Shiroyama Chaya

Mt. Takao is a busy spot year round, being close to the center of Tokyo and easy to reach the summit by using a lift or cable. Also contributing to its popularity is the range of facilities available at the summit, like shops and restrooms, as well as the variety of trails to get there, all of which are rich in nature and make the climb enjoyable for novices and seasoned hikers alike.
About an hour’s walk from the summit of Mt. Takao toward Kobotoke is Mt. Shiroyama stretching some 670 meters high. Standing at the vast summit is Shiroyama Chaya, a regular rest stop for hikers heading from Mt. Takao to Mt. Kagenobu and Mt. Jimba.
The summer specialty of this Shiroyama Chaya is a towering serving of kakigori shaved-ice dessert. Flavors include strawberry, lemon, Blue Hawaii, and melon—all heaped up mountain-high! The generous helping, at first glance, often makes visitors wonder whether they can finish it all. But each bite cools the body and eases the toil of the climb, and before they know it, the initial surprise as well as the treat is gone. One serving costs 400 yen. The dessert is available only in “summer,” whose dates can vary each year depending on the weather. It’s definitely worth a try, as shaved ice tastes best in the sweltering heat.
Low-altitude hiking in summer may sound like a strenuous ordeal. But the thought of a treat waiting at the summit is sure to quicken your pace.