Last Updated: 21/06/2023
If you’ve seen enough of the capital’s attractions or would like a what-else-break into getaways beyond the city, there are plenty of excellent day trips from Tokyo worth your while! Only an hour's drive away, Okutama offers a reprieve from the metropolis with its collection of undisturbed nature and bird-laden streams. Mount Mitake provides beautiful rivers for fun on the water, which can also be attained on the lovely greenness of Lake Okutama. Scenic hiking trails cut through this exquisite landscape, offering a great alternative to river rafting, SUPs, river fishing, and canoeing!
Not too far away, Chichibu spins more exciting day trips from Tokyo as well. It offers just as much hiking and watersport opportunities, most of which revolve around the idyllic confines of the famous Nagatoro river. Chichibu is often touted as Japan’s secret paradise, and it’s easy to see why with its assortment of summer blossoms and clear lakes that hold up a mirror to the colorful foliage around them.
Day trips from Tokyo hardly beat adventures in Okutama and Chichibu, and here’s what to expect from these serene hideaways of Japan:
1. Rafting in Chichibu: Exhilaration in nature’s beauty
The Nagatoro river is a scenic section of the larger Arakawa River that journeys down from the slopes of Chichibu’s highlands. It is known for its beautiful spring and fall shades, and also for the feisty Nagatoro river white water rafting experience it offers!
Go on a Day Trip from Tokyo and Paddle Against the Thrilling Torrents of Nagatoro River in Chichibu!
Nagatoro, Saitama
Join with Your Friends and Family and Go Down the Torrent and Water Splashes in a Rafting Adventure
Nagatoro, Saitama
Nagatoro Rafting Experience Surrounded by the Great Nature and Close to Saitama's Downtown
Nagatoro, Saitama
2. BBQ rental in Chichibu
Experience the joy of outdoor cooking with a BBQ rental in Chichibu. It's a fun and delicious way to immerse yourself in local culture!
3. Go-karting on a professional racecourse
A world-class race circuit popular with racing bikes and cars, this circuit impresses with the sand-lined sunken layout. Go-karting is a joy on the scenic asphalt, with more options available in Chichibu and Sakura!
Challenge Yourself and Your Friend with Speedy Adrenaline-Inducing Go-Karting Race
Chichibu, Saitama
Feel Like a Formula 1 Racer in a Go-Kart Race
Chichibu, Saitama
Race Your Friends in an Exciting Go-Karting Experience in Saitama
Chichibu, Saitama
4. An adventure for thrill-seekers: Chichibu Geogravity Park
Chichibu Geogravity Park is an exhilarating park that's located within a gorgeous canyon. When you visit, you'll be swinging across the canyon as you walk on a suspended bridge, with your adrenaline pumping and your heart racing!
Canyon Walk & Fly at Chichibu Geogravity Park: Take a walk on the suspension bridge and zipline across Arakawa Valley
Arakawaniegawa, Chichibu City, Saitama
Jump from the bridge and swing across Arakawa Valley
Arakawaniegawa, Chichibu City, Saitama
5. Canoeing & Packrafting Tours in Chichibu
To fully appreciate Chichibu's beauty, consider canoeing or packrafting tours in the Nagatoro valley. It's a captivating way to explore nature's vibrant splendor!
Ride a Kayak and Flow Down the Calm Stream of Arakawa River with Your Pets and Kids
Nagatoro, Saitama
Packraft still water course in Nagatoro
Nagatoro, Saitama
6. River Boogie in Nagatoro
Unleash your adventurous spirit with a thrilling river boogie experience in Nagatoro. It's an exhilarating way to engage with the river's lively currents!
Powerful river boogie with a close water surface
Chichibu County, Saitama
7. Adventure in the clouds and a night under the stars
Discover the mechanics behind hot air balloons at a workshop before embracing the verdant splendor of Saitama from high above during a hot air balloon ride. Complement your adventure with a glamping experience, basking under the starlit sky of Kazo city for an unforgettable trip!
Night Glamping Experience and an Exciting Hot Air Balloon Flight During Sunrise in Saitama
Kazo, Saitama
Relish The Superb Nature Views at an Altitude of 1000m with Free-Flight Hot Air Balloon Experience!
Kazo, Saitama
8. Rafting in Okutama: Hold on to your hats
Rafting against the vigorous waves of the Tama river is an excellent way to get your mind off worries and reset your psyche. A day of battling forceful torrents ensures fun experiences perfect for a team-building affair or a family outing!
Family-Friendly River Rafting Adventure in Okutama
Ome, Tokyo
Ride the Natural Roller Coaster and Relish the Scenery from the Clear Stream Surrounded by Nature at Tama River (Half-Day Rafting Course)
Ome, Tokyo
Enjoy a One Day Full of Water Adventures: Exhilarating River Rafting & Shower Climbing Tour (Lunch Included)
Ome, Tokyo
Tama River Rafting Adventure and BBQ in the Fresh Forest!
Ome, Tokyo
9. Play in the waterfalls of Tama river
The 138 kilometers of the Tama river ensures a host of other pleasures beyond rafting. Waterfall climbing is a popular pastime here as well, and it’s an activity that highlights the best of life’s simple pleasures!
Exhilarating Shower Climbing Tours (Half-Day Adventure on Tama River)
Ome, Tokyo
Climb the splashing waterfalls, slide along the natural waterslides and play in the natural pool of Tama River! (1-day course)
Ome, Tokyo
10. Incredible riverboarding in Okutama
More Tama river delight comes in the way of riverboarding! Glide like a fish down the stream as you race your friends to the finish line. The Mitake valley offers flawless scenery to keep you occupied while you river board!
Discover the Thrill and Excitement of Riverboarding at Okutama!
Ome, Tokyo
11. Recharge your batteries with SUP in Okutama
For a therapeutic escape from Tokyo, an SUP in Lake Okutama replaces high-rises with forests of green and asphalt streets with turquoise waters. This double-delight experience also includes kayaking the famous Tamagawa river!
Half-day SUP Course Surrounded by the Breathtaking Greenery Nature
Ome, Tokyo
Refresh Your Energy in a One-day SUP Tour! (Easy access from Tokyo)
Ome, Tokyo
12. Okutama BBQ: Dine and drink with friends
Speaking of pleasures of the Mitake valley, this barbecue plan involving the best of local chicken, pork, beef, and fresh vegetables adds to the natural appeal with culinary goodies! It’s an excellent retreat from the hustle and bustle of Ome city!
Enjoy Delicious BBQ Food and Drinks with Your Friends with Beautiful Nature Surroundings at Mitake Valley
Ome, Tokyo
13. Canyoning in Okutama
Immerse yourself in the thrilling adventure of canyoning in Okutama, where the pristine waterways provide the perfect natural playground. This high-energy activity combines climbing, swimming, and sliding down rapids, offering an exhilarating way to explore Okutama's beautiful landscapes.
Canyoning (Half day)
Wadamachi, Ome, Tokyo
Full-scale canyoning (Half day)
Yugimachi, Ome, Tokyo
14. Canoeing in the majestic nature of Okutama
Spend a summer day in Okutama on its watery paradises of perfect weather and profound beauty. The splashes of color across the surface in the evening light are among the major reasons to be part of Okutama canoeing tours!
Extraordinary and Leisurely Canadian Canoeing Tour While Listening to the Voice of the Pleasant Wind and Birds in Okutama
Okutama, Tokyo
Relish the Nature of Tokyo in a One-day Beginner-friendly Canoeing Experience
Ome, Tokyo
15. Take in the soothing scenery on a relaxing bicycle ride in Okutama
Feel the fresh breeze of nature and hear the sound of flowing water while biking through the beautiful landscape of Okutama. Enjoy new experiences beyond your imagination in Tokyo!
Cycling tour around the nature of Okutama (Beginner-friendly course)
Okutama, Tokyo
In conclusion, Okutama and Chichibu offer a treasure trove of experiences for those eager to escape Tokyo's bustling city life, even if just for a day. Whether it's the thrill of kayaking, canoeing, and river rafting in Nagatoro, or the joy of simply soaking in the serene beauty of these picturesque locales, there's no shortage of memorable activities to enjoy. Your journey awaits - come discover why Okutama and Chichibu are such beloved destinations, ripe with adventure, culture, and the enduring charm of nature's wonder!
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat are the top attractions in Okutama for a one-day trip?
AOkutama offers a plethora of attractions, from the serene Lake Okutama and picturesque Mitake Gorge to the thrilling Hossawa Falls and historic Mt. Mitake.
QHow do I reach Okutama from Tokyo?
AThe easiest way to reach Okutama is by train. You can take the JR Ome Line from Tokyo Station directly to Okutama Station.
QWhat are some recommended activities in Okutama?
APopular activities in Okutama include hiking, kayaking, visiting the sake brewery, and exploring the nature trails.
QWhat is the best time of year to visit Okutama?
AWhile Okutama can be visited any time of the year, the seasons of spring and autumn are particularly beautiful due to blooming flowers and vibrant fall colors respectively.
QWhat are the top attractions in Chichibu for a one-day trip?
AIn Chichibu, you can visit places like the Chichibu Shrine, Hitsujiyama Park, and the Nagatoro River. The Chichibu Night Festival is also a major attraction if you visit in December.
QHow do I reach Chichibu from Tokyo?
AChichibu can be reached from Tokyo by taking the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station.
QWhat is the best time of year to visit Chichibu?
AChichibu is beautiful year-round, but spring is particularly stunning due to the blooming of pink moss at Hitsujiyama Park. December is also an excellent time to experience the Chichibu Night Festival.