Breathe Deep in Okutama,
Tokyo’s Forest-Bathing Retreat​

On the outskirts of Tokyo, in the forest-rich Okutama area, surrounded by deep shades of green
and the soothing sounds of nature, one can’t help but pause and wonder: What does it take for
a metropolis to make you feel like you truly belong? Bustling entertainment? Tempting.
Fantastic food, rich culture, and deep-rooted traditions? Absolutely. Convenient access and
advanced infrastructure? Essential. Thriving communities built on shared values and a
welcoming spirit? Heartwarming.

But what if all of these are paired with something else we all need from time to time—open-air
vistas, green spaces, birdsong, and moments of stillness wrapped in the calm of nature? For
those considering Tokyo as their next travel destination or even their future home, the good
news is that this sprawling city of millions offers all of the above.

One of the best places to find that nature-soaked calm, far from the crowds and noise, is
Okutama. About a two-hour train ride from Shinjuku Station, this lush, mountainous corner of
northwest Tokyo is a notable part of the vast Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, which stretches
across Tokyo, Saitama, Yamanashi, and Nagano Prefectures. With peaceful valleys and forest
trails, Okutama offers countless ways to unwind your mind for a day, or longer.

Take it All In: Scenic Trails and Spiritual Sites

Step off the train at Okutama Station and you’re instantly welcomed by lush greenery, birds fluttering overhead as if to greet you, and an irresistible urge to explore. Luckily, many of Okutama’s top attractions are within easy reach on foot, so you can start your journey right away.

Just a 10-minute stroll from the station brings you to Hikawa Gorge, often considered “the entrance” to Okutama’s trails and mountains. Surrounded by deep forests and fed by the confluence of the Tama and Nippara rivers, the gorge features several suspension bridges that offer sweeping views of the valley. It’s a favorite day-trip spot for riverside barbecues and camping, especially on summer weekends, when visitors gather to cool off by the water.

About 30 minutes deeper into the trails, a short but invigorating hike leads to Atago Shrine, a peaceful, historic Shinto shrine perched on Mt. Atago. The path can be steep in places, but the unfolding scenery more than makes up for the effort. Nestled among trees and watched over by stone guardians, the shrine is small but quietly compelling. You’ll find yourself wanting to linger, offer a prayer, and simply soak in the stillness before descending back toward town.

Just a few minutes downhill, a vibrant five-story pagoda comes into view, standing gracefully against the backdrop of Okutama’s forested mountain range. Though not directly connected to the Atago Shrine, its proximity makes it a popular stop for hikers. You’ll find benches nearby, offering a quiet spot to take in both the pagoda and the forested backdrop.

Walk the Fragrance Road “Toke Trail,” Japan’s First Trail Designed Specifically for Forest Therapy

Forest therapy, also known as shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, is a concept developed in Japan in the 1980s in response to the country’s rapid urbanization. At its core, it reminds us of the value of occasionally stepping into nature, walking without hurry, listening to the sounds of the forest, and letting go of our watches (and phones) for a little while. Research has shown that forest bathing can help reduce stress, enhance sensory awareness, and improve overall mood.

With its many forested mountains and tranquil paths, Okutama is Tokyo’s prime destination for this nature-based healing practice. One of its most beloved spots is the 1.3-kilometer Fragrance Road “Toke Trail,” Japan’s first trail designed specifically for forest therapy, aimed to engage all five senses and promote deep relaxation. 

With a gentle 50-meter elevation change, the trail is mostly flat and lined with soft, aromatic wood-chipped paths that cushion each step. Benches, chairs, and aesthetic resting spots are scattered throughout, encouraging you to slow down and immerse yourself fully. Pause to listen to the birds, touch and smell the herbs and plants, and watch the quiet life of the forest unfold around you. 

Thanks to the scented wood chips paved along the way, you’ll enjoy a pleasant aroma throughout the trail, which is added to enhance the sensory and relaxation experience. A little over 400 meters of the trail is also wheelchair accessible, thanks to a special monorail system designed for greater inclusivity. To use the monorail, advance booking and an additional fee are required through the local Okutama Regional Promotion Foundation.

While walking the Toke Trail solo is easy and enjoyable, guided tours are also available through the Okutama Regional Promotion Foundation. Whether you go it alone or with a guide, what awaits is the same: fresh air, quiet calm, and a deeper connection to nature.

A Sip With a View: Coffee and Sweets by the Window at Dorapo Blue

Just a 10-minute walk from Okutama Station, Dorapo Blue is a quaint hillside cafe that captures the spirit of Okutama: tranquil, welcoming, and rich with sensory charm. From its peaceful setting and scenic views to its subtle fragrances and friendly owner, the cafe offers a gentle window into everyday life in Okutama.

Opened by Sadatsugu Hashizume in 2020, Dorapo Blue is his third eatery establishment, following successful ventures in central Tokyo and his hometown of Okutama, where he returned about 20 years ago. What was once his living room is now a spacious wood-inspired coffee lounge, where strangers gather for hand-brewed coffee or tea, handmade cakes, hearty lunch plates, and refreshing drinks—all made from scratch by Hashizume himself.

Some guests read quietly. Others gaze out the large window lined with colorful coffee cups collected throughout Hashizume’s career. Many browse the cafe’s eclectic decor, from vintage artifacts to a wall of blue plates, each one marking a year since he opened his first cafe in 1977.

But what most visitors treasure is the simple joy of chatting with Hashizume himself, who greets everyone with ease and warmth. “Time runs slowly in Okutama,” he says—and at Dorapo Blue, it’s easy to believe him.
As seating is limited and the cafe is run solely by Hashizume, it’s best to call ahead to ensure a spot. He may even ask what you’d like to order so he can begin preparing it before you arrive.

Satologue: Craft, Calm, and Creativity in the Okutama Mountains

Though long known as a day trip destination, Okutama is beginning to emerge as a deeper retreat, thanks in large part to Satologue, a stylish boutique hotel, sauna, and restaurant nestled deep within the trees of the Okutama mountains.

Satologue is run by Ensen Marugoto Co., Ltd., a company that promotes revitalization projects along railway lines. And that mission is visible in every detail: because the retreat is about a 20-minute walk from the nearest station, Hatonosu, Satologue’s staff members take turns picking up guests and welcoming them to the neighborhood. Upon arrival, they hand in a “local passport” containing essential information on how to make the most of their travels in the area, including discount tickets for purchases at local shops and restaurants. The passport is punctuated in an old-fashioned way, just as tickets in Japan once were before everything became digital.

During the short ride from the station to Satologue, the local guides share stories about the area, offering a personal introduction that feels more like visiting a friend than checking into a hotel.

Built on the site of an abandoned farmhouse, Satologue comprises three separate buildings: an accommodation wing, a lobby and restaurant, and a standalone sauna hut. The retreat features four minimalist, cozy rooms, each named after a local Japanese tree and offering sweeping views of the river and surrounding mountain greenery.

At the on-site restaurant, TOKIRO, guests can savor thoughtfully crafted meals while gazing out through a large window onto the tranquil mountain landscape. The sauna, available by reservation, is entirely private and includes a cold-water outdoor bath and a rest space to cool down in the heart of nature.

Guests can also participate in a variety of on-site activities, including harvesting from the garden, chopping wood, and enjoying evening campfires.

The lobby also features a free-flow beverage and snack bar, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. For those eager to see more, electric bikes and tuk-tuks are available for rent, making it easy to explore the surroundings.

And then there’s the dining—an exclusive full-course experience inspired by French cuisine and rooted in everything local: from Tama’s rivers and forests to its produce, shops, and community spirit. The fine dining is the craft of Satologue’s two young resident chefs, Yuta Komagamine and Kazuki Takanami, both of whom relocated from central Tokyo to bring their culinary creativity to the mountains.

Satologue is a breath of fresh air in the Okutama mountains. Whether you spend your time relaxing on your balcony, sampling the local cuisine, or exploring the lush greenery just beyond your door, a stay at this quiet retreat offers a refreshing and deeply personal escape into nature.

Plan Your Visit: Access & Seasonal Tips for Okutama

A trip to Okutama offers the best of both worlds: it’s easily accessible, packed with nature-rich experiences, and yet far removed from the noise and crowds of central Tokyo. While still part of the city, it feels like a world away. Whether you’re visiting for a few quiet hours or planning a full overnight retreat, Okutama proves that even in one of the world’s busiest capitals, nature is never far, and tranquility is always within reach.
If you’re heading out on a hike, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Even beneath the forest canopy, it can get surprisingly hot.

When to Visit

The best times to explore Okutama are:

• Summer: ideal for forest bathing and river activities
• Autumn: for brilliant foliage and cool mountain air
• Spring: for blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery
• Winter: serene and beautiful, though hikers should be prepared with proper gear and warm clothing

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 
Overnight stays are highly recommended for those who want to fully immerse themselves in Okutama’s quiet charm. Be sure to book accommodations in advance, especially on weekends or during seasonal peaks.