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Okutama

Japan Travelogue Series: Okutama

For anyone hankering for the great outdoors that’s close to Japan’s busy capital of Tokyo, Okutama may just be the answer. Just a quick daytrip from the city, communing with nature and getting the much needed relaxation, head on to Okutama.

Okutama (奥多摩町) or Oku-Tama-machi is a town nestled in the western part of Tokyo. People began settling in the area from before the Jōmon period. Several archeological sites with ancient pottery have been located in the area. During the Yayoi period, rice was cultivated by the settlers in flat lands. Most of the area in modern day Okutama still remain covered with lush forests.

Okutama homesThe Edo period saw Okutama divided into 16 villages within Musashi Province. Each village had a person serving as mayor, a group leader, and a representative of farmers. Only high-ranking people were allowed to enter the area of Mount Takanosu for it was the hunting grounds of the elite and they wanted to preserve its richness.

Okutama became part of Nirayama Prefecture during the Meiji period and was divided into three villages: Hikawa, Kori, and Ogouchi.  The modern municipalities system was established on April 1, 1889. Hikawa was elevated to town status in 1940. In 1955, Hikawa town, Ogouchi village, and Kori village were combined to form the town of Okutama.

Today, Okutama has so many fun and exciting things to offer. You can hike up to Mt. Mitake or Mt. Odake, or take a luxurious dip in the crystalline waters of the nearby river. Hungry? Go fishing at the banks of Akigawa Valley and have the freshest meal. There are three fishing sites where you can rent fishing gear and everything else you need to grill your catch. Onsen spots line the area for a day of pampering yourself.

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