Okutama

Okutama (奥多摩) is a mountainous region along the Tama River, at the extreme western end of Tokyo.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated Google Translate.

By train
(note the hyphen, or else you won't find it in route searches) is located at the end of the JR Ome Line. From Tokyo and Shinjuku, take a Chuo Line rapid service to Ome (which might require a transfer at Tachikawa, depending on which rapid train you catch), then change trains in Ome for Oku-Tama. The trip from central Tokyo takes around 1&frac34;-2 hours and costs ¥1,080.

Get around
Several buses ply the main routes in Okutama, and taxis and rental cars are also available around Oku-Tama Station. The town itself and several mountain hiking areas are within walking distance of the station.

Hot springs
Okutama is home to several hot springs.

Outdoors
The areas around Okutama and Mitake stations receive the most visitors, but the smaller stations in between are also good for hiking in the hills or enjoying riverside scenery and camping.

Eat
Wasabi-zuke (わさび漬け) is Wasabi stem and leaf pickled in sake lees, which you can find for about ¥400-500. A good companion to a bowl of rice or sake itself.

Budget
Okutama is home to many campgrounds, quite a few of which will allow you to pitch a tent for free.

Mid-range
There are a number of minshuku in the area, charging around ¥6,000 per night.

Go next

 * Hinohara
 * Ome
 * Hinode
 * Akiruno
 * Hamura
 * Fussa
 * Hanno
 * Tabayama
 * Hachioji
 * Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park