Tokyo Day Trips - Visit Okutama

As expats living in Tokyo for 3 years, my wife and I were always looking for new day trips from Tokyo. Okutama is one of the highlights of these trips.

Okutama is a natural beauty just 90mins from Tokyo (by train) in the Nishitama district along the Tama river. The train to get to Okutama is an experience in its self showing off the sheer beauty of the Japanese mountains, forests and rivers.

After the transition from concrete of Tokyo to the Japanese mountains there are many outdoor activities for everyone.

What To Do There
There are such a variety of activities and places to see
Here are just some of the activities I've enjoyed on my
visits:
Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Swimming, Fishing, Onsens (hot springs), Mountain and Road biking, Natural Photography

When To Go
Best time to make a day trip from Tokyo is during the hot summer months of Jul and Aug as the Japanese mountains offer cool relief from the heat and humidity of Tokyo.
Other good times are May, Sept and Oct. These are great for seeing the change of season and foilage and if you are lucky.. the red leaves (koyo).

June is usually the wet season in Japan and for Nov-March... don't forget to rug up, as it most likely will be snowing and will be cold!

Getting There
Okutama is located 90 minutes by train from Tokyo and will cost approx. 1000 yen.

Rail
The East Japan Railway Company serves the town. The Ome line, which connects the town with Tachikawa, terminates at Okutama Station.

Bus
Nishi Tokyo Bus's connect to Lake Okutama, the Nippara Limestone Cave, Tabayama village and Kosuge village from Okutama Station.
Make sure you find out the last Bus time leaving these areas and please don't miss it!

More info below..

Links

See links below..