In Search of Tokyo’s Hidden Power Spots: A Journey Through Akiruno and Hinode

Long before we called them “power spots,” travelers were drawn to places that seemed to hum with unseen energy—where the natural world offers not just time-stopping beauty, but something deeper. These spots are thought to carry an invisible energy that uplifts or calms visitors in subtle, meaningful ways. Lush forests, verdant rice paddies, mysterious rock formations, and grand cultural landmarks…power spots come in many forms. But they all have one thing in common: the ability to move us, whether through wonder, emotion, or a quiet sense of connection.

One of the lesser-known parts of Tokyo that’s richly dotted with such power spots lies in the capital’s far west, specifically the neighboring towns of Akiruno and Hinode. Easily accessible by train in a little over an hour from central Tokyo, Akiruno is the larger of the two, known for its natural landscapes and popular day-trip destination, the Akigawa Valley. Hinode, just east of Akiruno, is more compact but equally lush, home to serene forest paths and striking landmarks like the Rokuya Daibutsu Buddha statue.

If you’re seeking inspiration without leaving Tokyo, these are some of the most memorable places to discover in Akiruno and Hinode.

Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain: Flowers and Love on Tokyo’s Hydrangea Mountain

Blooming in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white every rainy season, the hydrangea, or ajisai in Japanese, is a flower that symbolizes quiet gratitude. Just a 10-minute drive from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station in Akiruno, Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain is a beloved early summer destination and a heartwarming power spot rooted in one of the purest forms of love: a son’s devotion to his parents.

The mountain is the life’s work of the late Chuichi “Chuitchan” Minamizawa, the 17th-generation head of the local Minamizawa family, who owned the land. In the early 1970s, at the age of 40, Chuitchan decided to brighten the path leading to his parents’ graves at the top of the hill, which was then a sparse cedar forest with little else.

He started modestly, planting seeds from hydrangea bushes in his garden along the path. To his surprise, they bloomed quickly, and he was inspired to keep going. For the next 50 years, Chuitchan rose before dawn to care for the mountain before work. On weekends and holidays, he planted seedlings, trimmed bushes, and tended his growing hillside garden with care.

His devotion blossomed into something extraordinary. Today, the mountain is home to over 10,000 hydrangeas, drawing around the same number of visitors each early summer. Thanks to Chuitchan and those who supported him, Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain is now a beloved landmark—beautiful even beyond the bloom season. The path to his parents’ graves is no longer quiet and overgrown, but filled with vibrant flowers and the cheerful voices of passing visitors.

Shizenjin Mura: Tapping into Nature’s Energy in Tokyo’s Untamed Wilderness

Just minutes from Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain, tucked among the gushing rivers and lush forests of the Akigawa Valley, lies Shizenjin Mura. Its name combines the Japanese words for “nature” (shizen), “person” (jin), and “village” (mura), a fitting description for this expansive riverside campsite built around the philosophy of living simply and in harmony with nature.

While Shizenjin Mura has long been a part of the area, it was recently refreshed with new facilities, including four simple yet stylish wooden cottages, a riverside sauna, and several barbecue sites along the stream. There’s also a stage for live concerts and seasonal events like the annual Ajisai Music Festival, inspired by and held in collaboration with Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain.

There are many ways to recharge in nature at Shizenjin Mura: pitch a tent and enjoy a riverside barbecue with family, stay overnight in one of the cozy cottages, book the sauna and cool off in the river beside it, or combine them all for the ultimate weekend escape. With forests, streams, a gentle waterfall, birdsong, and endless sunshine, Shizenjin Mura radiates positive energy in every conceivable way.

The Great Oak of Fukasawa: A Living Monument to Nature’s Power

In a world shaped by human hands, it’s rare to encounter something truly untouched. That’s what makes Yamadaki-no-Okashi (the Great Oak of Fukasawa) so remarkable. A short hike or drive from Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain and Shizenjin Mura, this enormous tree towers from a steep hillside in a bamboo grove, dwarfing everything around it. Stand beneath it and look up: its roots and branches twist and weave into one another, reaching skyward in an intricate dance that quietly reminds you: no earthly worry is larger than this.

The name Yamadaki-no-Okashi roughly translates to “a large oak embracing the mountain.” This is quite a fitting image, as it truly seems to wrap around the slope it stands on. Estimated to be over 300 years old, the tree has a trunk circumference of about 6.5 meters and reaches over 20 meters into the sky—though in person, it feels even more immense.

There’s something deeply spiritual about this giant oak and the wild nature that surrounds it. Together, they seem to be forming a living, ever-changing canvas where each curve of bark feels like a brushstroke, each hue a memory, each shape guided by a different hand.

Osteria Alberi: Where Local Hospitality Takes Root

Not all of Akiruno’s power spots are found in nature—some are created through the warmth and generosity of its people. One such place is Osteria Alberi, a cozy modern Italian restaurant just a short drive from Yamadaki-no-Okashi and Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, where hearty meals are served alongside local stories and heartfelt hospitality.

Run by a small team of local residents, Osteria Alberi opened in 2023 with a mission: to bring the flavors and the spirit of the region to the table. The name “Alberi,” meaning “trees” in Italian, reflects both the forested surroundings and the restaurant’s warm, wood-accented interior in soft tones of yellow and white.

Chef Naoki Takeda joined Osteria Alberi after nearly two decades in Tokyo’s culinary scene, eager to create dishes inspired by the abundance of ingredients found in western Tokyo’s rivers and forests. Lunch ranges from simple pasta sets with salad and a drink to a popular full-course meal featuring one-bite appetizers, daily pasta, salad, and dessert. In the evening, the menu expands to include signature handmade pastas and the standout Akigawa Beef, a premium local brand raised in the pristine Akigawa Valley.

Though new to the neighborhood, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, and the heartfelt hospitality of its team, Osteria Alberi has quickly become a local favorite. It’s often filled with laughter, conversation, and the aroma of freshly baked focaccia—an ideal setting for a slow, unrushed afternoon.

Rokuya Daibutsu: Seeking Solace Beneath Tokyo’s Newest Giant Buddha

Until 2020, anyone wanting to see a giant Buddha statue near Tokyo had to travel to Kamakura. But now Hinode has a monumental figure of its own: the Rokuya Daibutsu, even taller than its Kamakura counterpart—and, perhaps most notably, far less crowded.

Constructed on a vast stretch of mountain land owned by Hokoji Temple, a historic temple founded in the 15th century, the Rokuya Daibutsu was completed in 2020 after more than seven years of planning. The statue was the long-held dream of the temple’s 32nd-generation chief priest, Zengaku Shodo, who hoped it would draw visitors and inspire renewed interest in both Hinode and Buddhism. Though he passed away before it was finished, his vision was carried forward by the temple’s 33rd-generation successor. 

Today, the giant bronze Buddha rests peacefully atop a hillside, overlooking the sweeping greenery of Hinode and drawing curious visitors from near and far. It stands near the site where Hokoji Temple’s founder is said to have discovered natural hot springs—adding to its reputation as a healing power spot. Its popularity continues to grow, not just for its sheer scale, but for the tranquility of its setting and the quiet sense of renewal it offers.

Made of bronze and standing 18 meters tall (including its pedestal), the Rokuya Daibutsu is roughly five meters taller than the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Visitors can reach it with a short, pleasant walk uphill. Much like the Great Oak of Fukasawa, standing before this towering figure inspires a quiet awe. It stirs something deeper—a feeling of possibility, a sense that even the grandest dreams can be realized. That’s the kind of power you feel in places like this: respect, reverence, and a renewed will to keep going, no matter how winding or wild your path may seem. 

Plan Your Visit: Getting the Most Out of Your Trip to Akiruno and Hinode

From ancient oaks hidden in forested hills to towering Buddha statues gazing over green valleys, Akiruno and Hinode offer travelers a quiet kind of energy, both grounding and uplifting. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight escape, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit.

Food & Facilities

Both Akiruno and Hinode have a range of charming restaurants and cafes, so you won’t go hungry. That said, popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to check hours and availability in advance. Many places, such as Osteria Alberi, are run by small teams, so it’s recommended to call ahead, particularly if you’re visiting with a group or have a preferred dining time.

Getting Around

Getting around Akiruno and Hinode is possible by train, bus, car, or even on foot—though walking may involve covering long distances between spots. If you’re relying on public transportation, be sure to check local bus schedules in advance, as they can be infrequent, especially outside peak seasons.

For maximum flexibility, especially if you’re traveling with kids or in a group, renting a car is a great option. Rental services are available near Akigawa Station. The main station in the area is Musashi-Itsukaichi, where taxis can be hailed. Many Akiruno destinations are also reachable on foot from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. 

Accommodations 
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in Akiruno and Hinode’s quiet charm, an overnight stay is highly recommended. The area offers a variety of options, from cottage stays at Shizenjin Mura to scenic campgrounds nestled in the natural surroundings. Wherever you choose, be sure to book in advance, especially on weekends or during peak seasons.