Mount Mitake (Mitake-san), rising about 929 m in the Okutama region of western Tokyo, is a long-revered sacred mountain and a wonderful nature and hiking escape within the metropolis. A cable car whisks visitors up much of the mountain, near the top of which sits a small, atmospheric village of pilgrim lodgings (shukubo) and shops, and the venerable Musashi-Mitake Shrine, reached by a final flight of stone steps and offering fine views. Beyond the shrine, well-maintained trails lead through beautiful forest to highlights like the Rock Garden (Rockgarden) — a lush, mossy ravine trail past streams and small waterfalls including Ayahiro Falls — and on to neighbouring peaks for more serious hikers. Cooler and greener than central Tokyo, and especially lovely in fresh green and autumn, Mount Mitake makes a rewarding day trip for anyone wanting mountains, forest and a historic shrine without leaving Tokyo.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Okutama, western Tokyo |
| Hours | Daytime; cable car hours |
| Admission | Cable car fare; shrine free |
| Time needed | Half to full day |
| Best time | Fresh green & autumn |
What to See
- A cable car up the sacred mountain.
- The historic Musashi-Mitake Shrine and mountain village.
- The mossy Rock Garden trail and Ayahiro Falls.
- Forest hiking and views to neighbouring peaks.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Okutama & Lake Okutama nearby.
- Pair with the Tokyo overview for planning.
- Read our Tokyo overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR to Mitake Station, then bus and cable car.
- By cable car: up to the village and shrine area.
Tips
Take the cable car up to save the steep climb, then walk to the shrine and continue to the mossy Rock Garden trail and Ayahiro Falls for the best scenery. Wear proper walking shoes, check cable car times, go in fresh green early summer or autumn for the best colours, and allow most of a day including travel from central Tokyo.
