Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple
Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple: A Spiritual Haven on Mount Takao
Mount Takao: A Fusion of Nature and Spirituality
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.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Mount Takao
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Takaomachi, Hachioji, Takaomachi, Tokyo, JP
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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.
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, even if you plan to take the cable car, as there is still some walking involved.
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Visit during the week to avoid the crowds, especially during peak seasons like autumn foliage and cherry blossom viewing.
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Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly, as temperatures can be cooler on the mountain.
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Take advantage of the Keio Line's discount tickets, which combine train fare with cable car or chair lift tickets.
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Explore beyond Trail 1 for a less crowded and more immersive hiking experience.
Discover more about Mount Takao
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.
A brief summary to Mount Takao
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