Discover Tokyo's Mountain Roots: History, Culture & Nature

In the upstream area of the Akigawa, lies Hinohara Village (Hinohara-mura), the only village in Tokyo's terrestrial area. Deep within, atop a ridge that surpasses an elevation of 700 meters, stands the ancient farmhouse known as the "Former Kobayashi House". The untouched landscapes of the mountainous settlements in Hinohara Village. This is a place that can be said to embody the essence of Hinohara Village's mountain communities, where people have relied on the rich bounty of the mountains since ancient times. The carefully restored ancient house we will visit, from the mid-Edo period, showcases the lifestyle of charcoal-making villagers. This house is accessible via a special mountain monorail. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden lives and history of the Akigawa Valley and Hinohara Village.

1. 1

   Kotokuji Temple

   30 min

   You can pass through the splendid thatched gate, see the giant ginko tree, and listen to explanations about the temple's history.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   40 min

   A large 250-year-old traditional house (village headman) and water shed were relocated from the Nishitama region (western Tokyo) to become a restaurant, cafe, and garden that blends in with nature. From the premises, you can descend to the waterside of Tokyo's pure Akigawa River and enjoy the beauty of the valley. You can imagine the simple yet prosperous lives of the Japanese of the past, who lived in harmony with nature. (You will receive the most highly acclaimed bento lunch box in the area, made with local ingredients.)

3. 3

   Kyu Kobayashike Jutaku

   2.3 hours

   After traveling by shuttle bus deep into Hinohara Village, the only village on land in Tokyo, we take the mountain monorail up a steep slope with a maximum gradient of 43 degrees to the Kobayashi Family Residence, an "old house in the sky" at an altitude of 700m. The locals will talk to you about the construction of this old house and the life of the villagers in the past. Any questions you may have will be answered in a friendly manner. We sit on the veranda of an old house and enjoy our lunch with a village feel. It takes about 10 minutes to walk one way along a mountain path that was once a residential route to the "neighbor's" house, where you can draw water from a spring that gushes out from the base of an old cedar tree and make and drink coffee.

4. 4

   Hossawa Falls

   1 hour

   It's a 30-minute easy hike round trip to Hossawa Falls, a waterfall that is said to be inhabited by a giant snake. You'll also stop by a local shop and get a glimpse of modern village life.

5. 5

   Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu

   1 hour

   You will experience a foot bath at Akigawa Valley Seono-no-yu, a hot spring famous for making your skin smooth. (Those who wish can also take a hot spring bath for an additional hour.)

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The remaining hours are allotted for the travel time

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.