What Is Mount Takao? A Popular Hiking Spot Just 1 Hour from Tokyo
Mount Takao, located in Hachiōji City, Tokyo, is a nature-rich mountain destination popular with visitors from Japan and abroad, reachable in about one hour from central Tokyo.
At 599 m above sea level, it has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide and welcomes around three million hikers each year.
With a variety of trails for beginners through experienced hikers, it’s also easy to reach the mid-slope by cable car or chairlift—ideal for those who want a lighter hike.
From the summit, you can enjoy wide-open views of Tokyo, Sagami Bay, and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
How to Get to Mount Takao and Basic Info
Mount Takao is about a 5-minute walk from the Keio Line “Takaosanguchi Station” to the cable car and chairlift stations.
From Shinjuku Station, it’s about 50 minutes by the Keio Line, making it perfect for a day-trip hike.
At the trail entrance, you’ll find stations for both the cable car and chairlift, which take you quickly up to the mid-slope area (around 472 m in elevation).
In addition, the mountain is home to many spiritual power spots, including the roughly 1,300-year-old Yakuō-in temple, making it a major draw that combines hiking and temple visits.
Top Things to See on Mount Takao
Yakuō-in Temple (Yakuō-in)
“Yakuō-in,” located on Mount Takao’s mid-slope, is a Shingon Chizan-ha head temple founded by Gyōki Bosatsu in 744 (Tenpyō 16) by imperial order of Emperor Shōmu.
It is counted among the Kanto region’s three major head temples alongside Naritasan Shinshō-ji and Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji, and is known for blessings of good fortune and protection from misfortune.
The principal deity, Iizuna Daigongen (Iizuna Daigongen), is said to be accompanied by tengu as its attendants, and Mount Takao has long been revered as a “mountain of tengu.”
Within the grounds are many blessing spots, including statues of the Great Tengu and Small Tengu, as well as “Negai Kanau Wakuguri” and “Rokkon Shōjō Ishiguruma.”
Cable Car and Chairlift
Mount Takao has both a cable car and chairlift, making it easy even for beginners to reach the mid-slope.
The cable car runs about 1,020 m in about 6 minutes, offering a ride on one of Japan’s steepest gradients.
The chairlift takes about 12 minutes over about 872 m, and from its open seats you can enjoy close-up views of seasonal nature.
In autumn foliage season (mid-November to early December), it’s an especially spectacular experience, like passing through a tunnel of colorful maples.
Fares are the same for both: 490 yen one way and 980 yen round trip for adults.
Views from the Summit
From the 599 m summit, you can take in Tokyo’s skyline, Sagami Bay, the Tanzawa mountain range, and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
In winter (December to February), on days with clear air, snowcapped Mount Fuji appears especially sharp, and many hikers aim for the summit early in the morning.
Around the winter solstice, you may also be able to see “Diamond Fuji” (the sun aligning with Mount Fuji’s summit), attracting many photographers each year.
Nature Observation and Seasonal Scenery
Mount Takao is a treasure trove of plant life, with about 1,600 species confirmed, and its unique vegetation reflects its location on the boundary between warm-temperate and cool-temperate zones.
In spring (late March to early April) you can see cherry blossoms and violets; in summer, plants such as sekkōku; and in autumn (mid-November to early December), maples and ginkgo turn the mountain vivid with color.
It’s also ideal for observing wild birds and insects, making it a perfect field for nature lovers.
Mount Takao Beer Mount
“Mount Takao Beer Mount,” typically open from summer into autumn, is a beer garden near Takaosan Station on the cable car line at around 488 m in elevation.
With a two-hour all-you-can-eat-and-drink style, you can enjoy beer and food while taking in panoramic views of Tokyo and the Kanto Plain from dusk into the night.
Spending time in the cool evening mountain breeze is a special Mount Takao experience.
Hiking Trails and Safety Tips
Mount Takao has several main hiking routes, including Trails 1 through 6.
The most popular Trail 1 (Omotesandō route) is mostly paved, and if you use the cable car, about 40 minutes to the summit is a common guide.
For those who want more nature, Trail 6 (Biwataki route) along a stream and the Inariyama ridge route are also recommended.
Because temperatures can vary widely by season, wear layers you can easily adjust.
Especially from autumn into winter, bring warm clothing, and in summer be sure to carry enough water.
On the trails, keep to the right and be considerate of other hikers.
Useful Info for Travelers
- Cable car: First departure 8:00. Last departure varies by month (e.g., 17:15–18:30, or 21:15 during Beer Mount season). Runs about every 15 minutes.
- Chairlift: First departure 9:00. Last departure is 16:00 or 16:30 (may be extended depending on conditions).
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Keio Line “Takaosanguchi Station”
- Admission: Hiking is free. Cable car/chairlift fares are 490 yen one way and 980 yen round trip for adults.
- Best time to visit: Autumn foliage (mid-November to early December) and spring cherry blossoms/new greenery (late March to May) are especially popular.
- Facilities: Toilets at the summit and mid-slope. Coin lockers at Kiyotaki Station on the cable car line (about 400–900 yen).
Summary
Mount Takao is an ideal day-trip hiking destination from Tokyo, offering nature, history, and local food experiences all in one.
From visiting the 1,300-year-old Yakuō-in, to an easy ride on the cable car, to summit views of Mount Fuji, there’s no shortage of highlights.
Even beginners can enjoy it with the cable car, so consider adding Mount Takao to your Tokyo travel plan.
