Tama Nature Trail - Recommendation for an easy hike with rich nature and beautiful bamboo forest

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Tama Nature Trail - Recommendation for an easy hike with rich nature and beautiful bamboo forest

Tama Nature Trail

Wooden fence trail and dirt path along bamboo grove on Tama Nature Trail

The Tama Nature Trail is a 4.2 km walking path in Tama Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, running from Yomiuri Land-mae Station on the Odakyu Line to Inada-Tsutsumi Station on the JR Nambu Line.

It is an easy hiking course suitable for beginners and families.

Guide map showing route and highlights of Tama Nature Trail Course 3

Opened in 1972, it was the first nature trail in Kawasaki City.

The trail passes through the undulating natural terrain of the Tama Hills on dirt paths.

Along the way, there are many historical sites and attractions including the Agricultural Technology Support Center, Jufukuji Temple, Ozawa Castle ruins, and Suge Yakushido Hall, allowing you to enjoy both nature and history.

This article introduces the route (approximately 1 km) from Yomiuri Land-mae Station on the Odakyu Line, entering the Tama Nature Trail and exiting onto the road facing Yomiuri Land amusement park, Nippon Television Ikuta Studio, and Tokyo Verdy training ground.

Enlarged map of Tama Nature Trail Course 3 with featured route highlighted

Odakyu Line Yomiuri Land-mae Station

The starting point is Yomiuri Land-mae Station on the Odakyu Line.

After exiting the ticket gate, cross the pedestrian bridge to the north exit.

Signboard with arrow pointing to Tama Nature Trail and pedestrian bridge stairs Pedestrian bridge corridor at Yomiuri Land-mae Station with blue handrails Town view and buildings seen from pedestrian bridge at Yomiuri Land-mae Station Railroad crossing and station street viewed from pedestrian bridge at Yomiuri Land-mae Station

After crossing the pedestrian bridge to the north exit, cross the crosswalk and take the road on the right (center of photo).

Crosswalk at intersection and station street with passing cars

When you see the sign saying Dead End Ahead, turn right.

Old warning sign saying Dead End Ahead No U-Turn

There is a stylish cafe along the way.

Wooden exterior and signboard of Cafe de Shuro surrounded by climbing plants

Follow the directional signs.

Signpost showing current location and direction on Tama Nature Trail

You have arrived at the entrance to the Tama Nature Trail.

Narrow dirt path leading to Tama Nature Trail entrance and conservation area marker

Walking the Tama Nature Trail

Now let us walk along the Tama Nature Trail.

Tama Green Conservation Area marker and trail entrance surrounded by bamboo

As you can see in the photo, the Tama Nature Trail is well maintained.

After walking for a while, you will come to a junction.

Information board showing current location at trail junction and stairs leading into forest

Going straight leads to a flat trail, but let us take the stairs on the right to walk through the forest.

Hill Climbing Course

Forest slope of Tama Hills covered with fallen leaves and green trees Forest path covered with fallen leaves and narrow mountain trail

This is a nature-rich forest hill climbing course, but since it is well maintained with proper paths, it is an easy course for families.

Hill slope surrounded by trees with fallen leaves covering the forest walking path Dirt path through grove of trees and forest road covered with fallen leaves

5 Minutes to the Summit

After climbing for about 5 minutes, you will reach the summit.

Komorebi no Mori information board and narrow dirt trail continuing alongside

The summit offers somewhat open views, and you can see the town through the trees.

Town view seen through trees from clearing near summit Clearing near summit surrounded by trees with bench Distant town view through trees and handrail on slope Viewing area with trees and benches overlooking from summit clearing

Tables are installed, so you can also enjoy resting or having lunch.

Wooden table and bench at summit rest area

Safe Descent

From the summit, descend back to the trail.

Descent path on slope with bamboo fence and fallen leaves Forest downhill path with town view and trail along bamboo fence

The route is well maintained, so you can walk safely without getting lost.

Wooden stairs descending forest slope with surrounding trees

The town that was previously hidden by trees is now visible.

View of residential area on hills seen through trees

We have returned to the main trail.

Paved trail along bamboo grove with signpost showing current location

From here, it becomes the bamboo grove course.

Beautiful Bamboo Grove

One of the highlights of the Tama Nature Trail is walking through the beautiful bamboo grove path.

Curving trail through bamboo grove with bamboo fence Gravel path surrounded by bamboo grove with wooden fence Trail passing bamboo grove with wooden stairs on left Trail with wooden fence overlooking bamboo grove with information board nearby Curving trail with wooden fence along bamboo grove and straw fence Trail along bamboo grove with distance marker to Yomiuri Land-mae Station

Speaking of bamboo groves, Sagano in Kyoto is famous, but this bamboo grove path is just as beautiful.

Curving trail with wooden fence along bamboo grove and straw hedge Narrow trail continuing through bamboo grove extending on both sides

Nature Hiking

After the bamboo grove ends, the path becomes a countryside trail. This section has no particular elevation changes, allowing you to walk on flat ground surrounded by nature.

Flat dirt trail surrounded by bamboo grass with winter-bare trees

After walking for a while, you will arrive at Tamami Fureai no Mori.

Tama Nature Trail signpost and wide dirt path surrounded by trees Tamami Fureai no Mori entrance marker and path continuing into mountain trail

Tamami Fureai no Mori

Tamami Fureai no Mori is a nature park along the Tama Nature Trail.

With an area of approximately 16 hectares, the natural environment of the Tama Hills is preserved here.

Asao Tamami no Mori no Kai Wisteria trellis and bench in clearing at Tamami Fureai no Mori Wooden bench under wisteria trellis and rest area in clearing

If you visit in spring, you can see beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom.

Light pink cherry blossoms and young leaves on branch tips

To the Road

Upon exiting Tamami Fureai no Mori, you will immediately reach the road.

Road near trail exit with curve warning sign

This is as far as we introduce in this route. Going right on this road leads to Nippon Television Ikuta Studio and Inada-Tsutsumi Station. Going left leads to Yomiuri Land.

Experience Rich Nature in 1 Hour 30 Minutes

The route introduced here takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.

On the Tama Nature Trail, you can enjoy casual hiking while feeling close to nature.

There are also many wild birds and insects living here, allowing you to observe nature up close.

With a small mountain that takes only about 5 minutes to climb and bamboo groves, the trail offers a rich variety of scenery that makes walking truly enjoyable.

Please come and enjoy nature walking on the Tama Nature Trail.

Tama Nature Trail entrance surrounded by bamboo grass with Tama Green Conservation Area marker