Sakai River Greenway
A local gem offering scenic lake loops and rewarding summit views, perfect for relaxed hikes and trail running.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful hikes.
Sakai River Greenway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A local gem offering scenic lake loops and rewarding summit views, perfect for relaxed hikes and trail running.
"A hidden gem with great views, perfect for a peaceful escape and trail running."
🚗 Parking at Lake Shiroyama
Utilize the free parking lot at Lake Shiroyama for easy access to the trails and lake loop.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the trails, especially if you plan on trail running.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Kusado Summit
Machida City
Highest peak in Machida City, offering panoramic views of Sagamihara and Hachioji.
Lake Shiroyama Loop
Near Lake Shiroyama
An easy, family-friendly walk around the lake and dam, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Sakai River Source
Near Mount Kusado
Discover the origin of the Sakai River, a peaceful spot for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Trail Running Scene
Plan for Limited Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking at Lake Shiroyama
Utilize the free parking lot at Lake Shiroyama for easy access to the trails and lake loop.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the trails, especially if you plan on trail running.
💧 Pack Snacks & Water
Limited amenities mean bringing your own provisions is a good idea.
🚻 Restrooms at Nature Factory
Nature Factory Machida offers restroom facilities before or after your hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking at Lake Shiroyama
Utilize the free parking lot at Lake Shiroyama for easy access to the trails and lake loop.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the trails, especially if you plan on trail running.
💧 Pack Snacks & Water
Limited amenities mean bringing your own provisions is a good idea.
🚻 Restrooms at Nature Factory
Nature Factory Machida offers restroom facilities before or after your hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Sakai River Greenway as a less crowded alternative to popular hiking spots, offering pleasant walks around Lake Shiroyama and rewarding views from Mount Kusado. It's a favored local spot for trail running and family outings, though some miss the removed amenities. The natural beauty and accessibility via public transport are key draws.
"I visited Minami Takao Seven Summits on November 24, 2025. Mt. Kusado is the highest peak in Machida City at 364m. From the Matsumidaira Observatory, you can see Sagamihara City."
TAKU NAN
"We used the free parking lot🅿️ at Lake Shiroyama and hiked around the lake (dam).
It was an easy walk, and families with children enjoyed it.
There was a wide view of Hachioji from Mt. Kusado. There were also several benches.
The source of the Sakai River is also nearby. I didn't go, so I can't share any details."
いあ
"Ever since Mount Takao was designated a Michelin star, it has become extremely crowded, so I've recently started visiting it as a daily training course.
It takes about an hour and a half to get to Takaosanshita from Nature Factory Tokyo Machida, via Kusadoyama and Kusado Pass.
It seems to have become more well-known as a trail running course recently, and it is full of runners on weekends, but it is still a hidden gem with few visitors.
There used to be an observation hut on Kusadoyama, but as of April 2025, it has been removed.
There are several benches for resting."
Mi Fu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the bus from the west exit of Aihara Station on the Yokohama Line (look for Lawson) and get off at Nature Factory Machida. From there, you can access the trails.
Yes, there is a free parking lot available at Lake Shiroyama, which provides convenient access to the area.
Yes, you can head to Takaosanguchi Station via Kusado Pass, which is part of a popular route for hikers and runners.
Many visitors start from Nature Factory Machida after taking the bus from Aihara Station, or from the Lake Shiroyama parking lot.
Yes, public transport options like buses from Aihara Station make it accessible, though it's a bit of a journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Sakai River Greenway is a natural area and does not have an entrance fee, making it a free outdoor activity.
As a natural greenway, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official operating hours.
No, booking tickets is not necessary as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime.
There are no official restrictions, but it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
Yes, you can enjoy a short walk or a quick visit to the Sakai River source, or opt for longer hikes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Greenway offers various trails, including an easy walk around Lake Shiroyama and more challenging routes popular with trail runners.
Yes, there are several benches available along the routes for resting and enjoying the scenery.
The terrain varies from gentle paths around the lake to more rugged trails suitable for running and hiking.
Absolutely! The easy walk around Lake Shiroyama is very family-friendly.
The natural environment of the Greenway makes it a potential spot for bird watching, though specific information is limited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the Greenway itself. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit.
While there are benches, the covered areas for lunch have been removed. Picnicking is possible, but be prepared to pack out all your trash.
Nature Factory Machida might offer some basic refreshments, or you can find dining options in nearby towns like Machida or Hachioji.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended due to the lack of food services on-site.
No specific food recommendations are available, but packing portable and easy-to-eat items is practical.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture panoramic views from Mount Kusado, scenic shots of Lake Shiroyama and its dam, and the natural beauty of the river source.
Yes, the varied terrain, from the lake to the mountain vistas, offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
The Matsumidaira Observatory on Mt. Kusado offers great views of Sagamihara City, and the lake offers picturesque scenes.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the trails leading to Mount Kusado are more challenging and popular with runners, the lower-lying areas and the lake loop provide plenty of engagement for younger visitors. The opportunity to see the source of the Sakai River can also be an interesting educational point for children. It's a good way to introduce them to hiking and the outdoors in a less intimidating environment than some of the more famous mountains.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners
Many runners use the route as part of their training regimen, appreciating the natural environment and the opportunity for varied workouts. The journey from Aihara Station via bus to Nature Factory Machida is a common starting point, allowing for a good warm-up before hitting the trails. Be aware that some facilities, like covered rest areas, have been removed, so plan accordingly for hydration and nutrition.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking and Trail Running
When planning your hike, remember that some amenities have been removed, such as the observation hut on Kusadoyama and covered lunch areas. However, benches are available for resting. The journey from Aihara Station via bus to Nature Factory Machida is a common starting point, offering access to restrooms before you begin your trek. Alternatively, parking at Lake Shiroyama provides direct access to its scenic loop.
For those interested in the 'Minami Takao Seven Summits' challenge, this area is a key part of that route. It's a great way to experience local nature and fitness culture. Be prepared for varying trail conditions and enjoy the sense of discovery away from the major tourist crowds.
Scenic Views and Nature
The area is also home to Lake Shiroyama, where an easy and pleasant walk around the lake and dam is a popular activity for families. The source of the Sakai River is another natural highlight, offering a tranquil spot to connect with the origins of this waterway. While the landscape is primarily natural, the views from higher points offer a sense of the surrounding urban and natural environment.
Even though some structures like the old observation hut have been removed, the natural beauty of the Greenway remains its primary draw. It's a place to appreciate local flora and fauna and enjoy the simple pleasure of being outdoors. The changing seasons can also offer different visual experiences, from lush greens in summer to more muted tones in cooler months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit