Step off the train at Ikusabata station (before Mitake station) and you'll instantly feel the city fade away, replaced by the crisp scent of cedar and the quiet hum of the forest. This small, unmanned station is your gateway to the beautiful Okutama region, offering a peaceful escape into nature. From here, you can embark on a leisurely stroll along the Tama River to the scenic Mitake Valley or tackle one of the more challenging mountain trails. Just be sure to pack water and snacks, as services are limited in this tranquil corner of Tokyo (although there are 2 classic Japanese vending machines located just outside the station which are always fun to try).

We also found that hardly anyone else got off the train here and instead continued onto the main Mitake station or Okutama station, but we found it was the most peaceful way to explore the area as after walking along a mountain road towards the beginning of the Mitake Valley riverside trail, you'll have the trail pretty much all to yourself as you head towards Mitake itself, passing herons fishing in the water, pausing to sit by the water's edge, walking past homemade jams for sale in locals' gardens with donation/honesty boxes, and seeing the valley unfold before you with striking views of forested mountain slopes appearing in front of you as you slowly make your way along. Then, once you reach Mitake, you can either decide to take the train back towards Tokyo straight from there or walk back along the river the way you came and get on at Ikusabata station instead (although please note there are more trains that go from and stop at the more popular Mitake station).