Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Mount Mitake is a sacred mountain located in Ome City, Tokyo, at an elevation of approximately 929m, and has long been known as a place of mountain worship and Shugendo. Musashi Mitake Shrine, located near the summit, is an ancient shrine where pilgrims come to pray for bravery, safe voyages, good fortune, and more. The mountain is steeped in Tengu legends and the culture of mountain ascetics and monks, and the entire mountain has a sacred atmosphere.
There are also many natural attractions, including the popular "Rock Garden" with its moss-covered streams and giant rocks, waterfalls, and hiking trails where you can enjoy seasonal flowers, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves.It is easily accessible from the city center and can be visited on a day trip, so many people come to climb mountains, hike, visit power spots, and take photos.
Highlights
- Musashi Mitake Shrine: A historic shrine located near the summit. Its charm lies in the stone steps leading to the shrine, the main building, and the long tradition of worship.
- Rock GardenA landscape of moss, mountain streams, and strangely shaped rocks. A popular photo spot. You can also see waterfalls (such as Ayahiro Falls).
- Tengu statues and Tengu legendsThe mountain is dotted with places and statues dedicated to Tengu, giving a sense of the mountain's folklore and traditions.
- Viewpoints (Kayato and open rocky areas)On a clear day, you can see the Okutama area, the Chichibu Mountains, and distant mountain ranges.
- Hiking RouteThere are trails for all levels, from a short approach to the shrine to a trekking course that passes through a rock garden, and a traverse to the nearby Mt. Hinode.
- Seasonal scenery: Fresh greenery and azaleas in spring, escaping the heat in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy winter scenery (snowy conditions require special equipment)
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Railway + Cable Car (Standard Route)
- Get off at Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line
- It is about a 5-10 minute walk from the station to Takimoto Station (cable car station) (signs are available)
- Approximately 6 minutes by cable car on the Mitake Tozan Railway (Takimoto Station → Mitakesan Station)
- It takes about 15 to 25 minutes on foot from Kami Station (Mitakesan Station) to Musashi Mitake Shrine.
- If you are climbing on foot
- It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the mountain trail from Takimoto Station to the summit (this varies depending on the route and your physical strength).
- car
- Accessible via roads in the direction of Ome and Okutama. Paid parking available near Takimoto Station (limited spaces available, and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during the autumn foliage season).
- Estimated travel time (example)
- Shinjuku Station → Mitake Station: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes by train (depending on transfers and train type)
- Mitake Station → Cable Car → Shrine Visit: A light stroll of about 1-2 hours in total is possible
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit/walk: 1-2 hours (using the cable car, visiting the shrine and observation deck)
- Rock Garden Walk + Round Trip: 3-4 hours (including leisurely walking, photos, and breaks)
- One-day course including traverse and hiking: 4-6 hours (if you extend your trip to neighboring mountains such as Mt. Hinode)
Nearby spots
- Mitake Valley: The valley along the Tama River is popular for strolling, playing in the river, and taking photos.
- Mount Hinode: A mountain with a great view that can be reached by traversing Mt. Mitake (hiking trail available).
- Okutama area: There are many spots rich in nature, such as Lake Okutama and the source of the Tama River.
- Ome city area: Retro townscapes, cafes, event venues (seasonal festivals, pottery markets, etc.)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: The hiking trails and areas around the cable cars can get very crowded, especially during the autumn foliage season, weekends, and holidays. We recommend leaving early in the morning or visiting on a weekday.
- Equipment and clothing：The mountain path is rocky, has stairs, and is muddy, so we recommend wearing non-slip trekking shoes. After rain, the risk of mud and falls increases.
- Weather and cold weather：At an altitude of about 900m, the temperature is lower than at the foot of the mountain. Even in spring and autumn, bring warm clothing and rainwear. In winter, there is a possibility of snow and ice, so you may need to bring light crampons.
- Manners: Please observe proper etiquette when visiting shrines (stay quiet and always take your trash home with you). Stay on the trails and do not pick any plants or animals.
- Food/drink/cash: Some mountaintop shops only accept cash, so it's a good idea to bring a little cash with you. Do not throw away trash in shops or lodgings; take it with you when you leave.
- Safety measures: There are areas where cell phone reception is unstable. Please prepare a map, an action plan, and a relaxed itinerary in case of getting lost or injured. Do not push yourself in bad weather.
- Dog owners, etc.Some people bring their dogs with them, but please follow the rules of the approach and the shrine (keeping them on a leash and cleaning up their droppings). Be sure to check in advance whether dogs are allowed on the cable car.
Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the official websites of Mitake Tozan Railway and Musashi Mitake Shrine for the latest information on train schedules, events, and temporary closures. Please be sure to enjoy the nature and history of the four seasons while taking safety into consideration.
