Renting a Car in Western Tokyo & Yamanashi

While it is possible to visit parts of Okutama and Uenohara by train, renting a car gives you the most flexibility when exploring Western Tokyo and Yamanashi. Many hiking trails, cafés, hot springs, fishing spots, and scenic viewpoints are spread across the mountains and may require multiple bus connections or limited local transportation.

For the best experience, consider renting a car in Ome, Fussa, Hachioji, or Uenohara before heading into the mountains. Having a vehicle will make it easier to combine multiple destinations in a single day, including Okutama, Hinohara, Kosuge, and Uenohara.

If you plan to visit several locations in this guide, a rental car is highly recommended.

The closest rental location is at Fussa Station on the Ome Line.

Many of my own visits to this region were by car, which allowed me to explore smaller villages, local restaurants, and scenic spots that would have been difficult to reach by public transportation.

My Recommendation:

If you're planning to explore multiple destinations in this guide, consider renting a car in Fussa. The city is easily accessible from Tokyo and provides a convenient starting point for exploring the mountains and countryside of Western Tokyo and Yamanashi.

Fussa Station is an excellent starting point for travelers planning to rent a car and explore Western Tokyo and Yamanashi. From central Tokyo, Fussa can be reached by train from major stations including Shinjuku, Tokyo, Nakano, Kichijoji, and Mitaka. Many routes travel through or require a transfer at Tachikawa Station before continuing toward Fussa on the Ome Line.

Once you arrive in Fussa, you will find rental car options that provide convenient access to Okutama, Hinohara, Kosuge, and Uenohara.