Yama no Furusato Mura

In addition to providing the people of Tokyo with a safe place for recreation, Yama no Furusato Mura has natural park facilities for protecting the region's exceptional natural environment. Here, where the clear water of the Saiguchi Stream flows along the foot of Mt. Mito to Lake Okutama, were located the three villages of Hisashi, Minami, and Kukizawa. Stories of these villages are passed down through the Kashima Dance (kashima odori), which was once designated an important intangible folk-culture property by the national government. The facilities of this park were designed to evoke images of the former mountain villages.

• Address:
  1740 Oaza Kawano, Okutama-machi
• Start of public use:
  October 31, 1990
• Public area:
  302,308.57 m2 (74.7 acres)

There are several nature trails in the park and the surrounding region. For example, there is a lake shore trail that runs alongside the lake, from the ukihashi (floating bridge) to the park, as well as trails along the mountain ridge, where you can come in close contact with nature. All of our trails offer you a fun walking experience, where you can enjoy Okutama's natural splendor.

This trail passes through the lakeside picnic area, runs alongside the lake, curves around the cape, and then returns along the mountain ridge. While on this course, you can enjoy various natural landscapes. If you walk quietly, wild birds and squirrels might even pass right before your eyes!

This trail passes on the side of the Craft Center and then ascends to the mountain ridge. The trail then takes you through the Akamatsu (Red Pine) Field and the Hisashi Forest, and finally, through the campgrounds. Fallen walnuts with round holes and dry pine cones lie on the ground. Whose work is this? Take a guess!

This trail takes you by the former Kamo Shrine and then across a wooden bridge over the river. After passing Okutama Shuyu Road, which offers you a view of wasabi fields and charcoal kilns, the trail heads down along the mountain ridge. The remnants of wasabi fields and charcoal kilns on either side of the road offer a glimpse of traces of life from long ago.

This trail was created as a path to the log cabin from the parking lot for cabin guests. Along the trail, you can find a great variety of wild plants, as well as an old-growth forest with pin oak trees and Japanese chestnut trees. With so many things to see, this trail is great for a leisurely stroll!

This is a flat trail alongside the lake, taking you over the gently swaying ukihashi (floating bridge) to Yama no Furusato Mura.

At an elevation of between 550 to 680 meters (1,804 to 2,231 feet) above sea level, in addition to forests of mainly pin oaks and Japanese chestnut trees, you can also see remnants of former villages. You can also simply enjoy views of various natural formations: lakes, streams, valleys, and mountain ridges.

• Operating hours:
  The park is open all year round. Okutama Shuyu Road is closed at night, so you will not be able to reach the park by car.
• Closed on:
  The park is open 365 days a year. The campgrounds, cabins, and visitor center are closed during the New Year holidays.
• Entrance fee:
  Free
• Access:
  If you are arriving by train, take the JR Ome Line to Okutama Station, and then take the bus to the Ogouchi Jinja Mae bus stop. Cross the ukihashi (floating bridge), and then take the lake shore trail, Okutama-kohan no Komichi, alongside Lake Okutama for about 40 minutes.
  If you are arriving by car, take the Chuo Expressway and get off at the Hachioji Interchange. Continue toward Lake Okutama for about 1 hour 50 minutes.
• Free shuttle bus:
  Yamasemi buses are available. Each bus accommodates 24 passengers. We prioritize parties of 10 or more people. To use this bus service, please make a reservation in advance.
• Parking lot:
  132 parking spaces (five of these spaces accommodate large buses)

• Visitor center
  Telephone: 0428-86-2551
• Camping Service Center
  Telephone: 0428-86-2324
• Craft Center
  Telephone: 0428-86-2556