Japan: West Tokyo

Where to go in West Tokyo?

Getting off-grid. Not your usual places to visit in Tokyo, but let me share with you spots you can consider in West Tokyo.  Thanks to my friend for driving around this area.

From Kichioji station, you can walk towards Inokashira Park 井の頭恩賜公園

There are a lot activities to do in this park from riding or rowing boats, go biking or just walking around the pond.  It's too early for sakura hunting during my visit, so it could be a bit dull for the end of February. 

After one or two hours drive, from urban to mountain view, the scenery changed to a great outdoor and rural setting.  We headed to Okutama with lush mountains, deep forest, and beautiful lakes. 

We had late lunch at Earth Garden 森の中のお肉レストラン アースガーデン

We missed to take photos of our food. But here's what we ordered for burger patty set.

We also visited the Mugiyama Floating Bridge 麦山浮橋

However, it was low tide during our visit, so it's only halfway bridge that is floating.

Ogouchi Reservoir Management Office 小河内貯水池 管理事務所

Walked along to see different angles of the reservoir.  There is a small wisteria garden area, but of course not yet in bloom during my visit  by end of February. You can opt to visit their museum about the water flow from Mt. Okutama to Tokyo area to Kawasaki area.

Then headed to Nippara Limestone Caves 日原鍾乳洞

This is the highlight of the day. In all of my trips to Japan, I'm not allowed to visit a cave.  And it's my first time to visit a cave in Japan.  It is cold inside. Passageway is too small and too low, so it is better to wear a helmet for goers.  There are still less signages in the area, easy to get lost for foreigners. But locals are able to roam around very well.

Ended the trip with dinner at yakiniku restaurant, Gyu-Kaku.