Mount Takao

Mount Takao (Takao-san) is a 599-meter mountain in Hachioji, western Tokyo, about 50 kilometers from the city center. Its well-marked trails, cable car and mountainside temple make it the easiest real hike from central Tokyo, and the trip from Shinjuku takes under an hour by train.

The mountain lies within Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. In 2007 it received three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, the same rating as Mount Fuji. The forests on its slopes are protected, and the mountain has been a pilgrimage site for centuries thanks to Yakuo-in temple halfway up.

How to get to Mount Takao from Tokyo

The station for the mountain is Takaosanguchi, at the end of the Keio Takao Line. Do not confuse it with Takao Station, one stop earlier.

• Keio Line from Shinjuku: a semi-special express runs to Takaosanguchi in about 47 minutes, with no change needed on through services.

• JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku: about 44 minutes on a special rapid to Takao Station, then about 3 minutes on the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi.

From Takaosanguchi Station it is about a 5-minute walk to Kiyotaki Station for the cable car, and to the start of Trail 1, Trail 6 and the Inariyama Course. Keio sells a discount ticket that combines the round-trip train fare with the cable car or chairlift.

Mount Takao cable car and chairlift

The Takao Tozan cable car runs from Kiyotaki Station at the foot of the mountain to Takaosan Station, about 472 meters up. The ride takes about 6 minutes and climbs a 31-degree slope, one of the steepest cable car lines in Japan. A chairlift runs alongside it to the same level. You can ride up and walk down, or the reverse, since one-way tickets are sold for both.

From the top station, Trail 1 continues past Yakuo-in to the summit.

Mount Takao hiking trails

Three main trails reach the summit in about an hour and a half from the base. All the trails are signposted and suitable for beginners, though some are narrow and muddy after rain.

• Trail 1 (Omotesando): the main route and the busiest. It is paved for most of the way, passes the cable car top station, and leads through Yakuo-in to the summit.

• Trail 6: follows the Maenosawa stream, one of the headwaters of the Tama River, through cool forest. It is rougher underfoot and can get crowded at narrow points.

• Inariyama Course: runs along the main ridge south of Trail 1 and starts near the cable car station.

• Trail 4: branches off Trail 1 at the Joshin-mon gate and crosses a suspension bridge on the north slope before rejoining just below the summit.

• Trails 2, 3 and 5: shorter paths. Trail 3 branches off at Joshin-mon along the quiet south slope, and Trail 5 loops around the summit at 555 to 585 meters.

A common plan is to walk up Trail 6 or the Inariyama Course and come down Trail 1 or by cable car. The Jataki Falls Course and the Iroha-no-Mori trail on the north side are quieter alternatives. For a full day plan with food stops, see the full Mount Takao day plan.

Yakuo-in temple

Yakuo-in Yukiji is the head temple of the Chisan school of Shingon Buddhism and a center of shugendo mountain worship. Tradition says it was founded in 744 by the monk Gyoki, and from 1376 its main object of worship has been Izuna Daigongen.

The temple sits on Trail 1 between the cable car top station and the summit. Its buildings include a cypress Nio gate and the main Izuna Gongen hall. The temple also serves shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian meals made with seasonal ingredients. The Yakuo-in temple page has more on the halls and festivals.

The summit of Mount Takao

The Takao Visitor Center stands on the summit, where guides and park volunteers run exhibits on the mountain's plants, wildlife and history. On clear days, mostly in winter, Mount Fuji is visible to the west.

The Tokyo nature park trail guide describes every route on the mountain.

Best time to visit Mount Takao

• Spring: cherry trees flower along the trails in April, and fresh green leaves follow in May.

• Summer: the forested trails stay cooler than the city, and the Mt. Takao Beer Mount beer garden operates from June to October.

• Fall: the maples turn in November, the most crowded season of the year.

• Winter: cold, clear air gives the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji, and the trails are quiet.

Weekends and holidays, especially in November, bring long lines for the cable car and slow traffic on Trail 1. Arrive before 9 a.m. or come on a weekday. If you prefer a guide, the guided Mount Takao hike covers the trail and Yakuo-in with a local guide.

Mount Takao also features among Japan's hiking trails beyond Fuji.