Okutama, Mountain town in western Tokyo, Japan.
Okutama is a mountain municipality in western Tokyo, about 100 kilometers from the city center, surrounded by forested peaks and crossed by clear rivers. The Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park covers much of the surrounding area, offering hiking trails, limestone caves, and Lake Okutama with its floating bridges.
The municipality was formed in 1955 by merging several villages that relied mainly on wasabi farming during the Edo Period. After World War II, the area developed into a popular recreation spot for residents of the capital.
The Ozawa Brewery has made sake since 1702 and opens its riverside garden to visitors who want to learn about traditional production methods. Tours often end with a tasting of different varieties produced on site.
Travel from the city center takes less than two hours using the JR Chuo Line and JR Ome Line, with buses connecting the station to major attractions. Hiking trails are generally well marked, though some require sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.
The Nippara Limestone Cave maintains a year-round temperature of 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit), with colored lights illuminating formations that developed over centuries. The cave extends through several chambers, some of which are accessible only during low water levels.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
