Mt. Mitake: Up by Cable Car to Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine, Then to the Rock Garden Streams

This course takes you up the sacred mountain of Mt. Mitake by bus and cable car from JR Mitake Station. Ascend the slopes and staircases through the settlement of shukubo (pilgrim lodgings) to pray at Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine, which enshrines the wolf deity Okuchi Magami, affectionately called "Oinu-sama." Afterwards, enter the Rock Garden route from below the shrine's steps. Stroll along the stream flowing between moss-covered rocks to visit Ayahiro Falls and Nanayo Falls before returning to the shrine.

History and Local Charm

Mt. Mitake is a 929-meter-high mountain located in Ome City. Revered as a sacred peak since ancient times, Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine sits at its summit. According to tradition, the shrine was founded in the 7th year of the reign of Emperor Sujin, the 10th emperor of Japan. It later became widely known as a center of Zao worship, Shugendo (mountain asceticism), and mountain worship.

During the Edo period, priests known as oshi organized and expanded pilgrim associations called ko, welcoming numerous worshippers to the mountain. Shukubo lodgings established during that era still continue today in the settlement near the summit. Along the shrine approach, stone monuments commemorating visits by pilgrim groups from various regions stand side by side, bearing place names from across the Kanto area.

The deep forest covering the mountain forms part of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. In the valley behind the shrine lies the Rock Garden gorge, once a site for Shugendo mountain ascetic practice. This course allows visitors to ascend by cable car and enjoy both the history of religious worship and the forest streams.

Key Highlights

• ​Mt. Mitake​​: The Mitake Tozan Railway cable car carries passengers up an elevation difference of 424 meters from Takimoto Station to Mitakesan Station in 6 minutes. The plaza in front of Mitakesan Station is called Mitakedaira, where the observation deck commands a view extending across the Kanto Plain to central Tokyo. Along the approach path toward the shrine stands the Jindai Zelkova, estimated to be up to 1,000 years old.
• ​Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine​​: Known for venerating the wolf deity Okuchi Magami as "Oinu-sama," it has also drawn many visitors praying for the health of their pet dogs in recent years. In 1606 (Keicho 11), by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the main shrine buildings—originally facing south—were reoriented toward the east to serve as a "guardian of the west" for Edo. In the main hall stand Edo-period bronze komainu (guardian beasts) sculpted in the likeness of Japanese wolves. The treasure house displays items including the National Treasure Akaito-odoshi O-yoroi Armor, as well as samurai armor and long swords.
• ​Rock Garden​​: This valley stretches along the stream between Ayahiro Falls and Nanayo Falls. Clear waters flow among moss-covered boulders, offering a refreshing coolness reminiscent of a natural air conditioner in summer. Ayahiro Falls has a drop of 10 meters and features a torii gate hung with a shimenawa (sacred straw rope). Nanayo Falls features a total drop of 50 meters, consisting of eight waterfalls of varying sizes.

Recommended Route and Duration

The recommended duration is about 6 hours. From JR Mitake Station, take a Nishi Tokyo Bus for approximately 10 minutes to the cable car base (Takimoto Station), then take the cable car up to Mitakesan Station. Pet dogs are also permitted on the cable car. On clear days, the Tokyo Skytree can be seen from the Mitakedaira observation deck in front of the station.

From Mitakesan Station, it takes about 25 minutes on foot to Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine. While the path is paved, steep slopes begin once you enter the lodging village, followed by roughly 330 steps that lead up to the shrine grounds. After praying, take time to visit the small shrine behind the main hall dedicated to Okuchi Magami.

Many of Mt. Mitake's hiking trails start from the base of the stairs leading to the shrine. The Rock Garden route is the most popular, covering a course that passes Ayahiro Falls and Nanayo Falls. The Tengu Rock sits along the path toward Ayahiro Falls, while a nearby set of metal stairs leads to Nanayo Falls. Continuing to Ayahiro Falls and walking the entire course brings you back to the shrine in about 2 hours. Because the trail has frequent elevation changes and the surface of Tengu Rock can be slippery after rain, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Before you start walking, it is advisable to stop by the Mitake Visitor Center to pick up a hiking map and check on weather and trail conditions. After returning to the shrine, retrace your steps down to Mitakesan Station and ride the cable car back down the mountain.

Summary of the Experience

A sacred mountain ascended by cable car, a village of shukubo lodgings welcoming pilgrims since the Edo period, a mountaintop shrine venerating a wolf deity, and two waterfalls along mossy boulder-strewn streams. A single day atop the mountain allows you to experience both the history of prayer and the deep forest.