Above the Tama River

A little perspective on where I was in Okutama. For I was about to take a hike.

So this was a trail. Use to trails in America, I was about to see how Japan handles theirs. A bit of art at the start. 

Loved all the trees. So very much needed. What drew me to consider this walk.

Stone marker near the start of the trail. Lots of moss on rocks also. Despite it being Japan, it felt like being back in Oregon.

A look at the trail ahead. This part was rather level compared to a lot of it. I did have my concerns since I was wearing Onitsuka Tigers and this type of trail called for something more sturdy. So I took it slow. Which was fine because the reason I was there was to enjoy the scenery. 

Getting a glimpse back at Okutama. I had hoped to be able to see the river and more but lots of trees and brush limited views. Winter might be clearer.  

Narrow steep trail. Literally walking on the side of a mountain. More than once I could hear gravel falling from above with a small slide actually crossing the trail at one point.

A bit of blue sky to keep me company. 

Trees were hanging onto the rocky side of the mountain. Impressive root system.

Tiny stream of water also tricked down the rock face. 

Nice to find stone steps in a place or two. Also shows how narrow the path was. 

Finally a nice view of the Tama River and one of the suspension bridges. So lovely! 

That narrow path down to another path. 

I could see by the map I could attempt crossing the river there and head back towards the station or I could continue on the trail.

 I decided to sit and enjoy the view for a while.

Glad there was enough light to see the Tama River below.

The bridge was down below where I was at. Pretty much a climb down. That and not knowing how the trail was on the other side, if it wasn't passable meant having to climb back up, I decided not to cross the bridge this day.

 Looking back again at Okutama with the Tama River below.

The blue green color of the water was so pretty.

I decided to head back to town. Back on that steep narrow path. Nearest is where a bit of a landslide covered the path so it was almost above the railing. 

 A bit of rocky shore. From what I have read people fish and camp along the river although this day I didn't see anyone along this part of it. 

Looking back at the bridge. There are a few pedestrian bridges across the rivers in Okutama since it's also a very popular place to go hiking. 

Darkening sky meant it was time to get back to the train station. Melancholy feeling but in a good way.

With the main bridge in the distance I could see a support for where a bridge use to be.

Older sign at the beginning of the trail definitely had better days.

Along with an impressive stone squirrel. Much larger than Oregon squirrels. On top of a pillar. I think the stairs go up to another path up and across part of the mountains there. 

The roadway bridge through the trees. 

One last look at the Tama and Nippara Rivers. If I had crossed the one bridge over the Tama the path would have lead to the bridge in this photo and back to Okutama. 

Where the Tama and the Nippara Rivers converge. That blue green color...

Wandering in Okutama

One thing I noticed while walking in Okutama is how deserted it looked. It really isn't, just not that many people live in the area and most were either in school or working. Also likely that many take the train from Okutama to more populated places to work. Since there is no high school all those students have to go outside of town. 

It was really great to see the many older buildings, often well maintained. Interesting juxtaposition of this 1960's style street lamp in front of a definitely older building. 

Nearby I found this interesting garden with a number of statues and more in it. Hot pink ume blossoms were bright above a dark pond. 

 While lucky god Hotei looks pretty happy under an amazing ume tree.

I noticed a number of statues were leaning a bit. Including this large stone pagoda.

The number of different statues that were placed in this small area was interesting. Especially this lovely European lady with what looked like a wooden bird at her feet. I do not know if she was suppose to represent a Japanese god. 

Because right by her was an actual shrine and a carving of Buddha. Along with a stone lantern. 

 While it was chilly in Okutama I was in luck to see sakura blooming overhead.

Along with more ume blossoms peeking above a stone wall. 

I did not know it at the time but this is the start of the Mukashi Michi, a well maintained set of roads that people bike and walk to shrines, Fudo Falls and other points of interest. I really hope I can return and take a walk here. I found this site that has directions and information for the trail.

I did mention there are a number of older buildings in Okutama including this one with interesting metal shutters. 

Also fun to see is this green grocer next to the Oku-Hikawa Shrine. One of the few places I saw people. 

One of the other main bridges in Okutama. This one is over the Tama River. You can see how close the forest is.

The lovely blue green Tama River, which is one of the major rivers in the area and beyond. 

The river flows for 86 miles and was a water source for Edo (Tokyo).

More of the houses built on the slopes above the Tama River. 

Another look from this bridge. 

The decorative detail on this bridge is metal work of momiji or maple leaves. Possibly because Okutama is a favorite place for people to visit in Autumn when the leaves change color. 

Just a few more photos from around town. Decorative tiles in the sidewalk most likely created by children in the area. This squirrel caught my attention.

Just a few flowers planted to liven things up. 

One more look at the Nippara River. 

And the Tama River. However I am not done here. Because I did go for a short hike. Which will be in my next Okutama post.