GO TOKYO The Official Tokyo Travel Guide

Listen
Choose Language
Share this page
Share this page
- Facebook
- X (Twitter)
- Email
- Copy URL
My Favorites
Search
Menu

Explore Mt. Takao

Enjoy a day in the mountains

Main content starts here.

Updated: October 11, 2019

Enjoy a day in the mountains

Mt. Takao on Tokyo's West border is a beautiful spot for a day trip. The easy-to-climb mountain requires no special equipment and offers breathtaking views in all seasons. Reward yourself with a refreshing beer at the top or a soothing bath at the end of the day.

General Tips

Even on a warm day, the mountain top can be cool, so bring a jacket
The hiking paths get crowded in late November when the fall colors reach their peak; visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds
Families will enjoy the Trick Art Museum at Mt. Takao in front of Takaosanguchi Station, with fun optical illusions and interactive experiences

Map Legend

Walking
Taxi
Bus
Train
Water Bus

Shinjuku Station

Heading to Tokyo's wild west

Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station is big and confusing, so choose your train line carefully. The fastest way to get to Mt. Takao is to take the private Keio Line Limited Express, bound for Takaosanguchi Station. The Keio Line has its own entrance, under the Keio Department Store, near the West Exit.

48 mins

Takaosanguchi Station

Inspired by nature

Takaosanguchi Station

The newly renovated building by architect Kengo Kuma is worth a visit in itself. The soaring entrance is made from local cedar, evoking the feeling and scent of the surrounding forest. From here, it's an easy walk to the chair lift, cable car and hiking routes.

6 mins

Takao 599 Museum

A relaxing education

Takao 599 Museum

Before you journey up the mountain, take a break and learn about the mountain ecosystem at this modern museum. You can get information about hiking routes and enjoy the airy cafe. Children can climb a scale model of Mt. Takao.

5 mins

Speed up the mountain

Kiyotaki Station

While you can certainly hike up from the bottom of the mountain, you can save some time and your legs by taking the chairlift or cable car. The cable car takes you halfway up the mountain, where you can join one of the most popular hiking trails. The steepest cable car in Japan, the trip offers spectacular views.

6 mins

Takaosan Station

Ready for the summit

Takaosan Station

At Takaosan Station, join Trail 1, the most popular route to the top, which winds through the forest. Look out for the "Takosugi," a 500-year-old cedar tree with roots shaped like an octopus.

25 mins

Takaosan Yakuo Temple

Temple of the Tengu

Takaosan Yakuo Temple

A large statue of a Tengu, or mountain goblin, greets you as you reach the temple. The gorgeous red temple building is embellished with intricate carvings. You can take a break at the Kissa Kobo Ippuku teahouse, for green tea and sweets.

20 mins

Mt.Takao Summit

Sweeping views in all seasons

Mt. Takao Summit

At the summit, you are rewarded with views over Tokyo, and across to Mt. Fuji. In summer, the observatory opens a beer garden, so you can toast your climb with a crisp, cold brew.

6 mins and

6 mins

Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

Soothe your muscles and forget your cares

Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

With indoor and outdoor natural hot springs, this onsen is the perfect way to unwind after your adventures. Surrounded by forest, you'll feel miles away from care. The onsen restaurant specializes in healthy tororo soba: buckwheat noodles with grated mountain yam.