The park contains a 250-year-old beech tree, often highlighted as a centerpiece of the forest's primary growth area.
It was established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government system.
The forest elevation is significantly higher than central Tokyo, often resulting in temperatures 5-8 degrees Celsius cooler.
The area is home to wild Japanese serow and various species of endemic mosses.
The trail system links directly to the summit of Mt. Mito, a major peak in the Okutama mountain range.
Hinohara Tokyo Citizens' Forest is a expansive mountain park located at an altitude ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 meters within the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. It serves as a major recreation area for Tokyo residents, featuring over 1,970 hectares of forested terrain. The site is characterized by its old-growth beech forests, which are among the few remaining in the Tokyo prefecture. A network of hiking trails connects various natural features, including waterfalls and observation decks. The park is managed to promote environmental education and forest conservation. It houses the Hinohara Forest Museum, which provides information on local ecology and woodworking. Visitors can access various routes ranging from gentle walking paths to challenging mountain ascents. It is part of the larger Fuji-Hakone-Izu and Chichibu-Tama-Kai conservation network.
The observation deck overlooking the forest canopy with Mt. Fuji visible in the background on clear days.
Bring a layered windbreaker regardless of the season, as mountain weather changes rapidly.
Ensure footwear is suitable for steep, unpaved forest paths rather than paved park walkways.
Check the official website for trail closures due to heavy rain or post-typhoon damage before departing.
Attempting to hike to the summit in casual street shoes or without sufficient water supplies, as there are no amenities once on the trails.
Closed on Mondays or the following day if Monday is a public holiday; closed during the winter season months.
Carry out all trash; stay on marked paths to protect sensitive moss ecosystems; do not remove any plants or volcanic stones.
