Ome
青梅市
Things to Do in and Around Ome
Located at the western edge of Tokyo Metropolis, Ome City is a nature-rich area that can be reached from the city center in about an hour and a half. The scenic beauty of the Mitake Mountain area and the Tama River valley spreads out here, offering opportunities for hiking and river activities. The town also retains a retro Showa-era streetscape, allowing visitors to enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere.
Where is Ome?
Ome City is located in the western part of Tokyo, in the Tama area. It is the central city of Nishitama District, bordering Hannō City in Saitama Prefecture to the north, Akiruno City and Hamura City to the east, and Hinode Town and Okutama Town to the south. Situated about 50–60 km west of the Tokyo city center, it is a nature-rich area known as a gateway to Okutama. The Tama River flows through the city, and the terrain is characterized by being surrounded by mountains.
Getting Around
The JR Ōme Line is convenient for getting to Ōme City. From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chūō Line to Tachikawa Station, then transfer to the Ōme Line and you will arrive at Ōme Station in about an hour and a half. Ōme Station serves as the gateway to the city center, and for the Mitake Valley area, Mitake Station is the closest stop. Within the city, buses and rental bicycles are also available. Since it can get crowded with hikers on weekends, an early start is recommended.
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About Ome
Ome as the Birthplace of Japanese Cinema
Ōme City was once known as a “Shōwa retro town,” and was especially beloved as a town of movie billboards. During the heyday of cinema in the 1950s (Shōwa 30s), many movie theaters stood around Ōme Station, and for a time, hand-painted movie billboards remained all around the town as a reminder of that era. Even today, if you walk through the shopping streets in front of Ōme Station, you can still feel a somewhat nostalgic Shōwa atmosphere.
Mount Mitake and the History of Mountain Worship
Mount Mitake, rising in the northern part of Ōme City, has long been revered as a sacred site of mountain worship. At its summit stands Musashi Mitake Shrine, which is said to have a history of about 2,000 years. A particularly distinctive feature is the wolf worship known as “Oinu-sama,” in which wolves were venerated as deities that protected fields from harmful animals that damaged crops. Even today, many visitors come to pray for the health of their beloved dogs, and the shrine is popular as a rare place where people can worship together with their pets.
The Venue of the Ōme Marathon
The Ōme Marathon, held every February, is a historic citizen marathon that has continued since 1967. It features a 30 km division and a 10 km division, attracting about 15,000 runners from Japan and abroad. The course runs through rich natural scenery along the Tama River, and the warm support provided by citizen volunteers is also highly regarded. Running while receiving cheers from spectators along the route is sure to become an unforgettable memory for participants.
Tradition as a Village of Plums
Plums, which gave rise to the place name “Ōme” (“blue/green plums”), are a symbol of this region. Yoshino Baigō was once known as one of the foremost plum-viewing spots in the Kantō area. Although many plum trees were cut down due to viral damage, restoration has been progressing thanks to the efforts of local residents. Every March, the Plum Festival is held and has become a seasonal tradition that heralds the arrival of spring.