Living in Tokyo is an amazing and thrilling experience, with numerous activities to do each week. Sometimes, however, we also need to take a break from the city and relax in nature. Luckily, Tokyo is more than the capital of Japan. In the Western part of this prefecture, you can find a wide and natural extension named Tama. This lesser-known region has many nature-related activities such as mountain hiking, riverside walks, dining in cozy cafés surrounded by wooded areas, and more.
With two rivers passing by and connected to the Okutama mountains, Akiruno is one of the cities you can find there. In September of last year, I had the opportunity to take a day trip from central Tokyo. I can confirm that this city serves as the perfect gateway from the beating heart of the capital, allowing for a peaceful escape to explore its serene and more rural side.
Fukasawa Tiny Museum: An Artist’s Fairytale Café in the Mountains
Our first stop during our day trip in Akiruno was the Fukasawa Tiny Museum, one of the most peculiar places in town. Although it is possible to reach it by foot from Akiruno City, it will take 45 minutes uphill. Therefore, I highly recommend using a car to reach this distinctive museum.
If you don’t mind walking, the lush nature there is incredible. Depending on the season, you will get a different landscape. In my case, it was September, so the green colors were predominant. If you visit this area in June, you can also stop by the Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain.
But now, it’s time to discover this beautiful museum, where intrepid wooden dwarfs await your arrival. This museum opened in 2002 and is home to over 100 puppets and dolls made by the artist Akimitsu Tomonaga. Most of its creations, both the artworks and the building itself, were created with materials that can be found in nature, such as wood or stones.
After enjoying these curious puppets, you will reach one of my favorite parts of the museum: a beautiful café with wooden carvings made by the same artist. Next to the windows, you will see a pond with koi (carp). Sit there, have a cup of coffee, and savor the peaceful beauty of this place.
Do-mo Kitchen Canvas: Lunch Break
After enjoying the views and the art in the museum, we took the car and drove back to the city to fill our stomachs. There are many cute places to visit with mouth-watering food in Akiruno, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place there. Our choice was do-mo kitchen CANVAS, next to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, a beautiful restaurant with many tasty set meals, such as curry and Japanese “Hamburg” steak. Besides its irresistible flavor, all its dishes are created with local ingredients without additives.
Tea Room Mube: Cheesecake in the Cozy Tea House
We made sure to leave some space in our stomachs for dessert. We knew that Akiruno has beautiful coffee places spread around the city, and some are in rural areas next to farmers’ fields. Approximately 20 minutes from the restaurant by bus, there is Tea Room Mube, a cozy tea house where you can drink coffee or tea and eat a delicious cheesecake with fruits. You can choose between eating inside a rustic hall or its garden with seasonal flowers and mountain views. It was such a relaxing experience that I couldn’t believe I was still in Tokyo Prefecture.
Seoto-no-Yu: Shopping and Onsen Experience
Our last stop was unexpected but worth it. Driving back to the center of Akiruno, we discovered Seoto-no-Yu, a hot spring spa on the riverside. First, we visited Asatsuyu, a local food shop that sells vegetables and products from nearby farmers and makers. It’s a fantastic way to support local produce and is often visited by travelers looking to explore the local offerings. Next to the shop, we found a pleasant surprise: a free foot onsen located in front of the Seoto-no-Yu entrance. It was the perfect way to relax our feet on that humid day.
How to Get to Akiruno
If you don’t have a car, take the Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Hajima Station and change to the Itsukaichi Line to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, the last stop. From there, you can walk around the city, or you can also take the bus to go to further places. Some areas, such as the Fukasawa Tiny Museum, don’t have public transport, so you need to pay for a taxi or be ready to go on foot, keeping in mind that this is a mountainous area.
As an idea, you could travel there by public transport and rent a car in the area so that you can move freely around Akiruno, but you don’t need to go back to Tokyo by car and worry about the city’s traffic jams.
After my visit to Akiruno, I can’t wait to return. This fantastic place has captured my heart and is the ideal retreat when I need a break from the chaos of the city. Living in Tokyo isn’t just about exploring urban attractions; it’s also about uncovering the beauty of rural areas and natural landscapes. I hope you can visit this charming destination on your day trip adventures in Tokyo.
