Do you know there’s a nature-rich place, Akiruno City, two and half hours away from Tokyo?
It’s got deep valleys showcasing beauty in every season, fun river activities like splashing around in clear streams, and chill hikes. It’s a small gem of a place where you can really soak in Japan’s natural beauty.
Especially if you’re coming to Tokyo in the fall, this is the spot you gotta hit up.
Akiruno City is located on the western side of Tokyo, and it takes about 2.5 hours by train from the Tokyo center. The train’s final stop is Musashi Itsukaichi Station (marked as ❶ on the map) on the Itsukaichi Line, but further beyond lies the only village or town in Tokyo, making it the most rural area in the Tokyo prefecture. However, this area is blessed with a rich natural environment, boasting gorges and crystal-clear waters, overflowing with unbelievable beauty throughout the seasons. If you’re eager to experience the real Japan, I highly recommend spending a few days in Akiruno City. Especially for families with young children, the various experiences in Akiruno City are sure to become lifelong memories.
To get to Akiruno City, take the JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station, transfer to the JR Ome Line, and then transfer again to the Itsukaichi Line at Haijima Station. Alternatively, there are occasionally direct trains from Tachikawa Station to the Itsukaichi Line.
Detore Point ❷: Sake Brewing Museum “Chiyotsuru”
The nearest station is Akigawa Station (marked as ❸ on the map) on the Itsukaichi Line, and it’s a 13-minute walk from the station to the Nakamura Sake Museum. The museum is located within Nakamura Sake Brewery.
If you have some time to spare, it’s worth dropping by a small sake museum. The exterior resembles an old brewery itself. The traditional building on the left side at the front serves as the museum, exhibiting tools used in brewing since ancient times. Naturally, Sake produced by this brewery is also available for purchase. Unlike regular sake, which undergoes pasteurization to prevent product deterioration after brewing, this shop within the brewery sells unpasteurized sake. You can also enjoy tastings, making it a delightful experience to choose your favorite Sake.
PR
If you’d rather stay nearby Akigawa Station, Toyoko Inn is available:
Points to keep in mind when hiking up;
If you’re planning to hike along the following courses, it’s advisable to make some basic preparations:
– It’s better to wear clothing that allows easy movement rather than everyday attire.
– Slip-resistant hiking shoes are recommended for footwear.
– Use a backpack that leaves your hands free.
– Since you’ll sweat, clothing made from materials other than cotton is better.
– Rain gear should include both a waterproof jacket and pants.
– Don’t forget to bring a water bottle or something similar for staying hydrated!
Detore Point ❺: Enjoying Akiruno Nature: Hiking Trails to Akikawa Hill (Ajiro Benten-yama)
If you’re looking to enjoy the nature of Akiruno City, an Akikawa Hill hiking course is recommended.
The stroll starts from Musashi Masuko Station (marked as ❹ on the map) on the Itsukaichi Line, and it takes around 120 minutes form the station to the Komine Visitor Center, the final destination.
Starting from the station on foot, you can hike along the Akikawa Hill, passing through Ajiro Benten-yama (marked as ❺ on the map) and Shiro-yama (marked as ❻ on the map), reaching the endpoint at the Komine Visitor Center (marked as ❼ on the map). The trail is well-maintained, with signposts at junctions indicating directions, so even beginners need not worry much. However, the route does have some ups and downs, making it a moderately challenging trail suitable for upper elementary school students and above.
If you head a little north along the road by the Komine Visitor Center in the Komine Park, you’ll find the Totohara Bus Stop (marked as ❽ on the map). Catching the bus numbered ’04’ will take you to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station in about 8 minutes.
⇒ For more detail route infomration, click here!
⇒ Other great hiking routes to Mt. Hinode right by Akiruno, click here!
Detore Point ❾: Enjoying Akigawa Valley Nature; Hiking Trails from Shiroyama (Tokura Shiroato) to Seoto Hot Spring via Ishifune Bridge
If you’re keen on experiencing the diverse natural beauty of Akiruno City, it is recommended to try the route that begins at Shiroyama (Tokura Shiroato), meanders through the Akigawa Valley, and concludes with a visit to Seoto Hot Spring.
A slightly longer walk starts from Musashi–Itsukaichi Station (marked as ❶ on the map) on the Itsukaichi Line, and, then, hop on any bus from No. 1 Bus Stop except express service in front of the station and get off at Nishitokura Bus Stop (marked as ❿ on the map) in about 8 minutes.
From the Nishitokura Bus Stop, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the trailhead leading to the summit of Shiroyama (Tokura Shiroato) (marked as ❾ on the map). The mountain trails are well-maintained, with signs along the way to guide you, so getting lost shouldn’t be a big concern. What might give you pause, though, is the need to ascend a steep slope using stairs reinforced with logs. No need to rush, though – take it at your own pace!
However, this route also have steep slopes, making it a challenging trail suitable for upper elementary school students and above.
From there, it’s about a 40-minute descent to reach Jurigi (marked as ⓫ on the map). One thing to watch out for is a fork in the path where you can head towards Jurigi or another peak (Nitago Mountain Pass). If you miss it, you’ll end up heading towards a different peak for over an hour.
It’s a short distance from Tokurigi to Seoto Hot Spring, but why not take a detour across Ishifune Bridge (marked as ⓬ on the map) to admire the Akigawa Valley from above? It’s a place where you can enjoy nature’s beauty throughout the seasons, but the autumn foliage, in particular, is quite popular.
Just after crossing the bridge and passing through the forest along the valley, you’ll find yourself at Seoto Hot Spring (marked as ⓭ on the map). Whether you want to soak in the hot springs to relax your tired muscles or browse souvenirs and local products, it’s all good.
Plus, there’s a free foot bath available . If you don’t soak in the hot springs, it’s highly recommended to give your feet a break in the hot spring.
⇒ For more detail route infomration, click here!
⇒ Other great hiking routes to Mt. Hinode right by Akiruno, click here!
On the way back, taking the bus back to Musashi Itsukaichi Station is the easiest option. However, since the bus from Seoto Hot Spring operates with a frequency of less than once an hour, if you anticipate waiting for more than ten minutes, it’s best to head to Jurigi Bus Stop (marked as ⓫ on the map) instead. Jurigi Bus Stop, located along the river side, is in the right direction of the Musashi-Itsukaichi Station.
PR
If you want to spend some relaxed time surrounded by nature, Shizenjin Mura is available:
Detore Point ⓲: Hossawa Falls in Hinohara Village
If you have some extra time after visiting Seoto Hot Spring (marked as ⓭ on the map), it is recommended to venture a bit further into the mountains to visit Hossawa Falls. From the Jurigi Bus Stop (marked as ⓫ on the map), it’s about a ten-minute ride to the nearest bus station to the falls, Hossawa-no-taki Iriguchi (Entrance to Hossawa Falls) (marked as ⓳ on the map). Take one of the buses numbered 10, 14, or 18 from the mountain-side bus stop. Just make sure to ask the bus driver if bus number 10 goes to Hossawa Falls.
On the way from the bus stop to the falls, there are some cafes, but first, make a quick energy stop at Chitose-Ya, the tofu shop right in front of the bus stop. Their tofu is delicious, but it’s a bit tricky to eat it right there. Instead, try their tofu donuts and some soy milk!
Cross the bridge like the one in the photo and follow the mountain path for about 15 minutes to reach the falls.
From May to August, the walk through the green corridor is pleasant, and in the fall, the autumn leaves are beautiful. In winter, the frozen falls create a mystical sight.
The path is well-maintained, but it is strongly recommended to wear comfortable sneakers.
(If you want to see the current view of the falls, click here)
Detore Point ⓮: Kurochaya in Akigawa Valley – Japanese Cuisine made from the blessings of mountains and rivers
If you’re looking to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in a place surrounded by the nature of Akigawa Gorge, it is recommended to visit Kurochaya. They use the blessings of the mountains and rivers of Akigawa as ingredients to create dishes that follow Japan’s traditional culinary practices.
Beyond this facility, there’s a café called Mizu no Oto (Sound of River) and an outdoor terrace where you can feel even closer to the nature of the Akigawa Gorge. It’s right by the river, so you might even be able to enjoy a little water play!
The specialty of this shop is shaved ice made with natural ice. It’s like enjoying water play while indulging in shaved ice, making it a paradise in the hot season.
The nearest bus stop is Nishikonakano Bus Stop (marked as ⓯ on the map). You can take any bus from Bus Stop No. 1 in front of Musashi-Itsukaichi Station , except for the express service. To get back, you can catch any bus from the opposite bus stop where you got off, and it will take you back to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station.
Detore Point ⓰: Akigawa Bridge River Park BBQ Land in Akigawa Valley
If you’re up for some casual fun and water play in Akigawa Valley, there’s a great spot just a short walk from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station (marked as ❶ on the map). In about ten minutes on foot, you’ll arrive at Akigawa Bridge River Park BBQ Land (marked as ⓰ on the map) with a clear river and a spacious riverbank to enjoy.
If you head uphill to the right along the main street in front of the station, you should come across a signboard like the one in the photo after crossing the first bridge. From there, as you descend under the bridge, BBQ Land will come into view ahead of you.
Here, you can’t bring your own barbecue equipment; you’ll need to rent it from the facility. Also, while there are some drinks available for purchase, you’ll need to bring your own barbecue ingredients. It’s a bit inconvenient, but if you go a little further along the main uphill street, there’s a supermarket (Inageya; marked as ⓱ on the map) where you can get everything you need, which seems to be the best option.
If there’s someone in your group who is proficient in Japanese, you can also order barbecue ingredients for delivery (Telephone numbers are available from the following website).
PR
As a base to enjoy the nature in Akiruno City, TokuraCastle1 is available:
Enjoying the nature in Akiruno might be a bit tough for humans. But for me, any slope, bush, or river is a piece of cake.
I’d rather dive into the river than soak in a hot spring. Cooling off with a mountain hike feels way better. When humans come to Akiruno, they should bring swimwear and dip into the river. Just remember, it’s only in summer!
Can you imagine Tokyo having such places before coming to Japan?