HIKING TO NEW HEIGHTS FALL IN LOVE WITH THE OUTDOORS

Missed hiking Mt. Fuji this season? Take a day or spend the night hiking and enjoying the mountain sides of Japan on these five local hikes you won’t want to miss this upcoming fall season.

NOYAMAKITAROKUDOYAMA PARK

01Level

Located in Musashimurayam City, NoyamakitaRokudoyama Park is just one part of Sayama Nature Park and is the largest municipal park that has been preserved by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Spend a day exploring the park and visiting the many activities there like the paddy fields, where you can experience the traditions and pastimes of rice cultivation. Hike through the Yato Valley or the vast groves of trees to see all of nature’s inhabitants and scenery. Play in the Adventure Forests, which has wooden play equipment and observation decks. Nature can be experienced by everyone at Noyamakita.

TAKIYAMA NATURE PARK

Takiyama Park, located in Hachioji is home to the Takiyama Castle ruins. Attacked in 1569 by Takeda Shingen forces, visitors can travel back in time while enjoying nature and honoring the history behind the site. Hiking can be experienced by all skill levels at the Musashino Trail. With a total length of 168 miles and a trail along the Tamagawa River, this hike offers sightseeing and nature that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

MT. TAKAO

03Level

With a network of numbered hiking trails that lead up Mount Takao. Trail one is the most popular, with paved paths that wind up the mountain. The hike to the top of the summit on trail one takes about 90 minutes but hikers can take advantage of the cable car or chairlift while getting stunning views from the sky. Another attraction along the trail is a monkey park, enclosed by glass walls where about 40 Japanese macaques put on a show throughout the day. You can also enter a wildflower garden and see over 500 different types of plants. Other trails can be taken by more experienced hikers, they’re unpaved and usually less busy but offer just as many great views and a connection to nature here in Japan.

MT. MITO

04Level

Located in western Tokyo, this mountain sits at 5,022 feet and is the highest of three peaks along Lake Okutama. The hike on the mountain gets steeper after each peak and takes about five hours to complete. You’ll spend a day braving nature and seeing amazing views of Mt. Fuji from the summit of Mt. Mito.

MT. KUMOTORI 05Level

The highest mountain in Tokyo, the peak of Mt. Kumotori is located on the edge of Tokyo, Saitama and Yamanashi prefectures. Known as one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains, this hiking experience is operated throughout the year. With multiple trails to trek, each one takes about 10 hours. Stay at multiple huts along the trail, or take a rest and continue on your journey. With the fall season starting, it’s the perfect time to view the autumn foliage and nature in Tokyo’s mountain side.

INTERESTED IN TAKING ON A HIKE?

Outdoor Recreation has you covered with everything you need. Visit YokotaFSS.com/ODR to plan your next adventure!