Rainy Season is the Best Time: A Weekend Guide to Akiruno's Akigawa Gorge

Why Akigawa Gorge is a Hidden Gem in Rainy Season

During the summer river swimming season, the parking lots in the Joriki area are perpetually full.
But June is a lull in the crowds — you can walk along the gorge with few other people, and the sound of the river carries clearly.
The Akigawa River is one of the largest tributaries of the Tama River, and the approximately 20 km stretch from Akiruno City to Hinohara Village is known as the "Akigawa Gorge."
According to the Akiruno City official page, this is the moment just before the fresh green turns to deep green — when the gorge's greenery is at its most vivid.

The rainy season rains nourish the mountains, and on some days the river's clarity actually increases.
It's easy to think of rivers as something to visit on sunny days, but the mountain stream viewed in the soft light of overcast skies has its own kind of appeal.

The 15,000 Hydrangeas of Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain Are at Their Peak

One place you'll want to visit during rainy season is Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain.
Local resident Chuichi Minamisawa has been planting hydrangeas single-handedly for nearly half a century, and today approximately 15,000 plants blanket the hillside.
Pink, blue, and white bloom in a riot of color, and the sight stretching from the forest road all the way to the summit is even more impressive in person than in photos.

According to the Akiruno Tourism Association, the peak viewing period is typically mid-June to early July.
Visiting hours are 9:00–17:00, and there is a voluntary admission fee of 600 yen for adults and 400 yen for elementary school students.
From JR Itsukaichi Line's Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, it's about a 40-minute walk, or you can take a limited-time paid shuttle bus (300 yen one way).
There is no parking lot, so please use coin parking near Musashi-Itsukaichi Station.

The Ishifune Bridge and Seoto-no-Yu: A Perfect Gorge Walk Combo

Heading toward Joriki by Nishi Tokyo Bus from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, you can enjoy a combined course taking in Ishifune Bridge and Seoto-no-Yu hot spring.
Ishifune Bridge is a 96-meter suspension bridge spanning the Akigawa River — the contrast of lush green gorge and crystal-clear water viewed from the bridge is something special.
About a 5-minute walk from the bridge, Akigawa Gorge Seoto-no-Yu is an alkaline simple sulfur spring where you can wash away the weariness of your walk.

Hours are 10:00–22:00 (closed Tuesdays, closes at 21:00 December–March), with admission 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.
The adjoining local products corner "Asatsuyu" also sells vegetables and processed goods from Akiruno.

River Swimming and Barbecue at Joriki

If you're looking for something a bit livelier, head to the Joriki area, about a 10-minute drive west of Musashi-Itsukaichi Station.
This area, where the Akigawa and Yozawa rivers meet, has a wide riverbed with shallow water, making it ideal for families with children.
Joriki Land lets you enjoy barbecue and river swimming at the same time.
In early June, sweetfish fishing on the Akigawa opens for the season, and you can savor freshly caught ayu at riverside restaurants.

Dining Around Musashi-Itsukaichi Station

Akiruno City is known as a producer of "Akigawa Yuzu," and yuzu-infused souvenirs and processed goods are available at shops around the station.
Inside JR Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, there is an Akigawa Gorge tourism information corner where you can gather brochures and information on local products.
The Kumakawa to Akigawa Gorge area has many restaurants, with a line-up of distinctive spots including dining venues in old folk houses and mountain vegetable French cuisine.

Head Out to Akigawa Gorge This Rainy Season Weekend

By train it's about 1 hour 15 minutes from Shinjuku; by car via the Ken-O Expressway Akiruno IC, major spots are about 20–25 minutes away.
Rainy season weekends — when you can avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in nature — are truly the best time to experience what Akigawa Gorge is all about.
See the hydrangeas, walk the gorge, soak in the hot spring, and enjoy local ingredients.
For anyone living in western Tama, you can hit everything in a single day.
Add it to your list of places to visit this weekend.

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