How do I get to Takaosanguchi Station from central Tokyo?

Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station and transfer at Takao Station to the Keio Takao Line. Total travel time is approximately 50 minutes. Standard IC cards are accepted.

Do I need to pay to hike Mount Takao?

No. All hiking trails are free. The cable car costs ¥500 one-way or ¥950 round-trip. The echo lift has the same fares.

Which hiking trail should beginners choose?

Trail 1 is the most beginner-friendly option, featuring a fully paved path that leads from the base to the summit. This route passes by Yakuoin Temple and takes approximately 90 minutes to climb on foot, or you can reduce the effort by taking the cable car or lift partway up. Trail 1 is also the most crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.

When is the best time to visit Mount Takao?

Late March to April for cherry blossoms, mid-November to early December for autumn foliage. Winter offers clearest Mount Fuji views. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Are there facilities and food options at Takaosanguchi Station and on the mountain?

The station has restrooms and coin lockers. The surrounding area has restaurants and shops. Facilities, vending machines, and food vendors are available along the trails and at cable car stations.

Takaosanguchi Station in Tokyo: Highlights, Access & Tips - Trip To Japan

Takaosanguchi Station

4.1 (120)Transit StationTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 8, 2026

Takaosanguchi Station serves as the primary gateway to Mount Takao, one of Tokyo's most accessible natural retreats located in Hachioji City. The station opened in 1967 as part of the Keio Takao Line and functions as the final stop on this dedicated branch line. Its purpose-built design caters specifically to the millions of visitors who arrive annually to explore the sacred mountain that rises 599 meters above sea level.

Mount Takao has been a site of spiritual significance for over 1,200 years, home to the Buddhist temple Yakuoin founded during the Nara period. The mountain is considered one of the most visited peaks in the world, attracting approximately 2.6 million hikers and tourists each year. The area's natural environment supports a rich biodiversity, with over 1,600 species of plants and wildlife documented on its slopes, including species typically found in tropical and subarctic zones coexisting in this unique microclimate.

From Takaosanguchi Station, visitors can immediately access multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty, numbered 1 through 6, with Trail 1 being the most popular paved route. The Takaosan Cable Car and Takaosan Echo Lift both depart near the station, offering mechanized ascent options that reduce the climb by approximately half. The cable car, opened in 1927, claims to be Japan's steepest railway with a maximum gradient of 31.18 degrees. At the summit and along the trails, visitors encounter Yakuoin Temple, monkey parks, observation decks with views of Mount Fuji on clear days, and seasonal attractions including cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

The station is located approximately 50 kilometers west of central Tokyo. Direct trains run from Shinjuku Station via the Keio Line, requiring one transfer at Takao Station to the Takao Line, with total journey time around 50 minutes. The cable car costs ¥500 one-way or ¥950 round-trip for adults, while the echo lift charges the same fares. Hiking the mountain trails is free of charge, though some facilities and attractions along the routes may have separate admission fees.