Hinode
日の出町
Things to Do in and Around Hinode
Located at the western edge of Tokyo Metropolis, Hinode Town is a mountainous area rich in nature that can be reached from the city center in about an hour and a half. The clear stream of the Akigawa Valley and the beautifying hot spring known as “Tsurutsuru Onsen” are especially popular, making it a well‑loved spot where visitors can easily refresh themselves even on a day trip.
Where is Hinode?
Hinode Town is a nature-rich town located in Nishitama District in the western part of Tokyo. It borders Akiruno City to the east, and Okutama Town and Hinohara Village to the west. Situated about 50 km west of central Tokyo, it stretches along the Hirai River, a tributary of the Tama River, and is characterized by terrain surrounded by mountains that include part of Chichibu Tama Kai National Park. It is also close to Ome City and serves as a gateway to the Okutama area.
Getting Around
The JR Itsukaichi Line is convenient for getting to Hinode Town. From Shinjuku Station, it takes about 50 minutes on the JR Chuo Line to Haijima Station, then about 20 minutes on the Itsukaichi Line to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. Musashi-Itsukaichi Station serves as the gateway to the town, and from here you can take local buses to access various sightseeing spots. If you are driving, the nearest interchange is Hinode IC on the Ken-O Expressway. Since getting around within the town is basically by bus or car, using taxis is also recommended.
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About Hinode
Hinode Town is known as the smallest “town” in terms of area among the municipalities of Tokyo. However, despite its compact size, about 70% of the town is covered by forest, making it a valuable area where you can enjoy authentic nature experiences, even though it is only about an hour and a half by train from central Tokyo.
Tsurutsuru Onsen: A Popular Hot Spring for Beautiful Skin
If you visit Hinode Town, you should definitely stop by Tsurutsuru Onsen. As its name suggests, the alkaline hot spring water is said to make your skin smooth, and it is loved not only by locals but also by hikers stopping in on their way back from the mountains. A locomotive-style bus called “Seishun-go” runs from JR Musashi-Itsukaichi Station to the hot spring facility, so the journey itself is part of the fun.
Mount Hinode: A Hiking Course Recommended for Beginners
Mount Hinode, with an elevation of 902 meters, attracts many visitors every year as a famous “first sunrise of the year” spot, as its name (“Sunrise Mountain”) suggests. From the summit, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the Kanto Plain, and on clear days you may even see Tokyo Skytree and the skyscrapers of central Tokyo. The mountain trails are relatively well maintained, and the traverse route from Mount Mitake (Mitake-san) is also very popular.
Be sure to check the weather and prepare equipment suitable for mountain conditions before you set out.
The Great Weeping Red Hornbeam of Koji Jinja: A National Natural Monument
Within the town stands the Great Weeping Red Hornbeam at Koji Jinja (Koji Shrine), estimated to be over 800 years old. This tree has been designated a National Natural Monument, and because its form is extremely rare even within Japan, it has become a popular destination for plant enthusiasts and photographers. It shows different expressions with each season, from fresh green leaves in spring to colorful foliage in autumn.
A Town that Protects Tokyo’s Water Sources
Hinode Town is located in the headwaters area of the Hirai River, a tributary of the Tama River, and thus plays an important role in protecting Tokyo’s water sources. Walking paths have been developed along the clear streams in the town, and in summer you can see families enjoying playing in the river. It is also recommended to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and take a leisurely stroll while listening to the murmuring of the water.