Mitake Valley

In short

Mitake Valley is a gorge located on the upper reaches of the Tama River in Ome City. Centered around Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line, it stretches along the meandering Tama River and has been selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters under the name "Mitake Mountain Stream." Walking trails of about 4 kilometers run along both banks of the Tama River.

• ​Walking trails on both banks​​: The trails are close to the station, and visitors can easily stroll and enjoy the valley's beauty across all four seasons.
• ​A river of boulders and rapids​​: Featuring a series of giant boulders and rapids, it is also known as a mecca for canoeing.
• ​Autumn foliage and morning mist​​: The autumn leaves are particularly beautiful, and low-hanging mist can sometimes be seen after rain or in the early morning during autumn.

History and Highlights

Mitake Valley is a gorge in Ome City situated along the upper reaches of the Tama River. Centering on Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line, it spreads along the meandering Tama River. It was named after Mt. Mitake, which has an elevation of 929 meters.

Mitake Valley is an exceptionally beautiful gorge within Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Under the name "Mitake Mountain Stream," its waters have been selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters.

The Tama River has long played a major role in the lives of the people of Ome. Before Tokyo's trunk road network was built, the river's flow was used to transport timber from the mountains to the eastern part of Tokyo. Today, it is a place visited by many people to enjoy river recreation such as fishing and canoeing.

This gorge was also a place beloved by the Japanese-style painter Kawai Gyokudo. Gyokudo spent more than a decade in Mitake, from 1944 until his death. The Gyokudo Art Museum along the river was born from the desire to build a museum in the Mitake Valley that Gyokudo loved so dearly.

Points for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​Walking trails on both banks​​: Centering on Mitake Station, the walking trails continue for about 4 kilometers on both banks of the Tama River. Upstream, they extend from midway between Mitake Station and Kawai Station, down to midway between Sawai Station and Ikusabata Station downstream. The trails are close to the station, so visitors can easily walk and enjoy the seasonal beauty of the valley.
• ​A river of boulders and rapids​​: With its continuous giant boulders and rapids, the Tama River is well suited for kayaking and rafting. The river is widely known as a mecca for canoeing, and young people from all over the country gather here to enjoy river sports. In calmer stretches, visitors can also enjoy river SUP (stand-up paddleboarding).
• ​Autumn foliage and morning mist​​: The autumn foliage is especially stunning, and the "Mitake Valley Autumn Colors Festival" is held every autumn. After rain or in the early morning in autumn, a mystical view with low-hanging mist can sometimes be observed.

Walking Tips

The walking trail is about a 1-minute walk from Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line. The center of the valley lies around Mitake Station and Mitakebashi Bridge in front of the station. While strolling along the walking trail, you can stop by the Gyokudo Art Museum and Ozawa Sake Brewery. The Gyokudo Art Museum is about 110 meters southwest from here, and Ozawa Sake Brewery is about 950 meters northeast. Walking the entire course takes about 3 hours.