KEIO

Mt. Takao Area

Mt. Takao Area

Mt. Takao is located only about 50 minutes away from Shinjuku by train, close enough for a day trip of leisurely hiking on the mountain. The Japanese have regarded it as a holy mountain since the Edo period. The mountain today is well loved as a splendid nature destination close to the city.
The summit of Mt. Takao is 599 meters above sea level. People regard the mountain as an "Eden” of wildlife and natural vegetation because it sits inside the natural boundary between Japan's subtropical and temperate forests. Trees and plants of both woodland types grow in abundance on the mountain slopes.

Hiking

Hikers can climb to the top in about 90 minutes on any of several clearly marked trails. Other visitors can ride to the top in a cable car or chair lift from the foot of the mountain.
When the weather is right you can see Mt. Fuji clearly from near the top of the mountain.

  • Course for a casual hike
  • Course for a true nature experience

Course for a casual hike

Lots of sightseeing spots on the way. An easy route which allows you to take in the scenery.

  • Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple
  • Tako-sugi (octopus root cedar)
  • Mt. Takao Monkey Park
  • Suspension Bridge

Takao-san
Yakuo-in Temple

The solemn atmosphere is beautifully offset by momiji maples within the temple compound.

Suspension Bridge

This thrilling suspension bridge is perfect as a commemorative photo spot.

Tako-sugi
(octopus root cedar)

Legend says that a woodsman planned to cut the roots of this cedar because they were in the way, but that night, the tree saved itself by twisting its roots around like octopus legs. A strange legend, and even stranger roots.

Mt. Takao
Monkey Park

There are several dozen monkeys living here, including some young ones. You can get up close to monkey society here.

Recommended Routes

*Given times are guidelines only

Course for
a casual hike
Approx. 3 – 3.5 hours

Lots of sightseeing spots on the way.
An easy route which allows you to take in the scenery.

Course for a true nature experience

A route with babbling brooks, where you may even see some wildlife.

  • Suspension Bridge
  • Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple
  • Tako-sugi (octopus root cedar)
  • Mt. Takao Monkey Park

View from the Summit

The view of Mt. Fuji from the Mt. Takao summit is stunning in winter. Around the time of the winter solstice in December, the setting sun meets the Mt. Fuji summit in a mystical spectacle dubbed “Diamond Fuji.”

Trail #6 follows a valley

You may find Trail #6 has the most to offer for a cool summer hike. It winds its way up a valley, past small streams you will cross by jumping from stone to stone. Lots of botanical variety here.

Biwa Falls

This is where the Takaosan Yakuo-in Temple monks come to train under the waterfall. The sound of the waterfall resembles that of the biwa, or Japanese lute, thus this waterfall became known as Biwa Falls.

Violets

Mt. Takao has more than a dozen varieties of violets, including one named after the mountain — Takao-sumire (Viola yezoensis f. discolor). Another beautiful variety is Tachitsubo-sumire (Violaceae Viola grypoceras). The flowersowers bloom along the hiking trails, each variety creating its own atmosphere.

Recommended Routes

*Given times are guidelines only

Course for
a true nature
experience
Approx. 3.75 – 4 hours

A route with babbling brooks,
where you may even see some wildlife.

  • Course for a casual hike
  • Course for a true nature experience

Mt. Takao, a Pleasure in Any Season

SpringCherry blossoms

The abundant cherry blossoms in mid-April are breathtakingly beautiful. The delicate blossoms adorn the nature-rich environment differently than they adorn other landscapes and cityscapes you may see in Japan.

SummerMt. Takao “Beer Mount”

The observation deck next to Takaosan Station on the cable care line becomes a beer garden from late June to mid-October.

AutumnGorgeous autumn colors

Blankets of red and yellow foliage wrap the trees from mid-November to early December, transforming the landscape splendidly.

WinterDiamond Fuji

Around the winter solstice in December, the setting sun over Mt. Fuji creates a mystical spectacle. People call this view "Diamond Fuji."

Highlights

Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

Natural hot springs flowing from the foothills of Mt. Takao offer an ideal place to relax and unwind. Immerse yourself in the hot water and soak in the beauty of Mt. Takao. Enjoy delicious soba, snacks and drinks, all waiting for you when you emerge.
Rejuvenate after a tiring day of sightseeing and head home with a spring in your step, or make a quick visit from nearby to relax in peace and tranquility.
Fully experience all the charms that Mt. Takao has to offer at this traditional Japanese spa.

Ukai Toriyama

Enjoy leisurely dining in a wide-open, deep-green space looking onto Japanese gardens, steep-roofed houses, and venerable tea ceremony rooms. They speak to the essence of traditional Japanese beauty. Savor the distinctive cuisine of Ukai Toriyama, such as the famous chicken dishes and seasonal ingredients.

Access

10 minutes from Takaosanguchi Station by shuttle bus
Shuttle buses depart every 20 minutes beginning at 10:00,
with the last bus departing at 19:40.

Mt. Takao Cable Car

The cable car runs from Kiyotaki Station to Takaosan Station, climbing 271 meters over a journey of about 6 minutes. The maximum tilt is 31.18 degrees, steeper than any other cable car in Japan.

Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple

The temple is about a 20-minute walk from the Takaosan cable car station.

Mt. Takao has long been considered a holy mountain in Shugendo, and to this day, mountain worshippers who practice this religion make the pilgrimage throughout the year to immerse themselves in the cascading waters of the waterfall.

Don’t miss the chance to visit this fascinating temple.

TAKAO 599 MUSEUM

With 3 zones – "exhibition space", "video space" and "relaxation space" - TAKAO 599 MUSEUM introduce Mt. Takao's rich nature and ecosystems. Why not fully enjoy the appeal of Mt. Takao at our museum, named after the mountain’s 599m height?

Access

5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station

Telephone

042-665-6688

Directions

Mt. Takao Round-trip Discount Ticket
The discount ticket combines a round-trip ticket from any station on the Keiō Line or Inokashira Line to Takaosanguchi Station with a round-trip or one-way ticket for either the Mt. Takao cable car or chair lift.
Discount tickets are available for purchase from vending machines at all stations on the Keiō Line and Inokashira Line, excluding Takaosanguchi Station.

Mt. Takao English volunteer guides come to the mountain on the third Sunday of every month to give tours.

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