Hinohara Village: Tokyo's Sole Village Offering Mountains, Waterfalls, Hiking, and Luxury Glamping
A Village on the Outskirts of the World’s Largest City
Nestled against the stunning Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Hinohara borders Okutama town and Akiruno city. This prime location makes it ideal for day hikes or multi-day adventures.
Mt. Mitake’s cable car provides panoramic views of the landscape.
Hinohara’s Akigawa Valley glows in autumn.
Waterfalls, Sacred Peaks, and Hiking Trails
Hiking options suit all levels, from gentle shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) to strenuous ridge treks. For centuries, the area has been a hub for ascetic mountain worship, centered on Mt. Mitake (929m) and the Okutama Sanzan: Mt. Mito (1,531m), Mt. Otake (1,267m), and Mt. Gozenyama (1,405m).
Begin at Mt. Mitake via the historic Mitake Tozan Railway cable car (operating since 1927) or chairlift for effortless views. Summit visitors explore Musashi-Mitake Shrine, a 2,000-year-old site dedicated to a wolf deity—pet-friendly, attracting dog lovers.
From the top, hike 1 hour to Mt. Otake, or linger for the Rock Garden's mossy boulders and serene Ayahiro Falls. The region boasts renowned waterfalls: Mito Otaki, Kuzuryu (near its shrine's autumn festival with lion dances), and the crown jewel, 63m Hossawa Falls—Japan's top 100, freezing in winter.
Don't miss Kanoto-Iwa Gorge's sheer cliffs and cascades along the Kanoto River, or Akigawa Valley's year-round vistas, famed for fall foliage.
Takigyo (waterfall training), an ancient purification ritual.
Glamping offers luxury amid nature. Photo credit: Keikoku Glamping Tent
From Ancient Austerities to Modern Glamping
For deeper immersion, stay overnight. Embrace yamabushi traditions with takigyo under Ayahiro Falls (June, July, September) at Musashi-Mitake Shrine, dating to the Nara period (710–794). Shukubo lodges offer shojin ryori vegan meals.
Prefer comfort? Akiruno’s Keikoku Glamping Tent features AC-equipped tents, Wi-Fi, jacuzzis, and on-site BBQs. In Hinohara, Kabuto-ya Ryokan boasts a 400-year-old thatched roof, hot springs, tatami rooms with irori hearths, and halal/vegetarian options.
Tokyo Chainsaws workshop: Kids fell trees and craft desks. Photo credit: Tokyo Chainsaws
Create a mossarium at Coquea. Photo credit: Coquea
Mountain Roots of Japanese Craftsmanship
Forests inspire Japan's craft heritage, preserved here through workshops. Hinohara’s Tokyo Chainsaws promotes sustainable forestry, turning sugi and hinoki into timber, toys, and decor. Hands-on sessions abound.
The Hinohara Forest of Tokyo Citizens & Woodcraft Center offers woodworking for all ages; a new all-wood Toy Museum opens November 2021. In Akiruno, try Tominaga Pottery or Coquea’s mossarium dioramas.
Hinohara Village is Tokyo's perfect nature escape—hike sacred peaks, chase waterfalls, glamp luxuriously, or craft sustainably. Just 2 hours away, it welcomes every traveler.
