Mount Odake - Tokyo, Japan
It took me just under two hours to reach Mount Mitake, involving three trains, a bus, and a cable car. The trail technically begins near the base cable car station, but that first stretch is mostly paved road with little to see, so I decided to skip it and take the cable car up to Mitakesan Station, saving some time and energy.
As soon as I stepped out of the station, I was greeted by an incredible mountain range view. A few souvenir shops lined the area, selling local snacks and small meals. I paused to admire the view before starting my hike. The first section of the trail was wide but steep, leading past a few traditional inns toward Musashi Mitake Shrine, one of the mountain’s highlights. The shrine grounds felt compact, and I was glad it wasn’t a busy season—I could easily imagine lines of visitors stretching down the stairs during peak times.
I continued along the main trail but made a short detour to a viewpoint near a helicopter landing pad, where the trees cleared to reveal sweeping views. After taking a few photos, I carried on toward Mount Odake. There are multiple routes to the summit, ranging from moderate to challenging, and I chose one of the more established paths. As I made my way up, I passed a few small guided hiking groups. Near the peak, the trail became more technical—I had to use my hands to climb a short rocky section, and the cold stone made it even trickier. The path narrowed so much that passing other hikers required care.
At the summit, the winter wind was sharp and biting. I zipped my jacket fully, pulled up my hood, and took in the panoramic views before deciding whether to continue toward Okutama Station or return the way I came. I opted to descend the same route, branching off later toward the Rock Garden and Waterfall Trail. This section featured a small waterfall, mossy rock formations, and a serene stream running through a forested ravine. It was absolutely stunning, though the moss-covered rocks were slippery.
From there, I took a detour to Nanayo Falls, which began with a warning sign about steep stairs ahead. I hesitated but decided to go for it—the sign wasn’t exaggerating. The waterfall itself was smaller than expected but still beautiful. The steps were narrow and steep, and a misstep could easily lead to a fall down the slope, so I moved carefully.
Climbing back up was even tougher than my earlier ascent to the summit—relentless stairs that had me questioning my decision with each step. When I finally reached the helicopter pad again, I felt pure relief. Back at Mitakesan Station, I treated myself to a warm bowl of curry before taking the cable car down. I love how Mount Mitake offers such variety in its trails—there’s truly something for every fitness level.
History & Background
Mount Mitake (929 m) – Mount Mitake, part of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, has been a sacred site for over two thousand years. The mountain has long attracted pilgrims seeking purification and protection, blending Shinto and mountain worship traditions.
Musashi Mitake Shrine – Perched near the summit, Musashi Mitake Shrine is believed to date back to the first century CE. Dedicated to Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, a deity of nation-building and medicine, it has been a centre of faith for yamabushi (mountain ascetics) and continues to draw both spiritual visitors and hikers today.
Mount Odake (1,266 m) – Located west of Mount Mitake, Mount Odake is known for its rugged terrain and scenic ridgeline trails. Historically used as a training ground for ascetic monks, it now forms part of the popular Mitake–Okutama hiking route, offering sweeping views of Mount Fuji and the Okutama mountains.
Getting There
To get here from Tokyo, you would take the Chuo Line to Ome Station then transfer to Ome Line to Mitake Station. From here, you’d take a bus that takes you to the Takimoto Cable Car Station. I started my journey from Higashi-Hanno Station. Taking the Hachiko Line to Haijima Station then transfer onto the Ome Line to Mitake Station. From there, I connect to the bus that takes me to Takimoto Cable Car Station. You can hike from here or take the cable car to Mitakesan Station and start the hike from there.
Route Overview
Distance: 13.57 km out & back (Mitakesan Station)
Total elevation gain: 899 m
Duration: 3 hr 36 min (with breaks 3 hr 47 min)
Difficulty: Hard
Peaks: Mitakedaira 御岳平 831m, Mt Mitake 御岳山 929m, Mt Odake 大岳山 1266m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Higashi-Hanno Station → Mitake Station — ¥680
Bus: Mitake Station → Takimoto Station — ¥340
Cable Car: Takimoto Station → Mitakesan Station — ¥600
Food: ¥880
