Mount Takao Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover Tokyo's natural escape: Hike scenic trails, explore ancient temples, and witness breathtaking views atop sacred Mount Takao.

Download the Free PDF guide

A brief summary of Mount Takao

Discover Tokyo's natural escape: Hike scenic trails, explore ancient temples, and witness breathtaking views atop sacred Mount Takao.

Escape the urban sprawl of Tokyo with a visit to Mount Takao, a 599-meter mountain offering hiking trails, a historic temple, and panoramic views. Easily accessible and rich in natural beauty, it's a perfect day trip for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.

4.5 Excellent · 4,267 Google reviews

Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844

Getting there

Public Transport

The most common way to reach Mount Takao is by taking the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station. The limited express train takes approximately 50 minutes and costs around ¥430. From Takaosanguchi Station, it's a 5-minute walk to the base of the mountain and the cable car station. Consider purchasing the Mt. Takao + Keio 1-Day Ticket for ¥1910, which includes round-trip train fare, cable car or chair lift ticket, and other perks.

Walking

From Takaosanguchi Station, walk straight ahead towards the mountains. You'll pass shops and restaurants on your way to the Kiyotaki cable car station. The walk to the cable car or chairlift base takes about 5 minutes. From there, you can choose to hike up the mountain or take the cable car or chairlift. The cable car costs ¥490 one way or ¥950 round trip for adults. The chairlift has the same pricing. Alternatively, you can hike the paved Omotesando Trail (Trail 1) to the summit, which takes approximately 90 minutes from the base.

Cable Car

From Takaosanguchi Station, walk for about 5 minutes to the Kiyotaki cable car station. Purchase a ticket (¥490 one way, ¥950 round trip for adults). The cable car ride takes about 6 minutes to reach Takaosan Station, halfway up the mountain. From there, it's about a 1-hour walk to the summit via Trail 1. During crowded seasons, numbered tickets may be issued.

Parking

If driving, there are several parking lots near Takaosanguchi Station. The Hachioji City Mt. Takao Sightseeing Parking Lot and Keio Takaosan Parking Lot are options. Parking fees typically range from ¥150 per 30 minutes during the day to a maximum of ¥800-¥1000 on weekdays and ¥1000-¥2500 on weekends and holidays for 12 hours. Parking spaces fill up quickly on weekends and during peak seasons, so arriving early or using public transport is recommended.

Discover more about Mount Takao

Overview

Mount Takao (Takaosan) is a mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo, approximately 50 kilometers west of the city center. Rising to a height of 599 meters (1,965 ft), it's a popular destination for hiking and enjoying nature, attracting over 2.5 million visitors annually.For over 1000 years, Mount Takao has been revered as a sacred mountain and a center for mountain worship. Takaosan Yakuōin Yūkiji, a Buddhist temple founded in 744, is located on the mountain and is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing. The mountain is also closely associated with the Shinto-Buddhist tengu, supernatural creatures believed to dwell there and bring good fortune.Mount Takao boasts diverse vegetation, with over 1,200 species of plants and a wide variety of native animals and insects. The mountain is particularly stunning in autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red. Several hiking trails cater to different skill levels, with Trail 1 being the most popular and accessible. For those seeking a less strenuous ascent, a cable car and chair lift are available to reach the mountain's midpoint.At the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline and, on clear days, even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Other attractions include a monkey park, a wildflower garden, and various teahouses and restaurants. Whether you're seeking a challenging hike, a spiritual experience, or simply a refreshing escape from the city, Mount Takao offers something for everyone.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from

Google

By star rating

Guest reviews

Explore Mount Takao on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mount Takao, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Mount Takao, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in