Just almost two hours from Tokyo, Okutama always feels like a different world — where the sound of the river replaces city noise, and time moves slower. On my latest visit, I took a short but beautiful trail from Hatonosu Valley to Okutama Station — a 5.5 km route that turned out to be the perfect gentle hike for the day.
The train to Okutama was quite packed and a little chaotic that morning — clearly, I wasn’t the only one escaping the city for a nature break. But Okutama has many different trails, and people started getting off at various stations along the line. Once I arrived at Hatonosu Station, the crowd thinned out.
☕ Morning Start at Kikori Café
I began my day at Kikori Café, a small and cozy café just a few minutes from Hatonosu Station. It’s one of those places that instantly makes you feel at home — wooden interior, warm light, and the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee.
After the breakfast at Kikori Cafe, I felt ready to start my short journey — even though I wasn’t in my best health that day.
The trail I chose was one of the easier routes, so there weren’t many hikers along the way. It felt peaceful and quiet — just the sound of the river, the wind, and my own footsteps.
🚶♀️ The Trail: Hatonosu Valley → Okutama Station
- Distance: about 5.5 km
- Time: Around 2 hours (easy pace)
- Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat with a few gentle slopes
This trail follows the Tama River, winding through bridges, forest paths, and quiet stretches where all you hear is flowing water. It’s beginner-friendly and ideal for a relaxed half-day trip.
The highlight? The river itself. The water was unbelievably blue — so clear it looked like glass, shifting shades under the autumn light. Along the way, I saw people kayaking and doing SUP, gliding across the calm surface like it was the most peaceful thing in the world.
Even though I went a bit early for the foliage, I could already see hints of yellow and red starting to appear — a promise of the beauty to come in mid-November.
☕ Midday Break at Kuala Coffee
Once I reached Okutama Camping Ground, I stopped by Kuala Coffee — a hidden gem surrounded by nature. The atmosphere was calm and refreshing, and the bakery was surprisingly good (definitely worth trying!). Sitting there with a cup of soy latte, I slowly enjoyed the quiet and felt my whole body slow down.
🌿 Tips for Visiting Okutama
- 🍁 Best time for autumn foliage: Around mid-November. I visited a bit early, so the colors weren’t in full bloom yet, but it was still beautiful.
- 🥪 Bring lunch or snacks. There aren’t many places to eat along the trail, and most cafés and shops accept only cash.
- 🚆 How to get there: Take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo to Hatonosu Station to start your hike.
💭 Final Thoughts
This hike wasn’t about distance or challenge — it was about slowing down and letting nature do its quiet magic. The blue river, the mountain air, and the peaceful rhythm of Okutama reminded me that sometimes, you don’t have to go far to feel renewed.
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly trail near Tokyo, or just need a day to breathe, unwind, and reconnect — the Hatonosu to Okutama trail might be just what your soul needs.
#hikingtrip #okutama
Go with Linh 
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