At "Musashi Itsukaichi Station," you can find relevant information about "Hinode Town-Akikawa Valley." There is also a tourist information center available for consultations. Buses are accessible in front of the station, but the schedules are relatively fixed. Therefore, it's essential to plan your timing well when traveling. Otherwise, renting a car locally is also a good alternative.

The Shirataki Walking Route takes about 4 hours in total, and the forest shade and waterfall scenery along the way are quite amazing and beautiful scenery. It is very suitable for people who love nature, and this is also a major local attraction. !

After descending from the mountain, we visited the "Syougai Seisyun No Yu, Tsurugutsuru Hotspring" to relax in the hot springs and enjoy a meal. The large baths and open-air hot springs provided a rejuvenating experience, complemented by the beautiful outdoor environment.

As for the cuisine, we tried the Wagyu Beef Yakiba Set Meal, which uses Akikawa beef as the main ingredient with a miso-based barbecue seasoning. The meal included rice, side dishes, miso soup, and chawanmushi, a famous and limited supply dish.

There is a strolling path beside the hotspring, walking up along it enable you to see the coniferous forest, not a bad idea for a walk after meals

The nearby "Saifukuji Temple" houses a renowned statue of "Akigawa Fudo." This statue is known for protecting the locals from disasters and boasts a solemn appearance. It is an important attraction that one must visit here

After that, we returned to Musashi Itsukaichi Station and took a bus to the "Hinode Roundabout" bus station to explore the area. Due to the abundant local water veins, the scenery along the middle section of the "Hirai River" is breathtaking and perfect for leisurely travel, allowing you to appreciate the meandering river and surrounding mountains. The townhouses in the area also contribute to the pleasant environment, adorned with visually appealing flowers and plants.

During your journey, you can visit the nearby "Hachiman Shrine" and "Kasuga Shrine" near the Hirai River. The former, though relatively new, boasts a beautiful appearance, while the latter, with its simplicity, exudes a nostalgic charm…

Next, we headed to Jofukuji Temple, a designated cultural asset, to see the Jizo stone statue that accompanies the family tomb.

Then go to "Tōkoin" to see the Ninomiya kid studying diligently on the stairs.

The final stop is "Hosenin," where you can view the wooden seated statue of the Demon King.

There are not many accommodation hotels in Akikawa Station in the city, but the Toyoko Inn next to the station is a pretty good choice. In addition to bus transportation to the scenic spots in the Hirai River area, you can also walk for about five minutes to get to drugstores, supermarkets, etc., and there are also many restaurants and coffee shops nearby, and the quality of the accommodation environment is also very comfortable!

The stream fish pond is quite close to the restaurant, allowing visitors to not only enjoy fishing but also taste local cuisine.

Having completed the two-day and one-night trip, it's hard to believe that Nishi-Tama County, just over an hour's drive from bustling Tokyo, harbors such a simple and charming "Hinode Town." Take your time to enjoy the local area when the weather is good. The natural beauty and ancient temples offer a cleansing experience for your body, mind, and soul. I believe you will have a different experience!