Ome City, Tokyo
A Walk Through Mitake Gorge The Tama River Beneath the Bridge and an Autumn Stroll
The Mitake Gorge walking trail is centred around JR Mitake Station and stretches for about 4 km along both banks of the Tama River. As soon as you leave the car and take to the trail, the river and autumn trees feel much closer. Let me tell you about a chilly morning when I pulled my jacket close and looked up at the bridge.
Join me for my autumn walk by the river, from the chilly morning when I pulled my jacket close to lunch in Sawai.
AutumnA morning among the autumn leaves
I Pull My Jacket Close and Listen to the River
As I stepped down to the path through Mitake Gorge, the Tama River suddenly sounded close. Water struck the huge rocks, split into different channels, then came together again. Beyond them, a bridge crossed the river, with the town stretching along its banks beneath the mountains. From down here, the river looked bigger than I’d expected after seeing it from the road, and I stopped in my tracks.
I pulled the front of my black jacket closed with both hands. I’d paired a pale lavender top and denim shorts with tights for autumn, but the air by the river was cold enough to chill my cheeks. Just as I thought, “That’s cold,” I looked up and saw the trees changing colour beyond the bridge. Still clutching my jacket, I couldn’t help smiling.
From a distance, it looked like one steady current. Up close, the water surged white against the rocks, then settled as it flowed away. Even the sound changed when I moved to a different spot. I thought I was walking, but before long I’d stopped again. Today, I was enjoying picking a spot that caught my eye and watching the river more than covering ground.
The walking trail runs for about 4 km along both banks of the Tama River. It also leads past museums and towards Sawai, making for a walk with more to it than the scenery. After taking in Mitake Bridge, I wandered on a little at a time, wondering what the river might look like from the opposite bank. I was already curious about where the trail would take me next.
There’s soba, udon and oden to enjoy at Sawanoi Garden in Sawai. After walking beside the river, the first mouthful of warm udon was enough to make my shoulders relax. I’d only meant to grab something to eat, but even that warmth after the cold breeze felt like a treat. Deciding what to eat after a walk is part of the trip, too, isn’t it?
Before heading home, I stopped once more where I could see the bridge and river. I’d come thinking I’d see the autumn leaves, but now I wanted to remember the water curling around the rocks and the sound it made, too. That morning view, with my jacket pulled close, is clearer in my mind than any photo. Next time I come to Ome, I want to make proper time to get down to the river again.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
What to try along the way
Soba, udon and oden at Sawanoi Garden
Sawanoi Garden in Sawai is a place to try soba, udon and oden. After walking in the autumn river breeze, a bowl of warm udon was just the thing; I could feel myself relax. Even with a full stomach, I wanted to head back and listen to the river again.
Highlights
The Tama River Between Huge Rocks
The trail is lovely for a walk in any season. I watched the water split around the rocks and come together again, with a bridge peeking through the autumn leaves.
Museums Along the Riverside Trail
You can follow the trail to Gyokudō Art Museum and Kushi Kanzashi Museum. A ginkgo tree that’s a symbol of Mitake Gorge stands in front of Gyokudō Art Museum. Pairing the river scenery with a museum stop sounds like a lovely way to spend the day.
Route details
Mitake Gorge Walking Trail
The trail follows the Tama River from Mitake to Sawai. I stopped where I could see the bridge and listened to the rush of the water.
For this trip, I wanted time to leave the car and walk along the river, too. I liked being able to walk a little, then stop and take it all in.
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