyo Station: about 2 hours 15 minutes by the same route.
- From the airports: about 2 hours 45 minutes by train from Haneda, or about 3 hours 30 minutes from Narita.
- Get information at the Okutama Tourist Information Center.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- MorningTrain to Okutama, then hike or raft
- Ome Line
- AfternoonHatonosu Gorge or Lake Okutama
- Train
- EveningA hot spring, or Ome’s retro streets on the way back
Travel Tips
- Start early: it takes about 2 hours from Shinjuku.
- Book rafting and canyoning tours in advance.
- Bring layers: the mountains are cooler than central Tokyo.
Choosing a mountain? See five easy hikes side by side in easy hikes near Tokyo.
FAQ
Is Okutama in Tokyo?
Yes. It is within Tokyo’s borders, about 2 hours by train from Shinjuku.
What can you do in Okutama?
Hiking, rafting, canoeing, canyoning, fishing, camping and hot springs.
When is the best time to visit Okutama?
Spring for cherry blossoms, summer for rivers and camping, and autumn for the leaves.
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
