Okutama – Hiking Around Tokyo

From Li Kun.

The last time I hiked in Okutama was back in August 2023. This May, I returned with a friend—and as always, spring has a way of making everything feel fresh and alive.

I first hiked from Kori Station (古里駅) to Okutama Station (奧多摩駅) in mid-August 2023. This May, I started from Hatonosu (鳩ノ巣駅), passed through Okutama Station, and went all the way to Lake Okutama (奥多摩湖).

But honestly, the Kori to Okutama stretch still wins in terms of scenery. If you're short on time, you won't miss too much by skipping the part between Okutama Station and the lake.

I heard that some people have seen bears around Okutama, but I was lucky—only ran into a few monkeys.

On the way back, at a highway rest stop, I was listening to Teresa Teng’s album. Even though she passed away in 1995, I still love her music. I’ve always heard she was very popular in Japan decades ago, but when I asked some younger Japanese folks, none of them had heard of her.

If I don’t know the name of a flower, I just call it a “nameless flower.”       (名無しの花)

The water here is such a vivid green! I’d love to take a boat out on it.