From Forest Trails to Toy Tales: Family Adventures in Hinohara, Tokyo’s Green Hideaway

Home to some of the world’s top themed parks, amusement spaces, and plenty of events year-round, the Tokyo metropolis is never short of ideas (and exceptional services) to entertain families traveling with children. But as fun as theme parks are, many parents eventually crave something less commercial: an escape where children swap screen time for stream time and reconnect with nature. 

Fortunately, Tokyo has a place for that, too. Nestled in the mountains along the upper Akigawa River, roughly two hours from Shinjuku by train, Hinohara is the metropolis’s only village (outside the Tokyo islands) and a rare pocket of wild serenity. With over 93 percent of its area covered in forests, Hinohara blurs the boundaries between parks, woodlands, and playgrounds. The sky feels wider, the air fresher, and the streams turn into natural play zones at any time of day. From forest trails and river fishing to wooden toys and cozy cafes, this little village in the big city is full of adventures that reconnect children and their grown-ups with nature, curiosity, and each other.

Nature, Fishing, and River Fun at Kanoto International Trout Fishing Ground 

If splashing in streams, skipping stones, or catching fish with bare hands sounds like a well-spent morning or afternoon, head straight to Kanoto International Trout Fishing Ground. One of Hinohara’s most popular spots for families, this lush riverside facility is tucked away in the forest, less than a 30-minute drive from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station.

Fishing packages range from 2,600 to 3,600 yen per person, with options for both rod fishing and hand-catching trout, the latter perfect for younger children eager to dive into the action. After landing your catch, you can release it back into the water or pay a small fee to have it cleaned and grilled on the spot with salt or other seasonings.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, relax by the river or head to the on-site restaurant, where you’ll find rainbow trout dishes alongside other child-friendly favorites like karaage (fried chicken), yakisoba (stir-fried soba noodles), and ramen. It’s the kind of place where the air smells like trees and grilled fish, and the memories are made hands-on.

Take a Forest Stroll to Hossawa Falls, Tokyo’s Most Beautiful Waterfall 

With at least 50 well-known waterfalls in the village, Hinohara is a paradise for cascade enthusiasts. The most famous of all is Hossawa Falls, named one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls by the Ministry of the Environment—and the only one in Tokyo to make the list. The falls are accessible via a short, pleasant hike from the nearest bus stop or parking lot, winding through a tranquil green forest.

Along the way, there are plenty of spots to stop and admire the scenery, take photos, and enjoy nature with the kids. The trail is also dotted with charming architectural quirks—like an old post office tucked in the woods or a white-walled building featuring a whimsical face and glasses. Children will love discovering these little surprises as they walk.

At the top, a picture-perfect landscape awaits. Hossawa Falls cascade a total of 60 meters over four tiers, the last of which is the tallest and most easily viewed. Small bridges and natural resting spots surround the waterfall, making it a lovely place to take a break. The falls are beautiful in any season, but the lush greenery of spring and summer, paired with the cold mist rising from the water, makes the experience especially refreshing.

Every August, the Hossawa Falls summer festival lights up the falls in a glowing, otherworldly spectacle. And in winter, it’s not uncommon for the water to freeze, revealing yet another breathtaking side of this natural wonder.

Relax with Handmade Sweets by the Stream at Cafe Seseragi 

Tucked by the entrance of the Hinohara Village Hall, Cafe Seseragi is a cozy riverside hideaway surrounded by greenery. Step inside and you’ll find handmade sweets, large windows overlooking the stream below, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down.

The cafe is run by Shoichi Hatano, a Hinohara-native who returned to his hometown after decades running a successful coffee chain in Ginza. Planning to retire quietly, Hatano instead found himself drawn back into the coffee world when the then-town mayor called for someone to run a cafe in the building’s lobby. With his skills, love of coffee, and the space’s unbeatable view, the choice was easy.

More than 20 years later, Hatano and his wife still run the place with care and warmth. Their signature cheesecake and coffee are must-tries, but you’ll also find hearty options and family favorites like hot sandwiches, curry rice, and cinnamon toast on the menu. Handmade wooden crafts, cookies, and other treats from Hinohara are available for sale, all made locally.

Whether you’re warming up after a hike or taking a break between stops, Cafe Seseragi is the kind of place where time slows down and hospitality comes naturally. Hatano will greet you with a smile, invite you to have a good rest, and maybe even share a story about Hinohara’s many hidden gems. “It’s another side of Tokyo you don’t get to see often,” he smiles as he brings the coffee cups. 

Playtime Meets Nature at the Hinohara Toy Museum Tokyo 

A short drive from Cafe Seseragi brings you to the Hinohara Toy Museum Tokyo, an imaginative, hands-on space where children can run wild in a world of wooden toys. Inspired by the vast Hinohara forests, this two-story experience-based museum is built on the grounds of a former elementary school and is dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of wooden toys in various shapes and sizes. The museum still preserves many of the former school’s signature elements (try spotting the old blackboard and the school clock), offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past while transforming the space into a hands-on world of wooden wonders.

The first floor welcomes visitors with a forest-like lobby featuring interactive play areas, including a wooden yuzu citrus tree, a slide inspired by a mountain, and a ball pit reminiscent of local rivers. Children can decorate the tree with toy vegetables and mushrooms, or explore a “forest plaza” where wooden insects hide among trees.

Upstairs, a quiet room for the youngest (aged 0 to 2) features a ball pool and many baby-friendly wooden toys. Next door, older children can unleash their creativity by building structures from wooden blocks, solving challenging wooden puzzles, and enjoying wooden toys from around the world. A small section dedicated to toys made specifically in the Hinohara area is also located on this floor, offering an insight into the village’s woodcraft and its abundant forests. 

The central space on this floor is the experimental area, where children can try their hand at various traditional Japanese wooden toys, such as kendama and koma. Most children spend ages here, trying to master the “five kendama challenge,” which is not an easy feat. 

There is also a souvenir shop with beautiful handmade toys, a small cafe, a craft area, and an outdoor treehouse. It’s easy to spend at least half a day here, rain or shine.

A Private Family Retreat at MOSAIC Tokyo Hinohara

With its deep forests and crystal-clear mountain streams, Hinohara is an ideal place to extend your stay and unwind. Among its many outdoor lodging options, one of the most unique is MOSAIC Tokyo Hinohara, a private riverside cabin and camping site available to just one family per night. 

In a world of constant notifications and packed schedules, MOSAIC offers something rare: uninterrupted time together. Equipped with a kitchen, a cozy sleeping space, and even a private sauna by the river, Mosaic strikes the perfect balance between comfort and wilderness, offering a home-like atmosphere surrounded by untouched nature. 

There are various ways to enjoy family time here: play by the river, cook together (either with ingredients you bring or via their optional BBQ plan), or simply watch time pass from the porch. In the evening, gather in the living room for a movie night on the big screen, or relax outside under the stars. At MOSAIC, there are no crowds, no schedules, and no distractions—just quiet, quality time. It’s a rare opportunity to unplug, reconnect, and let the rhythm of the forest guide your day.

Food & Facilities

There are few convenience stores or supermarkets in the area, so if you’re coming for a day trip, consider bringing your own lunch. Alternatively, research local cafes and restaurants ahead of time to ensure they’re open. Many are run by a single owner—like Dorapo Blue—so calling ahead is strongly recommended, especially for larger groups or if you’re hoping to dine at a specific time.

Getting Around

Okutama is best explored on foot, by train (JR Ome Line), by local bus, or by car. If you’re relying on public transportation, be sure to check bus schedules in advance, as they may be infrequent, especially outside peak seasons.

Accommodations 
While Hinohara can easily be enjoyed as a day trip from central Tokyo, overnight stays are highly recommended for those who want to fully immerse themselves in this region’s quiet charm. Just be sure to book accommodations in advance, especially on weekends or during seasonal peaks.