Okutama Station
Through the valleys of Okutama
Highlight: Ome to Okutama (青梅~奥多摩)
The west end of Tokyo beholds a cluster of mountain ranges that marks the end of the great Kanto plain. Some train lines terminate here while a few others continue following the mountain valleys to cross the border of Tokyo to other prefectures. The Ome Line (JR East) terminates at Okutama, the westernmost station in Tokyo. Okutama sits deep in the lush valleys of Tokyo; you realize after you exit the station, “Oh, we’re still in Tokyo”.
Although the Ome Line starts from Tachikawa, you will start seeing the mountains after departing Ome station. The 40 minute journey to Okutama is great for nature lovers. This line is popular for hikers and campers who usually aim for the Okutama terminal where there is a beautiful camp site right next to the Nippara River. Regardless, almost every station has a nearby camp site, hiking trail, or any other nature attraction you can think of. This part of Ome Line is named as the Tokyo Adventure Line because of this. Even if you have a preplanned trip to Okutama, the scenery you see at every station encourages you to extend your stay.
Sawai Station
Historically, people were able to build moderately dense districts near the entrance of the mountain ranges. That is, the first few stations after Ome. But from around Ikusabata, the previously distant mountains appear right in front of the train window. This train line follows the meandering Tama river until Okutama. The steep mountains caused by intense erosion consists mostly of sedimentary rocks from the Mesozoic era. However, the ubiquitous limestone is a key feature; there are multiple limestone caves you can visit. The Nippara limestone cave near Okutama Station is one of the largest in the Kanto Area (Greater Tokyo Area including Tokyo and six other prefectures). This cave was a holy place for those who pursued Shugendo, a type of religion which teaches rigorous ascetic practices in the mountains as a way to attain enlightenment.
Mitake Station
There is a reason Tokyo became the city we know today. During the Edo period (roughly 17-19th century), trees from this region were used to expand the city. The expansion also included renovation of existing temples, including the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. It was a common for a group of loggers to ride their own DIY rafts to carry logs to downtown Tokyo. Yet the popularity of logging in this area caused excessively barren land which imposed risk for landslides and the environment itself. Consequently, forestry laws were enacted to ensure afforestation.
Trees outside the window
Trees here are common all year because of the right temperature and humidity. In fact, 94% of the Okutama region are forest-covered mountain ranges. Below 1000 meters composes of jolcham oak and chestnut trees. Above that, deciduous broad leaved trees cover the peaks under 2000 meters. Japanese beech and mizunara are particularly common. Japanese lily, rhododendron, and hymenanthes in spring, and maple trees in autumn are famous. Snowy landscapes in winter are also a show. Of course, in the summer as you see in these photographs, offer equally rich landscapes.
When you decide to take today’s journey, you should consider stopping any of the stations between Ome and Okutama to enjoy the nature, food, and local culture. You also have the option to walk along the train route to enjoy the local atmosphere. You can find the best attractions on this website
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Okutama-ohashi Bridge in front of Kawai Station
Mountains between Kori and Hatonosu Stations
Article updated on August 20, 2024