🗺️ Mitake Gorge

The "Mitake Valley," extending from JR Mitake Station in Ome City, Tokyo, to Sawai Station and Gunbatake Station, is a lush and verdant valley renowned for its stunning autumn foliage. It is part of the "Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park" and features crystal-clear streams that are listed among Japan's "100 Famous Waters," making it one of the most beautiful valleys in Japan. A 4-kilometer walking path runs along both banks of the Tama River, allowing visitors to enjoy the seasonal scenery while leisurely strolling. The most popular time to visit is during the autumn foliage season, which begins in early November when the ginkgo and maple trees start to change color, reaching their peak viewing time later in the month. During this period, the "Mitake Valley Autumn Color Festival" is held, and nighttime illuminations take place from mid to late November, offering a completely different view compared to daytime. Mitake Valley is also known as a "Canoeing Paradise," with suitable courses for beginners to intermediate paddlers. Additionally, various river activities such as rafting and fishing are available.

Along the riverbank of the valley, there is a museum dedicated to the renowned Japanese painter "Kawai Gyokudō." The Mitake Small Bridge was destroyed by Typhoon No. 19 in 2019 and is currently planned for reconstruction (as of August 2023). Open flame barbecuing is prohibited. Please take your trash with you.