Hey, ever heard of Mt. Takao in the western suburbs of Tokyo?
It’s just about an hour away by train from central Tokyo. It’s the perfect spot to experience Japan’s countryside vibes and traditions, and to enjoy local delights. Apparently, it’s even recommended in the Michelin Guide, so it’s not just for Japanese but for international tourists too. There are plenty of food stalls around, so grabbing a bite while taking a stroll isn’t a bad idea either. Plus, hitting up the beer garden from spring to summer for some killer views sounds like a plan, right?
A. Start Walking from Takaosanguchi Station
The nearest station to Mt. Takao is Keio’s Takaosanguchi Station (marked as A on the map) . If you’re coming from Shinjuku, it’s easy to hop on the direct train from Keio Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station. If you prefer JR, just take the JR Chuo Line to JR Takao Station (marked as ❶ on the map), then transfer to the Keio Takao Line for Takaosanguchi Station. It’s about an hour’s journey from Shinjuku.
When you arrive at Takaosanguchi Station, head right from the ticket gate. You’ll quickly reach the entrance to Mt. Takao.
B. Entrance to Mt. Takao; Kiyotaki Station
There are three ways to climb Mt. Takao.
The first way is to hike up. From Takaosanguchi Station where you arrive, walk until you see Kiyotaki Station, and you’ll notice an uphill path on your right. There’s a stone monument at the entrance (marked as ❷ on the map), just like in the picture. This is the entrance of Number 1 Trail, and you can hike up Mt. Takao from here. It takes about 100 minutes to reach the top.
Second, you can ride a cable car.
Third, you can take a double-seat lift.
Whether you take the cable car or the lift, the station is Kiyotaki Station (marked as B on the map).
Points to keep in mind when hiking up;
If you’re hiking up the Number 1 Trail (Ichi Go Ro), casual attire is fine, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable sneakers or similar footwear for walking.
If you’re heading up different trails such as the Number 3, 4, 6 Trails or the Inariyama Trail, it’s recommended to make basic preparations for your hike:
– It’s better to wear clothing that allows easy movement rather than everyday attire.
– Slip-resistant hiking shoes are recommended for footwear.
– Use a backpack that leaves your hands free.
– Since you’ll sweat, clothing made from materials other than cotton is better.
– Rain gear should include both a waterproof jacket and pants.
– Don’t forget to bring a water bottle or something similar for staying hydrated!
❸ Sanjo Station (Lift Station)
If you take the lift, you’ll arrive at Sanjo Station (marked as ❸ on the map). This station is along Number 1 Trail, so from here it’s about a 40-minute walk to the top of Mt. Takao. There’s nothing much around this station, so if you need a break, it is recommended to head up a bit to the Takaosan Station (Cable Car).
❹ Tasty Treats around Takaosan Station (Cable Car)
If you take the cable car, you’ll arrive at Takaosan Station (marked as ❹ on the map). This station is also along Number 1 Trail, so from here it’s about a 40-minute walk to the top of Mt. Takao.
Let’s take a break here. There are plenty of tasty treats around this area.
Tengu-Yaki
Try the traditional Japanese cake shaped like a Tengu face. It’s filled with sweet black bean paste and is best enjoyed while it’s still hot.
Takaosan Cheese Tart
A rich cheese tart made with a blend of three types of cheese from Japan, France, and Denmark. Enjoy it warm and freshly baked in the cold season, or chilled in the hot season. The surface is branded with the characters ‘Mt. Takao’.
Mitsufuku Dango
“Mitsufuku Dango” is a traditional Japanese rice cake named after three “fuku” (fortune) ;”daifuku” (great fortune), “kofuku” (happiness), and “yuufuku” (prosperity). Enjoy them while they’re warm, served with slightly sweet walnut sauce.
Takaosan Beer Mount
If you’re up for a laid-back time with a beer and lunch, this beer garden is the perfect choice. After such a pleasant break, you might not feel like walking anymore, so it’s best to visit here after climbing to the top of Mt. Takao. A drink while gazing at Tokyo’s night view promises pure bliss.
Embrace Japanese tradition and culture; Takaosan Yakuo-In Temple
Once you’ve had enough rest, let’s head towards the summit of Mt. Takao. The common route to the top is through Takaosan Yakuo-in Temple, so let’s proceed through the temple grounds along Number 1 Trail.
Takaosan Yakuo-in (Temple) was founded in 744 AD and is renowned as a mountain of spiritual training; Shugendo. Practitioners of Shugendo traditionally undergo ascetic training while living in the mountains and fields. Even today, the temple boasts two waterfalls, Biwataki (Biwa Waterfall) and Jataki (Ja Waterfall), and serves as a training ground for waterfall meditation, offering individuals the opportunity to experience spiritual practices firsthand.
❺ Takaosan Yakuo-In Joushin-Mon (Joushin Gate)
As you continue along the trail, you’ll come across a gate resembling the one in the photo (called Joushin-Mon)(marked as ❺ on the map). If you prefer to take a different mountain trail without going through Yakuo-In Temple, you can proceed from here to another trail.
Before the gate (Joushin-Mon), to the right in the direction you’re heading is the entrance to Number 4 Trail, as shown in the photo. It leads to the summit via a popular suspension bridge enjoyed by visitors. It’s about a 50-minute walk from here.
Before the gate (Joushin-Mon), to the left in the direction you’re heading is the entrance to Number 3 Trail, as shown in the photo. This route winds through the forest and takes about 60 minutes to reach the summit.
❻ Otoko Zaka
Once you reach the steep stairs (Otoko Zaka) (marked as ❻ on the map) like the ones in the photo, you’re almost at Yakuo-in Temple. Just before these stairs, there’s a gentle slope (called Onna Zaka) to the right, so if you prefer to avoid these stairs, head to the right.
❼ Precinct of Takaosan Yakuo-In Temple
When you enter the precincts of Yakuo-in Temple (marked as ❼ on the map), you’ll come across a statue like the one in the photo. This is a statue of a Tengu, as Yakuo-in Temple is also known as a sacred mountain of Tengu worship. It’s believed that this association stems from the Yamabushi (Practitioners of Shugendo) who underwent rigorous training on Mt. Takao, gaining special powers, which were equated with the mysterious Tengu.
What is Tengu?
It can be explained as a mythical creature from Japanese folklore, often depicted as a bird-like being with human and bird features. They are believed to reside in mountains and forests, possessing supernatural powers such as shape-shifting, control over the wind, and skilled martial arts.
The photo shows the main hall of Yakuo-in Temple. Isn’t it interesting to note that there’s also a statue of a Tengu here?
Why not try making a special wish, believing in the power of the Tengu?
If you continue to the right side of the building, you’ll find the path leading to the summit of Mt. Takao.
❽ Summit of Mt. Takao
You’ve reached the summit of Mt. Takao! (marked as ❽ on the map) Well done!
Take a break here, where there are vending machines, food stalls, and more. There are also restroom facilities available.
Once you reach the summit of Mt. Takao, head to the observation deck facing west. If the weather is clear, you might be able to see Mt. Fuji.
(Unfortunately, on the day the photo was taken, the weather was like this, and Mt. Fuji was hidden behind the clouds. May 2024)
You can either return the way you came (Number 1 Trail) or take a different route down via Number 3 or 4 Trail. If you prefer to choose Number 3 or 4 Trail, it is strongly recommended to be prepared for a mountain hike.
The nearest station is still Keio’s Takaosanguchi Station (marked as A on the map) .
PR
As a base to enjoy the nature surrounding Mount Takao, TAKAone Activity & Stay is available:
Detore Point ❾ Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu (Hot Spring)
If you’ve been exploring the hiking trails around Mt. Takao, don’t forget visiting Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu (Hot Spring) (marked as ❿ on the map) at the end. Conveniently located next to Keio’s Takaosanguchi Station, and there’s a passageway near the ticket gate that connects the station to the Onsen (hot spring). You’ll get there in no time! It’s the perfect spot for anyone to casually enjoy a Japanese hot spring experience.
The hot spring water is simple alkaline, which not only soothes your tired muscles after hiking but also leaves your skin feeling smooth. Besides the original hot spring, there are baths that replicate other types of hot spring water, so you can enjoy different experiences.
After your soak, head to the dining area and toast with a beer. Cheers!
PR
If you want to spend some relaxed time in the outskirts of Tokyo, SORANO Hotel is available:
So, how do you like the Tokyo suburbs? If it were up to me, I’d just power straight up to the top of Mt. Takao without worrying about the trails, but I guess that’s not how most human beings do it.
By the way, this place is also known for its flying squirrels. They’re nocturnal, so you won’t usually see them during the day, but there are night tours if you’re interested. Check it out if you’re curious.