You are living in Tokyo or have traveled to Tokyo for countless times.
However, you are tired of the modern side and want to go somewhere is a little more laid-back, where is just you and nature to become the friend. You came to the right place.
In this article, I will introduce your top 3 hidden places where you can enjoy the surprisingly beautiful scenery of Japan.
- Okutama-ko Lake (奥多摩湖)
Okutama-ko Lake, a valuable source of water in Tokyo, is a man-made lake that was created by damaging the Tamagawa river with the Ogawachi dam. It is located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, the closest national park to Tokyo. You can enjoy its impressive landscapes such as the spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and beautiful scenery every season by taking a walk on many paths that border the lake.
INFORMATION:
Address: 〒198-0223東京都西多摩郡奥多摩町原
〒198-0223 Tokyo-to, Nishitama-gun, Okutama-machi, Hara
Access: Shinjuku Station → Okutama Station (around 2 hours by train Chuo Line)
Okutama Station → Okutama-ko (15 minutes by bus)
*Please take a look at the following site for bus schedule
Note: If you are traveling on weekends and holidays, you can take the Holiday Express Okutama, which will take you directly to Okutama station.
- Hossawa Waterfall (払沢の滝)
Hossawa Waterfall is one of the major spots of Hinohara village. It was selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls. It locates in the Okutama area, which is the city’s slice of rural Japan it is the best place for nature lovers.
INFORMATION:
Address: 〒190-0214 東京都西多摩郡檜原村本宿
〒1190-0214 Motoshuku, Hinohara-mura, Nishitama-gun 190-0214, Tokyo Prefecture
Access: Shinjuku Station → Musashitsukaichi Station (around 2 hours by train Chuo Line)
Musashitsukaichi Station → Hossawa waterfall bus station (23 minutes by Bus)
Hossawa waterfall bus station → waterfall (15 minutes by walk)
- Sayama Hills -Totoro Forest (狭山丘陵)
It is said that Sayama Hills became one of the models of the stage of the movie “My Neighbor Totoro”. This hill spreads over Tokyo and Saitama and is a green isolated island left in the metropolitan area. There is still the scenery of Mt. Satoyama in Musashino here. Each park in the Sayama Hills holds nature-wide events and guided walks throughout the year, so let’s enjoy!
Also, there is the Tama Lake and the Sayama Lake which supply drinking water to the capital in this area. You can enjoy some scenic views over the lake and valley below.
INFORMATION:
Address: 埼玉県所沢市荒幡
Saitama-ken, Tokorozawa-shi Arahata
Access: Ikebukuro Station → Shimoyamaguchi Station (around 1 hour and a half by train)
Shimoyamaguchi Station → Ayama hills (8 minutes by walk)
