Escape Tokyo for a full-day climb into Okutama’s gorges—an 8-hour hike that links Kawanori Gorge, Hyakuhiro Falls and the summit of Mt. Kawanori. Expect steep hardwood trails, mossy cascades, and a rigorous day that returns to the city by evening.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks over Shinjuku and the city’s glass softens into mist as hikers board the rapid train west toward Okutama. By midmorning the concrete gives way to the carved channels of Kawanori Gorge; cold streams dare you to step closer while hardwood trunks loom like old guides. The route threads through satoyama slopes and mossy cascades, climbing steadily toward Mt. Kawanori’s modest summit.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Requires good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength; hikers should be comfortable with sustained uphill and technical footwork on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Okutama’s valleys historically provided timber and potable water for Edo/Tokyo; stone riverworks and satoyama fields reflect centuries of watershed management.
Conservation
This area is part of Tokyo’s mountain watershed—stick to trails, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing riparian vegetation to protect water quality and habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Hiking Adventure to Mt. Kawanori, into Tokyo’s Wilderness today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early
Trains and buses to Okutama run on set schedules; an early departure avoids crowds and gives ample daylight for the 8-hour route.
Hydration and calories
Carry 2–3 liters of water and calorie-dense snacks—the climb is sustained and access to shops along the trail is limited.
Footwear matters
Wear sturdy, grippy hiking boots—sections through the gorge are wet and rooty, making trail shoes risky when wet.
Watch the weather
Heavy rain can make streams run higher and paths slippery; tours may cancel in bad weather so check forecasts and guide alerts.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provide ankle support and grip on wet, root-strewn trails.
Water reservoir or 1–3L water bottles
Hydration is critical during the sustained uphill sections and gorge stretches.
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Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden mountain rain and keeps you warm in exposed sections.
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Trekking poles
Help with balance on slippery descents and reduce knee strain on the return.