Okutama: From Hatonosu Valley to Nippara Limestone Cave and Moegi-no-Yu

Head to Okutama on the JR Ome Line for a course exploring the upper reaches of the Tama River by train and bus. Get off at Hatonosu Station and walk through Hatonosu Valley, where clear waters flow between giant boulders, up to Shiromaru Dam. From Okutama Station, take a bus to Nippara Limestone Cave, which stays around 11 degrees Celsius year-round. After returning to the station, soothe the day's fatigue in the open-air bath at Okutama Onsen Moegi-no-Yu.

History and Regional Charm

Getting to Okutama takes approximately 2 hours by train from JR Shinjuku Station to Okutama Station.

This valley has been tied to human life and faith since ancient times. During the Edo period, temporary lodgings (hanba) were established around Hatonosu as a base for logging Okutama's timber and floating timber rafts downriver, and Mizu-jinja Shrine was established here. According to tradition, two pigeons nested in the forest around Mizu-jinja Shrine, leading the area to be called "Hato no Su no Hanba" (Lodging of the Pigeon's Nest), which eventually became the local place name.

Deeper in the mountains at Nippara, the limestone cave served as a training ground for Shugendo (mountain asceticism) during the Kamakura period under the name "Issekisan Daigongen." Following the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the Meiji period, it continues today as Issekisan-jinja Shrine.

On this route, you can witness both the river gorge scenery carved by the Tama River and the subterranean cavern shaped over vast spans of time. The journey concludes at a hot spring welling up from deep beneath Okutama. Experience the nature of Okutama crafted by water and stone in a single day.

Highlights

• ​Hatonosu Valley​​: A river valley where the Tama River flows between giant and strangely shaped boulders beneath cliffs rising about 40 meters. This scenic valley of bizarre stones continues for 500 meters. A prime highlight is the view from Hatonosu Kobashi, a suspension bridge offering a panoramic view of the valley. Upstream at Shiromaru Dam, you will find one of Japan's largest fishways, completed in 2002 (Heisei 14).
• ​Nippara Limestone Cave​​: Designated as a Natural Monument of Tokyo, this limestone cave has a total length of 1,270 meters and an elevation change of 134 meters. Reputed to be the largest in the Kanto region, only a portion is open to the public. In the new cavern discovered in 1962, well-developed stalagmites and stone pillars stand in rows. The route also passes spots bearing names associated with religious beliefs, such as the Sanzu River and Sai-no-kawara.
• ​Okutama Onsen Moegi-no-Yu​​: A day-use hot spring facility that uses 100% natural hot spring water sourced from deep beneath Okutama. From the open-air bath, you can gaze out at the clear stream of the Tama River and the mountain ranges. The on-site restaurant serves dishes prepared with locally sourced Okutama ingredients.

Recommended Route and Estimated Time

The estimated time required is around 7 hours. After getting off at Hatonosu Station on the JR Ome Line, cross the Ome Kaido highway and descend toward the Tama River. Hatonosu Kobashi is about a 10-minute walk from the station. A recommended approach is to enter the walking trail from the east entrance of the Hatonosu Tunnel on Route 411, visit Mizu-jinja Shrine—the origin of the area's name—and proceed along the riverside trail toward Hatonosu Kobashi.

Beyond the bridge lies a mountain trail with numerous rocks and stones. Walking upstream brings you to a steep stone staircase of 130 steps just before Shiromaru Dam. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Hatonosu Valley to Shiromaru Dam, and another 20 minutes from Shiromaru Dam to JR Shiromaru Station. Board the Ome Line from Shiromaru Station to head to Okutama Station. If you are not confident in your walking ability, you can still enjoy the valley simply by walking to and from Hatonosu Kobashi and taking the train from Hatonosu Station. Swimming and diving are prohibited in the valley.

From Okutama Station, board the Nishi Tokyo Bus bound for the Nippara area. On weekdays, some buses travel directly to the "Shonyudo" bus stop, from which it is an 8-minute walk. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, get off at the "Higashi-Nippara" bus stop and walk 30 minutes. The bus ride to Higashi-Nippara takes about 35 minutes. Be sure to check the return bus schedule before setting out.

Touring the interior of the limestone cave takes about 40 minutes. The cave temperature remains around 11 degrees Celsius throughout the year, feeling refreshingly cool in summer and warm in winter. On rainy days or the day after, a simple poncho or raincoat is convenient, as numerous water droplets drip inside the cave.

After returning by bus to Okutama Station, Okutama Onsen Moegi-no-Yu is about a 10-minute walk away. After your bath, savor dishes featuring Okutama ingredients at the dining area before boarding your return train.

Experience Summary

Look down on the Tama River rushing between giant boulders from atop a suspension bridge, then climb stone steps to Shiromaru Dam. Ride a bus deep into the mountains to walk among ancient stalagmites inside a limestone cave that once served as a Shugendo ascetic site. Finally, soak in an open-air bath overlooking the Tama River. By combining train and bus, this itinerary lets you experience Okutama's scenery of water and stone in a single day.