Hatonosu Valley Okutama (Tokyo)

Tee
May 22, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Sep 17

Hatonosu Valley is an beautiful and easy dayhike from Tokyo accessible by public transportation. You can walk it year-round and there is an onsen at the end. The water of the river has a beautiful turquoise color and its beautiful even on a gloomy day.

		
⏲︎	Time: 3h30min
✎	Kanji: 鳩ノ巣渓谷
⚲ 	Location: Tokyo
↔	Distance: 6km
✮	Difficulty: Easy
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 545m
☀	Dayhike
☉	Hiking Season: year-round

Access

Take the train to Hatonosu station. From Shinjuku take the orange Chuo Line to Ome and there transfer to the Ome Line. Cost is 1.100Y and it taks 1:50min. You'll finish the hike at Okutama Station and take the train on the same line back.

From Hatonosu station go right and walk towards the river. There is a little toilet and bridge.

If you want to walk a longer route get off at Kori station, 1 stop before Okutama. It will add about 3km & 1h to the total length.

Trail description

You begin the hike from Hatonosu Station, cross the main road and head down toward the canyon along the marked paths.

The terrain is easy for the most part: riverbank walks, some paved or concrete stretches, occasional rocks to walk over, and gentle inclines.

One highlight on this trial is the suspension bridge above the Tama River. The view from the bridge is spectacular, especially in autumn when the leaves turn vibrant colors. But it’s worth enjoying from both the bridge and the river’s edge.

You’ll also pass riverside areas where people swim in summer; the water is typically very clear and cool. But note: safety varies depending on weather, water level, and recent rainfall.

Early on, not far from the station, there are some abandoned buildings (old hotels) – interesting relics of Japan’s bubble era that contrast with the natural surroundings.

Along the way there is also a small café with lovely views from the counter. Nowadays it tends to be quite busy but if there is no line the views are well worth a stop.

Around Okutama station are more options: cafés, a visitor centre, and also an onsen.

For the onsen you'll have to backtrack a bit, but even when it's hot and humid soaking in an onsen always feels nice. Dont forget to pack some clean clothes and a small towel.