Mount Mitake is located near Tokyo, Japan in the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park. Standing at 929 meters high, and is easily accessible from Tokyo via train.

Takimoto station is located at the foot of Mount Mitake, and from this station you can either walk or take a cable car up the mountain to see the Musashi Mitake shrine. Walking takes about one hour, but by walking you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and winding roads.

Cable car

From Takimoto station it takes about six minutes by cable car to get to Mitakesan station. You can enjoy the beautiful view, which changes depending on the season, while riding inside the cable car from inside. The cable car goes up quickly to the final stop, Mitakesan station, arriving at an elevation of 831 meters.

A beautiful autumn scene

Going up higher into the trees via cable car

From Mitakesan station there is a lift that takes you to an observation deck. There is also a shrine nearby, and it’s easy to go there on food. You can also walk to the rock garden located near Musashi Mitake shrine.

Enjoying a sunny autumn day

Red leaves and red torii

On the way there is a natural heritage Zelkova tree.

A tree over 1000 years old!

Musashi Mitake shrine’s main worship hall

Traditional Japan

A perfect autumn red

It takes about 20 minutes to reach the main worship hall of the Musashi Mitake shrine.

You can go inside the shrine to offer prayers to the gods, and you can also look around at the beautiful architecture. In the autumn the trees turn a brilliant shade of red, changing the scenery completely.

After spending time at the shrine if you head back down the rock stairs, you can see a street nearby the tori that leads right. This leads to the Nagao (lit. view spot). There is also a sign for the Rock Garden, written in English.

Gentain flower bud

It takes about five minutes to reach the Nagao where the observation deck is. There are stores located along the way so you can buy drinks and snacks. At the Nagao there is a place where you can eat lunch while enjoying the mountain view.

Rest spots to relax and eat lunch at.

Golden leaves

A splash of red

Along the mountain path

After walking a while, you will come across a huge rock called the Tengu (lit. a supernatural creature from Japanese mythology) rock.

The Tengu rock has chains on it, and it’s possible to climb up to the top of it.

On top of the path you can see Tengu statues.

Tengu

From the Tengu rock you can reach the Rock Garden. It takes about 20 minutes to get there on foot. The Rock Garden is a rocky area where a clear stream continues along for 1.5km from Nanayo’s waterfall until it reaches the Ayahiro waterfall.

Peaceful flowing stream

Serene mossy rocks

Flowing water

Autumn leaves accent the scene with their rich colors.

The scenery changes with the seasons, and in the summer you can see the brilliant green Yamano grass which showcases a different side of the area. Autumn is well loved due to the brilliant colors of the leaves, but even spring and winter can bring about an exciting new look.

Clear blue skies

Tall mountain trees

Waterfall

Nanayo waterfall is a medium sized waterfall with water falling from 50 meters high. Around the waterfall it is a bit chilly but calming. It is a recommended rest point, and people often stop and eat lunch nearby.

When heading down the steep steel staircase which leads to Nanayo waterfall, please be careful. The downhill slope becomes very steep and it is easy to fall, so please watch your step.

After leaving Nanayo waterfall it is easy to find the Nagao, and from there you can follow the road back to the station to take the cable car back down the mountain, or you can walk back down. The route to the bottom is approximately of 40 minutes long.

For those who have the extra energy and time after returning, it is recommended to walk back to the Mitakesan station. There is a walking course along the Tama River, and you can enjoy a change of scenery there.

Tama river