Top 4 Green Hiking Trails in Tokyo

Living in the city, we sometimes miss places where we can feel nature in between the hustle and bustle of daily life and busy work.At such times, a place where you can enjoy a hiking date will refresh your mind and body.

There are a number of hiking spots in Tokyo that are rich in nature and offer visitors a chance to get away from their busy lives for a little while and spend some healing time surrounded by greenery.In this issue, we will introduce four spots in Tokyo that are easily accessible and perfect for hiking to get in touch with nature!

1. Mt. Takao (Hachioji City)

One of the most popular hiking spots in Tokyo is Mt.Located in Hachioji City and accessible by train from central Tokyo in about an hour, the mountain is a great place to enjoy nature in each of the four seasons.
There are several routes to the summit, including paved paths for beginners and nature trails for those who feel a bit adventurous, allowing hikers to choose according to their pace and physical strength.The autumn foliage is especially beautiful in the fall, and is sure to be a good photo opportunity.

Nature is not the only attraction of Mt.Fuji on a clear day.Fuji on a clear day. In addition, you should not miss out on the gourmet specialties at the top of the mountain, such as Tororo soba and Tengu yaki.After a day of hiking, a lunch in the mountain air is a special treat.

After descending the mountain, we recommend a relaxing soak in the hot springs at the nearby "Mt. Takao Onsen" to end the day.Takao, where you can spend an active day while enjoying nature, is a special hiking spot that will make you forget that you are in Tokyo.

Mt. Takao

住所	Takao-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
電話番号	042-673-3461
営業時間	Takaoyamaguchi Tourist Information Center／Reception 8:00-17:00 (Dec. to Mar. - 16:00)
公式サイト	https://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kankobunka/002/takao/index.html

2. Around Lake Okutama

The hiking course around Lake Okutama is recommended for those who want to walk slowly while appreciating the beauty of nature.Located at the westernmost tip of Tokyo, Okutama Lake is about a two-hour train ride from central Tokyo, and is a treasure trove of nature that is easily accessible.The Okutama Lake Walking Path, which allows visitors to walk around the lake, is a beginner-friendly course with gentle ups and downs, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing time.

Especially in the fall, the surrounding mountains are tinted with brilliant autumn leaves, and the colors reflected on the surface of the lake are as beautiful as a painting.In addition, there are many benches set up along the lakeside where visitors can take a break while admiring the scenery and enjoying a picnic atmosphere.

There are also cafes and restaurants overlooking the lake, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing meal surrounded by nature, making it an attractive place to relax after a hike.With Okutama's abundant nature and clear lake in front of you, this is a place where you can enjoy a relaxing hike and forget about everyday life.

Around Lake Okutama

住所	Hara, Okutama-cho, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo
公式サイト	https://www.okutama.gr.jp/site/sightseeing/

3. Meiji Jingu Gaien (Shibuya)

As a place to get in touch with nature in the city, Meiji Jingu Gaien is not to be missed.Even though it is located in the center of the city, this hiking spot offers a vast expanse of trees, ponds, and flowerbeds, where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.Located just a short distance from Harajuku Station, it is also very accessible, allowing visitors to take a break from their busy lives and spend some relaxing time with nature.

One of the highlights of Meiji Jingu Gaien is the "avenue of ginkgo trees" that can be seen during the season of autumn leaves.Walking through the golden tunnels of ginkgo trees is sure to create a romantic atmosphere.There are also many benches in the outer garden, where you can sit back and enjoy a leisurely chat.

After hiking, visitors can enjoy tea time at a nearby café, making this a relaxing spot to enjoy nature in the city.

Meiji Jingu Gaien

住所	1-1 Kasumigaoka-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-3401-0312
営業時間	Open 24 hours a day
公式サイト	http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/

4. Koganei Park (Koganei City)

Koganei Park, with its vast expanse of lush greenery, is a spot where visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike.Within the approximately 80-hectare site, flowers and trees spread out from season to season, allowing visitors to enjoy different landscapes depending on the season.

Especially in spring, the cherry blossoms are in magnificent bloom, making it a great place for cherry blossom viewing.There is also an area within the park called "Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum," where buildings from the Edo period have been reconstructed, making it possible to enjoy a stroll while experiencing history and culture.

After hiking, we recommend having a picnic on the lawn.Relaxing under the shade of a large tree and spreading out your lunch will be a special moment.Koganei Park also has a bike path, making it possible to enjoy a bike date.Koganei Park is an ideal spot to spend a refreshing day, as it is easily accessible from central Tokyo and allows you to easily get in touch with nature.

Koganei Park

住所	1-13-1 Sekino-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo
電話番号	042-385-5611
営業時間	Open 24 hours a day
公式サイト	https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/koganei/index.html

summary

There are many hiking spots in Tokyo where people can get away from their busy lives and enjoy nature.From full-fledged mountains like Mt. Takao to relatively gentle walking trails like Lake Okutama and Koganei Park, people can choose according to their interests and physical strength.
Spending time in nature and refreshing moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city will be a special memory of your trip.