5 hiking spots near Tokyo to admire the autumn leaves
The Todoroki Valley
Flick/ Toshihiro Gamo
Mountains, valleys, and Momiji in the Kanto region
If Tokyo is famous for its parks and gardens which offer magnificent colors during the Koyo season, the Japanese capital is not the only place in Kanto where it is possible to admire the beauty of autumn. Mountains, valleys, and ravines, eastern Japan is rich with natural landscapes and ideal for hiking in the fall season!
1. Todoroki Valley
Located just 20 min from the center of Tokyo, the Todoroki Valley is very popular in autumn for its seasonal landscapes. With lush savor, its small paths along the river, and its stone bridges, the valley is indeed the ideal place to come and admire the momiji without straying too far from the capital.
- Read also: Where to admire the autumn leaves in Tokyo?
Also home to a Buddhist temple, a tea house, and a bamboo grove, the Todoroki valley will not necessarily appeal to great hikers but will certainly delight the hearts of nature lovers.
Address : 1 Chome-22 Todoroki, Setagaya City, 158-0082 Tokyo
Directions: A few min walk from Todoroki station (Oimachi line)
Average duration of the hike: 1.2 km (about twenty min)
2. Mount Takao
Located less than an hour from Shinjuku, Mount Takao is perhaps one of the most popular places for Tokyoites when it comes to hiking!
Between its marked and concrete paths (some even have toilets!), its cablecars, its chairlift, and its Buddhist temple, Takao-zan is one of the most popular excursions for hikers in the capital, both for its ease of access and for the landscapes sublime that it offers once arrived at the summit: Tokyo, Yokohama, and even Fuji-san during days of good weather, it is a beautiful part of Kanto and a delight for those who dare to visit!
Mount Takao, near Tokyo.
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- Read also: Expedition to Mount Fuji
If the 577-meter high mountain is frequented in the spring for the fauna and flora it hosts, it is especially in the fall that Takao-san is the subject of all the attention, with its small " rest areas" in the middle of the leaves and its blushing momiji which accompany walkers to the summit.
Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji, 193-0844 Tokyo
Directions: get off at Takao station (accessible by Takaotozan cable from Takaosanguchi station, Keio line)
Average duration of the hike: 3.8 km (one hour and a half)
3. Mount Mitake
A little further from Tokyo than Mount Takao and a little steeper, this mountain in the center of Kanto offers a nice walk to seasoned hikers. With its gorges and its 5 km long path, Mount Mitake is indeed one of the more appreciated by good walkers in the region. Especially at the end of the year, since it allows you to discover a multitude of striking autumnal landscapes.
- Read also: Mountains in Japan
The gorges at the foot of Mitake san
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Address: Mitakesan, Oume, 198-0175 Tokyo
Directions: get off at Mitakesan station (accessible by the Mitaketozancable from Takimoto station, 10 min by bus from Mitake station, Ome line)
Average duration of the hike: 5 km (two hours)
4. Otama's paths
Connecting the towns of Kori and Okutama to the north of Mount Mitake, the Otama trails form a beautiful 8 km hike through the forests and mountains of Kanto.
Divided into three trails of increasing difficulty, they then allow you to discover several unknown places in the region : the suspension bridges and the rivers of the Hatonosu valley, the Kazuma ravine, and the Hikawa gorges whose clear water color contrasts with the red of the maples that border them.
Otama's paths
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- Read also: hiking near Tokyo off the beaten track
Address : Hikawa, Okutama, Nishitama, Tokyo 198-0212
Directions: From Okutama Station (Ome Line)
Average hiking time: 8.3 km (three hours)
5. Kameyama Lake
Located on the Chiba Peninsula, Lake Kameyama is usually very popular with fishing, boating, and hot spring enthusiasts. In autumn, however, it is for its maple trees that it attracts all eyes.
Surrounded by trees with shimmering colors, the lake indeed offers a pretty picture of the season. With its various trails running around, it also offers wonderful hikes through the woods of Chiba. Especially throughout November, during the Kameyama Autumn Festival which also allows you to discover the lake by boat, with a hot drink in your hands.
- Read also: Matsuri, Japanese festivals
Address : 8Kawamatakyukawamata, Kimitsu, Chiba 292-0524
Directions: Get off at Kazusa-Kameyama Station (Kururi Line)
Average duration of the hike: from 3.5 km (one hour) to 10.4 km (three and a half hours)
Kameyama Lake
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