About Mitake
“Mitakesan” and “Mitake Gorge” are famous spots in the Mitake area in Tokyo, allowing you to be immersed in nature.
In the area you can go trekking, hiking and enjoy other mountain sports. Canoeing, rafting and river sports can also be experienced, and many visitors like spending their leisurely time surrounded by nature.
Mount Mitake
Rising at the front door of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, the mount Mitake culminates at an altitude of 929 meters. It is a mountain of cult, worshiped since the ancient times.
From the vicinity of the summit, you can expect to see Mount Tsukuba, the skyscrapers from the city center, Boso-Hanto Peninsula, and even the Yokohama Landmark Tower.
In Spring, you can enjoy this mountain by paying the wild birds a visit and by seeking the new green leaves. In Summer, you can make your way toward the clear water stream flowing between the moss-covered rocks in the beautiful Rock Garden. During Fall, open your ears to the “Queen of chirping insects”, the snowy cricket (called Jouou Kantan) and its melodious chirps while your eyes are greeted by the resplendent autumn leaves and its vivid colors. You can also enjoy a far and clear night view in the transparent air of Winter, among others. All in all, it is a mountain that can be enjoyed during all seasons to its fullest by many, from children to elderly.
- WRITER
- Mr. A（American nationality）
Travel Report
I believe that some of the visually rich landscapes inherent to the Japanese culture that can only be seen in Japan can be found here.
I went through many symbolic places such as shrines or places where gods were represented while walking around Mitake montain. I was able to feel the presence of gods all over Ontake Mountain as well, thanks to its many sublime shrines. Is this not a typical place that the tourist coming to Japan would be willing to see?
Mitake Gorge
After getting off at Mitake Station on the JR Oume Line, you can see the Tama river turning into white waves as it is meandering through gigantic rocks.
The Mitake Gorge here was designated by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the “100 most renowned Japanese waters”. Its beautiful clear stream can also be seen at the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. On both riverbanks, a promenade of around 4km was built in the ravine. It is visited by many tourists at any time during the year, enjoying their strolls and witnessing its gorgeous seasonal changes of aspect. Also, widely known for being a highly active canoe spot, Mitake Gorge gathers young people from all over the country looking to enjoy water sports.
Those who are left unsatisfied by ordinary sports are welcome to experience canoe here!
For those who prefer art rather than sport, we recommend a visit of the many museums available.
Starting by the Gyokudo Art Museum where are exhibited the works and the library of Kawai Gyokudo – a true master of Japanese painting, the Mitake Gorge is studded by museums and memorial halls that many people are stopping to while having a stroll on the promenade.
