TAMASHIMA.tokyo - Tourist information site for the Tama area and islands of Tokyo
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TAMASHIMA TOP

Okutama-machi

Okutama-machi, the westernmost point of Tokyo. Mt. Kumotori(elevation: 2,017 m) is the highest point in Tokyo. Abundant hot springs, with four different types. Lots of ryokan inns, minshuku inns, and camp sites. Enjoy kayak on the Tama River or nature walks from JR Okutama Station.
Xindy Wong

Xindy Wong

Interested in Japanese travel and trends, introducing Japan through social media and blogs, making it a popular travel blog among Hong Kongers.

Summer

The first day

Okutama Station

Okutama Station

Okutama Town is the westernmost and northernmost town in Tokyo Prefecture, belonging to the Nishi-Tama District, and is one of the three towns in the Tama region. Many people come specifically to Okutama to enjoy the lake views, hike down the mountains, and experience nature.
Lake Okutama

Lake Okutama

Lake Okutama is located in the western part of Tokyo Prefecture, formed by the damming of a small river in the upper reaches of the Tama River, creating an artificial lake. Here, artificial structures harmonize perfectly with natural landscapes: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and even snowy scenery in winter, viewed from a floating bridge made of oil drums.
The scenery of Lake Okutama

The scenery of Lake Okutama

Aomedachi Fudosan Rest Area

Aomedachi Fudosan Rest Area

After walking for about half an hour, we arrived at a restaurant called 'Aomedachi Fudosan'.
Mountain Soba

Mountain Soba

Delicious mountain Soba (800 yen).
Japanese-style decor

Japanese-style decor

The interior of the shop is predominantly decorated in Japanese style, with the view of Lake Okutama just outside the doors and windows, creating a very serene atmosphere!
Nippara limestone caves

Nippara limestone caves

Taking a 30-minute bus ride from Okutama Station will get you to the Nippara Limestone Caves, which are the largest limestone caves in the Kanto region. At the entrance, smoke is already wafting around, because the temperature inside the limestone cave is very low, around only 11 degrees Celsius! So, remember to bring a jacket when you visit here. I took a risk and just wore a short-sleeved shirt!
The caves appear even more mysterious.

The caves appear even more mysterious.

As I walked to the entrance and peered inside, wow! It's so beautiful! There are also lighting effects inside the cave, making it even more mysterious!
Outside the limestone cave

Outside the limestone cave

There's a waterfall. I captured a photo in the misty atmosphere, creating a beautiful memory of this adventurous journey, haha!

Read more on Day 1

The second day

River House

River House

You wouldn't believe it if I didn't tell you, but it's actually the westernmost and northernmost town in Tokyo! Among them, two famous lakes stand out: Lake Okutama and Lake Shiromaru. Today, I'm heading to Lake Shiramuko for some kayaking! Remember to make a reservation before setting off on your trip! We first gather at River House, where we meet our fellow travelers and instructor. After changing into comfortable clothing, we're off to Lake Shiromaru!
Kayaking instructor

Kayaking instructor

​This is our instructor for today, who has been guiding us diligently throughout the entire journey! Midway through the journey, it's lunchtime, and our instructor cooked beef curry udon by the lake, which was delicious!
Kayaking on Lake Shiromaru

Kayaking on Lake Shiromaru

In the picture is Lake Shiromaru!!! Due to the typhoon two days prior to our visit, the lake water has turned a greenish milky white. The instructor mentioned that usually, the lake water is very clear. However, with the weather being nice, the scenery remains beautiful!
Kayaking experience

Kayaking experience

Paddling this single-person kayak really takes some energy! Because when kayaking, you have to use your feet to support both sides, keep your body upright, and even a slight tilt backward could potentially flip the kayak! And anyone who has paddled this kayak knows that because the hull is so light, the kayak constantly sways from side to side, making it difficult to control its direction.
Rest

Rest

When we got tired from paddling, we rested on the shore and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, it was truly relaxing~~~ While we were kayaking, the instructor kept taking photos for us, and we could even download the pictures from his website!
Canoe Bar

Canoe Bar

Here, there's a Canoe Bar with complimentary tea available, which is perfect for relaxing after kayaking!
The cat is extremely adorable.

The cat is extremely adorable.

There are several extremely adorable cats in the shop~
Bathroom

Bathroom

Because you might be all sweaty after kayaking, there's also a bathroom here available for everyone to use.
Besides kayaking, this River House also offers other activities for participation! You can find more details on their website.
If you also love nature and outdoor activities, I sincerely recommend visiting Lake Okutama Shiromaru, guaranteeing you a special and enjoyable experience!

Read more on Day 2