Mount Takao

Background

Mount Takao is in Hachioji City, Tokyo, within Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. At the foot of the mountain are the Tama Forest Science Garden and the 599 Museum, which introduces the ecology around Mount Takao. Takaosan Yakuoin Temple on the mountain belongs to the Shingon school. Mount Takao is closely connected with tengu beliefs and is also renowned for Shugendo, the mountain asceticism that stresses strict discipline; halls dedicated to gods and Buddhas are scattered over the mountain.

Local customs

• Take the cable car or chair lift to the halfway point and then walk to the summit
• follow the paved Trail No. 1 to see the Octopus Cedar, estimated to be about 500 years old
• after coming down, soak at Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu.

Travel tips

• Hiking from the foot to the summit takes about an hour and a half on average
• if your fitness is average, you can combine the cable car or chair lift with walking. The autumn leaves season and weekends are crowded, so an early start is best.
• Take the JR Chuo Line to Takao Station, or the Keio Takao Line to Takaosanguchi Station
• operating hours for the cable car and chair lift are subject to official announcements. Autumn leaves are at their best in autumn, spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers cool shade, and winter has many clear days with more chances to see Mount Fuji.