東京都心から車で約2時間。そこには「本当にここ、東京！？」と思わず声が出てしまうような、大自然が広がる場所があります。島しょ部を除いて都内唯一の村、檜原村（ひのはらむら）。深い緑に囲まれた渓谷、澄んだ空気、夜空を埋め尽くす満天の星。和紙作りなどの伝統文化も息づき、移住者やクリエイターも集まるこの村は、知る人ぞ知る東京の秘境。今回は紅葉シーズンに訪れた檜原村の魅力を、たっぷりとお届けします！

Just a two-hour drive from central Tokyo, there's a place that will make you exclaim, "Wait, is this really Tokyo!?" Welcome to Hinohara Village, Tokyo's only village (excluding the island regions). Surrounded by deep green valleys, blessed with crystal-clear air, and crowned with a sky full of stars at night, this hidden gem preserves traditional crafts like Japanese paper-making while attracting newcomers and creators alike. Join me as I share the charms of Hinohara Village during the beautiful autumn foliage season!

都心から2時間！東京都唯一の村、檜原村へ
Just 2 Hours from the City! Tokyo's Only Village, Hinohara

檜原村は新宿から車で約2時間、奥多摩エリアに位置する東京都唯一の村(島しょ部を除く)。人口約2,000人、村の93%が森林という、まさに「東京の秘境」です。近年は豊かな自然環境に惹かれた移住者やクリエイターが増え、アートイベントなども盛んに行われています。古くから林業と和紙の村として栄えた歴史を持ち、今なお伝統が受け継がれています。秋川渓谷へも車で少しドライブすればアクセスできる立地。都会の喧騒を忘れ、心からリフレッシュできる場所として、感度の高い方からひそかに注目を集めています。

Located about two hours by car from Shinjuku in the Okutama area, Hinohara Village is Tokyo's only village (excluding island regions). With a population of approximately 2,000 and 93% forest coverage, it truly is "Tokyo's hidden sanctuary." In recent years, the village has attracted newcomers and creators drawn to its rich natural environment, with art events regularly taking place. With a long history as a forestry and Japanese paper-making village, these traditions continue to thrive today. It's also conveniently located just a short drive from Akigawa Valley. This place is quietly gaining attention among discerning visitors as a destination where you can forget the city's hustle and bustle and truly refresh your soul.

創造的な働き方を探究する「Village」でWORK & STAY
WORK & STAY at "Village" - Exploring Creative Ways of Working

今回訪れたのは、檜原村にある会員制ワークインレジデンス「Village」。ここは単なる作業スペースではなく、「街から川を遡り山の中へ」をコンセプトに、自然の中で仕事をし、地域と交流しながら創造的な働き方や生き方を探究する"ヴィレッヂング"のための場です。流域循環コミュニティとして、訪れる人々が自然に親しみ、地域の人々と繋がりながら、新しい価値観を見出せる空間になっています。東京の大自然に抱かれながら働く贅沢な時間は、きっと新しいインスピレーションをもたらしてくれるはず。企業研修なども開催できるのでぜひチェックしてみてください。

On this trip, I visited "Village," a members-only work-in-residence facility in Hinohara. This isn't just a workspace - it's a place for "villaging," based on the concept of "traveling upstream from the city into the mountains." Here, people work surrounded by nature, interact with the local community, and explore creative approaches to work and life. As a watershed circulation community, it's a space where visitors can connect with nature, bond with local residents, and discover new values. The luxurious experience of working while embraced by Tokyo's great outdoors is sure to bring fresh inspiration. Corporate training programs can also be held here, so definitely check it out!

クリエイターも集う檜原村で紙漉きを体験！
Experience Paper-Making in This Creative Haven

訪問時にちょうど開催されていたあきがわアートストリーム「アーツキャンプひのはら」での紙漉き体験に運よく参加することができました！和紙作家さんと一緒に檜原村で育てられた貴重な素材を使い、一枚一枚丁寧に和紙を漉いていく工程は、まさに五感で楽しむアート。木を剥ぐとここから体験させてもらえる貴重なイベント。素材の特徴や技の秘訣を教わりながら、味わいのある自分だけの和紙が誕生する瞬間は感動的ですらありました。墨と筆も用意されていて、手漉き和紙の温もりある質感を墨で書いた文字からも感じられました。自分の手で和紙を生み出す体験は、忘れられない思い出になりました。

During my visit, I was lucky enough to participate in a paper-making workshop at "Arts Camp Hinohara," part of the Akigawa Art Stream event! Working alongside a Japanese paper artist, using precious materials grown in Hinohara Village, the process of carefully making washi paper sheet by sheet was truly art for all five senses. This rare event lets you experience everything from stripping the bark off trees. Learning about the materials' characteristics and the secrets of the craft while watching my own unique paper come to life was genuinely moving. Ink and brushes were also provided, and I could feel the warmth of handmade washi paper through the characters I wrote with the ink. Creating washi with my own hands became an unforgettable memory.

秋川渓谷にかかる石舟橋で自然を堪能
Enjoy Nature at Ishifune Bridge Over Akigawa Valley

少しドライブして秋川渓谷へ。訪問時は11月下旬のちょうど紅葉のシーズン。清流と紅葉のコントラストが息を呑むほど美しく、最高でした！秋川渓谷のシンボル的存在である石舟橋は、渓谷に架かる真っ赤な吊り橋。人の歩く振動や揺れを感じながら橋の上から見下ろす景色は圧巻。写真映えも抜群です。周辺には「瀬音の湯」などの温浴施設、カフェやショップが入る「ヒノハラテラス」など、立ち寄りスポットも充実。自然散策の後に温泉で疲れを癒したり、地元の食材を使ったグルメを楽しんだり、大自然とともに一日中遊べる魅力がたっぷりです。

A short drive took me to Akigawa Valley. My visit in late November coincided perfectly with autumn foliage season. The contrast between the clear stream and the fall colors was breathtakingly beautiful - absolutely spectacular! Ishifune Bridge, an iconic symbol of Akigawa Valley, is a bright red suspension bridge spanning the gorge. The view from the bridge, feeling it sway with each step, was magnificent. It's also incredibly photogenic! The area is filled with great spots to visit, including hot spring facilities like "Seoto no Yu," and "Hinohara Terrace" with its cafes and shops. You can easily spend a full day here, soaking in hot springs after nature walks, enjoying cuisine made with local ingredients, and immersing yourself in the great outdoors.

東京にいることを忘れる満天の星空は一見の価値あり
A Starry Sky That Makes You Forget You're in Tokyo - A Must-See!

夜になると、檜原村の真価が発揮されます。空を見上げれば、そこには都心では絶対に見られない満天の星空。星で埋め尽くされた空を見ながら、「ここは本当に東京都？」と確認したくなるほど。深い森に囲まれた静寂の中、聞こえるのは川のせせらぎと風の音だけ。林業を行る木こり集団、東京チェーンソーズのような地域に根ざした活動をする人々の存在も、この村の魅力を深めています。都心の生活を完全に忘れさせてくれる檜原村は、「東京にこんな場所があったんだ！」という発見と癒しに満ちた、最高の穴場スポット。少し足を伸ばして檜原村を訪れることをおすすめします！

When night falls, Hinohara Village reveals its true magic. Look up at the sky, and you'll see a canopy of stars absolutely impossible to witness in central Tokyo. Gazing at the star-filled sky, you'll find yourself wondering, "Is this really Tokyo?" In the silence of the deep forest, all you hear is the babbling of the stream and the whisper of the wind. The presence of people deeply rooted in the community, like Tokyo Chainsaws, a forestry collective, adds even more depth to the village's appeal. Hinohara Village, which makes you completely forget urban life, is the ultimate hidden gem filled with discovery and healing - proof that "Tokyo has places like this!" I highly recommend taking a little trip out to Hinohara Village!