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- Mount Kumotori — The park’s highest peak and a classic multi-day ridge hike: rocky scrambles, alpine meadows, and killer views (Fuji and the Northern Alps on a clear day). There are mountain huts if you want to break it into stages. (personal favorite — nothing beats that sunrise from the summit after a long night hike.)
- Mitsumine Shrine & the surrounding ridge forests — An atmospheric Shinto mountain shrine set deep in old-growth cedar forest, famous for its wolf guardian imagery. The trails around here are peaceful, mossy, and feel properly remote without too much effort.
- Mount Mitake and the Rock Garden — Easy access by train and cable car makes this a great day-hike: shrine, carved rocks, and a cool rock-and-water “garden” along the Tama River. Short loops or longer ridgeline walks
- Mount Kumotori — The park’s highest peak and a classic multi-day ridge hike: rocky scrambles, alpine meadows, and killer views (Fuji and the Northern Alps on a clear day). There are mountain huts if you want to break it into stages. (personal favorite — nothing beats that sunrise from the summit after a long night hike.)
- Mitsumine Shrine & the surrounding ridge forests — An atmospheric Shinto mountain shrine set deep in old-growth cedar forest, famous for its wolf guardian imagery. The trails around here are peaceful, mossy, and feel properly remote without too much effort.
- Mount Mitake and the Rock Garden — Easy access by train and cable car makes this a great day-hike: shrine, carved rocks, and a cool rock-and-water “garden” along the Tama River. Short loops or longer ridgeline walks make it flexible for any energy level.
- Okutama & Lake Okutama (Ogouchi Reservoir) — Big water, quiet shoreline trails, and dramatic valley scenery. Good for mellow hikes, wild camping (where allowed), and watching the light on the reservoir at dusk. A solid low-cost base for exploring the western side of the park.
- Nishizawa Gorge — A gorge hike with a chain of waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and easy footpaths—beautiful in early summer and spectacular in autumn. It’s a compact slice of dramatic river scenery without needing mountain-climbing gear.
- Nagatoro Iwadatami & the Arakawa river — Not purely alpine, but the sandstone terraces (Iwadatami) and river boating here are a refreshing contrast: shallow rapids, fun boat rides, and big exposed rock slabs for sunning or picnicking.
- Seasonal wildlife & flora — Spring rhododendrons and alpine flowers on higher ridges, vivid autumn colors, and the chance to spot Japanese serow, macaques, and a variety of forest birds. In very remote parts you should be bear-aware—use common-sense precautions and local advice.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.