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Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
July 28, 2026
Mount Takao is easily accessible from Shinjuku, making it a popular day trip destination where you can leave in the morning and return to the city center by evening. With its shrines, hot springs, and seasonal scenery, it's recommended for a wide range of people, from first-time visitors to Tokyo to families, couples, and those who want to enjoy a light hike. For those who want to enjoy Mount Takao casually, you can take the cable car or chairlift to the middle of the mountain. For those who want to enjoy a hike, we recommend starting from the base and hiking to the summit via Route 1, Route 6, or the Inariyama course. If the weather is good, you may even be able to see Mount Fuji from the summit.
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Mount Takao is located in Hachioji City, in western Tokyo, and the nearest station is Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line. From the station, it's just a few minutes' walk to Kiyotaki Station, the cable car and chairlift station, and along the way there are plenty of shops, restaurants, restrooms, and tourist information facilities.
Within the mountain grounds is the historic Takaosan Yakuoin Temple, famous for its cedar-lined approach and its association with Tengu (mythical mountain spirits). At the foot of the mountain, you'll find the Takao 599 Museum and the Keio Takaosan Onsen/Gokurakuyu hot spring, offering plenty to enjoy before and after your hike.
The most common way to get to Mount Takao is to take the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station. Some trains require a transfer to the Keio Takao Line at Takao Station. On weekends and holidays, there are also special trains such as the "Mt. TAKAO" train.
Train times, stops, and ticket details are subject to change, so please check the latest information on the Keio Electric Railway official website or transfer guide before departure.
| Departure | Recommended access | Itinerary after arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Take the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station. | From Kiyotaki Station, take the cable car or lift, or begin your hike. |
| Tokyo Station/Ueno | Transfer to the Keio Line via Shinjuku or Takao Station. | Perfect for a day trip near Tokyo. |
| Takao Station | Transfer to the Keio Takao Line | Convenient to combine with sightseeing in Hachioji. |
| (I.e. | From Ken-O Expressway Takaosan IC, take National Route 20. | The parking lot gets crowded during the autumn foliage season and long weekends. |
From Takaosanguchi Station, you can walk to Kiyotaki Station and then take the cable car or chairlift.
The cable car connects Kiyotaki Station to Takaosan Station, covering approximately 1,000 meters and a 270-meter elevation difference in about 6 minutes. From the windows, you can enjoy the changing seasons, and in autumn, beautiful autumn foliage spreads out before you.
Introduction to the Takao Mountain Cable Car and Lift:https://takaozanyuho.com/guide/lift
It takes about an hour to walk from the middle of the mountain to the summit via Trail No. 1. Along the way, you'll find Yakuoin Temple, tea houses, and various photo spots.
Please note that cable car and lift operating hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check the latest information in advance to ensure you arrive in time for your descent.
Preparations and transportation information before climbing:https://takaozanyuho.com/guide/jyunbi
If it's your first time visiting Mount Takao, you don't need to hike all the trails. Choose the best route based on your fitness level, the weather, and your desired return time.
| Hiking trails | Distance and time | Recommended | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 (Omotesando Course) | Approximately 3.8 km, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes | Beginners, Families, Tourists | Yakushioin Temple, tea house, well-equipped facilities |
| Route 4 (Suspension Bridge Course) | Approximately 1.5km/approximately 45 minutes | Those who start walking from the middle of the mountain | Forests and suspension bridges are the main attractions. |
| Route 6 (Biwa Falls Course) | Approximately 3.3km/approximately 1 hour 30 to 40 minutes | Nature lovers and experienced mountain climbers | Along the stream, stepping stones, rich in nature |
| Inariyama Course | Approximately 3.1 km, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes | Hiking lover | Ridge walk with great views |
Route 1 (Omotesando Course) is the most popular route on Mount Takao. It is a paved path with tea houses, restrooms, temples, and viewpoints scattered along the way.
If you take the cable car up to the middle of the mountain, you can easily reach the summit.
Along the way, you'll find attractions such as the Jōshinmon Gate, Kasumidai Observatory, Takosugi Cedar, Otoko-zaka and Onna-zaka slopes, a monkey park, and a wild flower garden.
Route 4 is popular among those who have taken the cable car or chairlift to the middle of the mountain.
Walking through the deciduous broadleaf forest and crossing the famous Miyama Bridge suspension bridge on Mount Takao, this trail is recommended for those who want to enjoy the natural scenery.
Route 6 (Biwa Falls Course) is a nature-rich route that follows a mountain stream.
The area has many stepping stones and damp paths, making it cool and comfortable in the summer, but caution is needed as it can be slippery during rainy weather and the autumn/winter leaf-falling season.
The Inariyama course is a popular route that follows the ridgeline.
There's an observation deck along the way where you can enjoy views of central Tokyo. This route has more natural scenery than Route 1, and includes more tree roots and stairs, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a light hike.
Takaosan Yakuoin is a historic temple founded in 744 AD (Tenpyo 16).
Known as a center of Shugendo (mountain asceticism) and mountain worship, the temple grounds feature numerous statues and decorations of tengu (mythical mountain spirits).
This is a nature museum located near Takaosanguchi Station.
This guide introduces the flora and fauna that inhabit Mount Takao, making it a great place to stop by before or after your hike.
After your hike, relax and unwind at the Keio Takaosan Onsen hot springs located near the station.
Opening hours and prices are subject to change, so please check the official website in advance.
Gokuraku-yu:https://www.takaosan-onsen.jp/
The specialty of Mount Takao is "tororo soba" (buckwheat noodles with grated yam).
It's nutritious and filling, making it a popular meal before or after hiking. You can enjoy it around Takaosanguchi Station, along the approach to the temple, and at tea houses halfway up the mountain.
Also popular is the Tengu-yaki sold at "Takao-san Sumika" near Takao-san Station. These cute, tengu-shaped baked goods are perfect for eating on the go.
Mount Takao can be enjoyed throughout the year, but it is especially popular during the autumn foliage season.
The best time to see the autumn foliage is usually from mid-November to early December, with popular spots including the area around Kiyotaki Station, along the cable car line, Kasumidai, Yakuoin Temple, Momijidai, and Kobotoke Castle Mountain.
Autumn foliage information:https://takaovc.ces-net.jp/?page_id=729
Nestled in a forest, each private villa features a semi-open-air bath. Furthermore, private saunas and swimming pools are also available, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious time without worrying about your surroundings.
The complimentary bar offers sake, wine, whiskey, beer, and more, while dinner includes Saitama-produced Wagyu beef steak and miso sukiyaki.
This is a luxury resort located at the southernmost tip of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture.
In addition to rooms with views of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji, the hotel boasts a swimming pool right in front of the hotel. Rooms also feature a jacuzzi and shower room.
The BBQ featuring local Miura turban shells, Shonan whitebait, and fresh vegetables is also a major draw.
Mount Takao is one of the most easily accessible nature spots near Tokyo.
You can enjoy a full day of activities, from visiting Yakuoin Temple and trying local specialties like tororo soba, to forest walks, breathtaking scenery, and hot springs. Adding a luxurious accommodation will make your trip even more fulfilling.
If you visit between mid-November and early December, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage, making it a highly recommended spot to include in your Tokyo travel itinerary.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
