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Sakai River Greenway

4.3
·16 reviews·Machida, Japan

A local gem offering scenic lake loops and rewarding summit views, perfect for relaxed hikes and trail running.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful hikes.

CrowdLow
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Sakai River Greenway - Image 1

Sakai River Greenway

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful hikes.

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A local gem offering scenic lake loops and rewarding summit views, perfect for relaxed hikes and trail running.

4.3
(16 reviews)

"A hidden gem with great views, perfect for a peaceful escape and trail running."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 16 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mount Kusado Summit

Mount Kusado Summit

Machida City

Highest peak in Machida City, offering panoramic views of Sagamihara and Hachioji.

Lake Shiroyama Loop

Lake Shiroyama Loop

Near Lake Shiroyama

An easy, family-friendly walk around the lake and dam, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Sakai River Source

Sakai River Source

Near Mount Kusado

Discover the origin of the Sakai River, a peaceful spot for nature lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Trail Running Scene

While not as famous as Mount Takao, the Sakai River Greenway is a popular spot for trail runners, especially on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for weekdays. The area offers a refreshing escape with scenic views and a connection to nature.

Plan for Limited Amenities

Some previously available amenities, like an observation hut and covered lunch areas, have been removed. While there are benches for resting, it's wise to pack your own food and water, especially if you plan a longer hike. Nature Factory Machida offers restrooms.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful hikes.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy the trail before peak runner hours.
Crowd
Medium

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. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

Essential for navigating the trails, especially if you plan on trail running. Reddit

💧 Pack Snacks & Water

Limited amenities mean bringing your own provisions is a good idea. Reddit

🚻 Restrooms at Nature Factory

Nature Factory Machida offers restroom facilities before or after your hike. Reddit

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. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

Essential for navigating the trails, especially if you plan on trail running. Reddit

💧 Pack Snacks & Water

Limited amenities mean bringing your own provisions is a good idea. Reddit

🚻 Restrooms at Nature Factory

Nature Factory Machida offers restroom facilities before or after your hike. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(16 reviews)

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

Peaceful local atmosphere
Scenic lake loop
Panoramic summit views

What People Dislike

Removed amenities
Can be busy on weekends

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a free parking lot available at Lake Shiroyama, which provides convenient access to the area. Reddit

Yes, you can head to Takaosanguchi Station via Kusado Pass, which is part of a popular route for hikers and runners. Reddit

Many visitors start from Nature Factory Machida after taking the bus from Aihara Station, or from the Lake Shiroyama parking lot. Reddit

Yes, public transport options like buses from Aihara Station make it accessible, though it's a bit of a journey. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Sakai River Greenway is a natural area and does not have an entrance fee, making it a free outdoor activity. Reddit

As a natural greenway, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official operating hours. Reddit

No, booking tickets is not necessary as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime. Reddit

There are no official restrictions, but it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

Yes, you can enjoy a short walk or a quick visit to the Sakai River source, or opt for longer hikes. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Greenway offers various trails, including an easy walk around Lake Shiroyama and more challenging routes popular with trail runners. Reddit

Yes, there are several benches available along the routes for resting and enjoying the scenery. Reddit

The terrain varies from gentle paths around the lake to more rugged trails suitable for running and hiking. Reddit

Absolutely! The easy walk around Lake Shiroyama is very family-friendly. Reddit

The natural environment of the Greenway makes it a potential spot for bird watching, though specific information is limited. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within the Greenway itself. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit. Reddit

While there are benches, the covered areas for lunch have been removed. Picnicking is possible, but be prepared to pack out all your trash. Reddit

Nature Factory Machida might offer some basic refreshments, or you can find dining options in nearby towns like Machida or Hachioji. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended due to the lack of food services on-site. Reddit

No specific food recommendations are available, but packing portable and easy-to-eat items is practical. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture panoramic views from Mount Kusado, scenic shots of Lake Shiroyama and its dam, and the natural beauty of the river source. Reddit

Yes, the varied terrain, from the lake to the mountain vistas, offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. Reddit

The Matsumidaira Observatory on Mt. Kusado offers great views of Sagamihara City, and the lake offers picturesque scenes. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone in the area. Reddit

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