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Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple: A Spiritual Haven on Mount Takao

Discover tranquility at Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple, a spiritual and scenic escape on Mount Takao, offering cultural insights and natural beauty.

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Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple, nestled on the slopes of Mount Takao in Tokyo, is a historic Buddhist temple founded in 744. This serene temple, dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of Medicine) and the tengu (mountain spirits), offers visitors a spiritual experience amidst lush natural surroundings.

A brief summary to Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple

  • Monday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and beautiful lighting for photos.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails can be uneven in some areas.
  • Explore the temple grounds to see the intricate architecture, smaller shrines, and statues of tengu.
  • Check the weather before your visit to ensure a pleasant hiking experience.
  • Enjoy local treats like sweet sake and dango, and don't forget to grab some Takaosan Karinto on your way out.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line directly to Takaosanguchi Station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and costs around ¥390. From Takaosanguchi Station, it's a 5-minute walk to Kiyotaki Station, where you can take the cable car or lift. The cable car fare is ¥490 one way or ¥950 round trip for adults. The lift also costs ¥490 one way or ¥950 round trip for adults. From the cable car or lift station, it is a 20-minute walk to the temple.

  • Walking

    From Takaosanguchi Station, follow the signs to Mount Takao. The main trail (Route 1) to the summit, where Takaosan Yakuōin is located, is paved and well-maintained. From Takaosanguchi Station it is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the temple. Along the way, you'll pass various attractions, including the Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden (entry fee applies). There are no mandatory fees on the walking route to the temple.

  • Car

    If driving, park near Takaosanguchi Station. Popular parking lots include Musasabi Parking Lot (max ¥2,000) and Takao Sanroku Municipal Parking Lot (max ¥1,000). Yakuoin Parking Lot is another option (max ¥500). From the parking lots, walk to Kiyotaki Cable Car Station or take the hiking trail towards the temple. Parking fees apply.

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Discover more about Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple

Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple, formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, is a Buddhist temple located on Mount Takao in Hachioji, Tokyo. Founded in 744 by the priest Gyoki under the order of Emperor Shomu, it served as a base for Buddhism in eastern Japan. The temple is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the deity of healing, and to the tengu, protective mountain spirits, making it an important pilgrimage site. Throughout its history, Takaosan Yakuōin has been patronized by powerful figures, including the Hojo family and the Tokugawa family. In the late 14th century, Shungen Daitoku, a priest from Mount Daigo in Kyoto, restored the temple and enshrined the deity Izuna Daigongen as the principal image. Today, Yakuōin is one of the three head temples of the Shingon-shu Chisan-ha sect. Visitors to Takaosan Yakuōin can explore multiple halls, gates, and statues spread along the trail leading to the summit of Mount Takao. Key spots include the Jōshinmon Gate, believed to purify the heart, the Sanmon Gate, marking the entrance to the sacred grounds, the Niōmon Gate, guarded by fierce Niō statues, and the Main Hall, dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai. The temple grounds also feature the Honden Shrine (Izuna Gongen Hall), enshrining the deity Izuna Gongen, and the Oku-no-in, a quiet, sacred retreat. The temple's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, and the surrounding natural forest provides a serene atmosphere for contemplation and reflection.

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