Ishibune Bridge is a picturesque, 315-foot span that across the Minamiaki River in western Tokyo. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Akiruno, just an hour’s drive from central Tokyo, boasts scenic countryside and plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing.
Surrounded by a range of mountains, including Mounts Mitake, Hinode and Mazukari, Akigawa Valley is another of Japan’s peaceful getaways from city life. I recently drove out there on a crisp, sunny day.
After parking in a free lot, I headed down stone stairs toward Ishibune Bridge, a picturesque, 315-foot span over the Minamiaki River. I crossed while taking in the sounds of nature, including water rushing over the rocks below.
Surrounded by a range of mountains, including Mounts Mitake, Hinode and Mazukari, Akigawa Valley is another of Japan’s peaceful getaways from city life. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
During the summer, an abundance of guests visit western Tokyo's Akigawa Valley for a dip in the river and to barbecue nearby. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Walking along a narrow, wooded trail, I came upon Seoto-no-yu, a popular onsen that offers a free outdoor foot spa. For a short time, you can sit, take off your shoes and soak your feet in the refreshing shallow pool.
I continued farther along the stone path and up a hilly, rocky pathway toward a flower garden called Otsu Hana-no-sato. During cherry blossom season, you can see weeping cherry trees, rhododendrons and other flowers.
The best time to see the flowers is from late March to early April.
Ishibune Bridge is a picturesque, 315-foot span that across the Minamiaki River in western Tokyo. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
After trekking uphill for a bit, I found some areas closed off due to the danger of collapsing rocks. A little disappointed, but grateful for the exercise, I returned downhill to the onsen.
For a longer rejuvenation period, Seoto-no-yu offers high alkaline baths for 1,000 yen, or about $7, for three hours per adult. However, no visible tattoos are permitted. It’s 500 yen for children.
People relax at Cafe Seseragi inside Seoto-no-yu in Akiruno, Tokyo. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Cafe Seseragi, inside the onsen building, offers a nice selection of food and beverages. Seating for about 45 includes regular tables and traditional Japanese tatami mat floor seating.
Just outside the cafe you’ll find more than a dozen chaise longues facing an open, grassy area for outdoor lounging.
Departing the onsen building once again, I climbed another set of stairs that eventually descended toward an area I had not visited. I quickly found another bridge, the Nagatake, that took me across the river.
Surrounded by a range of mountains, including Mounts Mitake, Hinode and Mazukari, Akigawa Valley is another of Japan’s peaceful getaways from city life. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
On the other side and below the bridge are cabins next to the riverbed that are available for rent. Signs warn of black bears and macaques, or snow monkeys, and to report them if you spot them.
During the summer, an abundance of guests come for a dip in the river and to barbecue nearby. There are plenty more areas to explore, including Odake Cave, about five miles away. With more time, I’ll be visiting again soon.
On the QT
Directions: About an hour’s drive from central Tokyo to the parking area at 1379 Tokura, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0173.
Times: Open all day. Nighttime hiking is discouraged.
Costs: Entrance to the valley is free. Seoto-no-yu’s onsen fee is 1,000 yen for adults; 500 yen for children.
Food: Inide Seoto-no-yu, Cafe Seseragi and Ishifune, a Japanese restaurant, offer plenty to choices. There are also vending machines near the cafe.
Information: Phone: 042-558-1111; Online: akirunokanko.com
