Walking Okutama Mukashi-michi to Lake Okutama

This course takes you from JR Okutama Station along Okutama Mukashi-michi on the historic Ome Kaido road toward Lake Okutama. While viewing Shirahige Shrine, Shidakura Suspension Bridge, and roadside stone Buddhas, you will walk about 10 km over roughly 4 hours. Upon arriving at the lake, learn about the history of Ogochi Village submerged beneath the water and the role of Ogochi Dam at Okutama Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan. Finally, take a bus to Mugiyama Floating Bridge to walk across the bridge floating on the lake.

History and Regional Charm

Okutama Mukashi-michi is the section from Hikawa to Ogochi of what was once called the Old Ome Kaido road. In the past, life in Ogochi was supported by trade with Enzan. In the 32nd year of the Meiji period (1899), the route between Ogochi and Hikawa was renovated into a road running along relatively flat mountain slopes, shifting the trade route toward Hikawa.

During the Showa period, Ogochi Dam was built in this land of Ogochi to store water for Tokyo. Construction began in the 13th year of Showa (1938) and, after an interruption due to the war, was completed in the 32nd year of Showa (1957). The project took over 19 years, involving the relocation of 945 households and the precious sacrifice of 87 lives during construction. Lake Okutama was created in this way, and the Tokyo side of the lake and its surroundings were once Ogochi Village.

From Okutama Mukashi-michi, you can also see the tunnels and bridges of the Ogochi Line, a dedicated railway used to transport dam construction materials. Following the historical road of daily life, learning dam history, and walking atop the lake—this course traces the history of the Okutama mountains in a single day.

Key Highlights

• ​Okutama Mukashi-michi​​: A hiking course following the historic Ome Kaido from JR Okutama Station to Lake Okutama. Highlights include Shirahige Shrine, built on the side of the Tokyo-designated Natural Monument Shirahige-no-Oiwa Rock, and the 67.15-meter-long Shidakura Suspension Bridge spanning the Sogaku Gorge. Roadside stone Buddhas are also points of interest, including Gozu Kannon, where travelers prayed for the safety of cattle and horses, and Mushiba Jizo, which is said to have been prayed to for recovery from toothaches.
• ​Okutama Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan​​: A Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks facility located right by Ogochi Dam, opened in 1998 (Heisei 10). Here, you can learn where tap water originates and discover the history of the former hamlets of Ogochi Village submerged beneath the lake. In the 360-degree theater, you can learn about the role of Ogochi Dam with the feeling of stepping inside a water conservation forest.
• ​Lake Okutama and Ogochi Dam​​: Officially named Ogochi Reservoir, it is one of the largest reservoirs dedicated to tap water in Japan. The 149-meter-tall dam can store approximately 40 days' worth of tap water used in Tokyo, earning it the moniker "Tokyo's water reservoir." From the 3rd floor of the dam's observation tower, the east-facing window offers a view of more than 100 meters down to the base of the dam, while the west-facing window looks out over the lake and the nature of Okutama.
• ​Mugiyama Floating Bridge​​: A pedestrian-only floating bridge approximately 220 meters long across the central part of the lake. Because oil drums were initially used as floats, it was also called the "drum can bridge." The bridge changes shape vertically and horizontally depending on lake water levels and wind. From atop the swaying bridge, you can view the lake up close.

Recommended Route and Duration

The estimated time required is about 6 hours. After exiting JR Okutama Station and starting your walk from the entrance of Okutama Mukashi-michi, you will soon reach Haguro-zaka Slope. Okutama Mukashi-michi covers a walking distance of approximately 10 km, taking about 4 hours. The path transitions from paved surfaces to unpaved roads and mountain trails, with some sections having rough footing, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.

After finishing the walk along Okutama Mukashi-michi to Lake Okutama, head to Okutama Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan right across from the Okutama-ko bus stop. At the on-site restaurant, you can enjoy local Okutama dishes while gazing out at Lake Okutama. After exploring the facility, pass in front of the dam management office and walk 500 meters further to reach the Ogochi Dam Observation Tower.

Mugiyama Floating Bridge is located about 3.5 km west-southwest in a straight line from the Fureaikan, which is too far to walk, so travel by bus. From the Okutama-ko bus stop, board a Nishi Tokyo Bus bound for Kamozawa-nishi or Taba, get off at "Ogochi Jinja / Mugiyama Ukihashi," and the floating bridge is a 1-minute walk away. For the return journey, take a bus bound for Okutama Station from this bus stop. Since buses run through mountainous areas, be sure to check the return schedule in advance.

When the lake water level drops, the floating bridge is removed and cannot be crossed. Before heading out, please check the floating bridge closure information provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks.

Experience Summary

An old highway where stone Buddhas and suspension bridges remain, a facility telling the history of the village submerged beneath the lake, a dam serving as Tokyo's water reservoir, and a bridge floating atop the lake. As you walk, the connection between life in Okutama and Tokyo's water supply becomes clear. Take a full day to leisurely stroll through these mountain roads.