Among the many attractions in the nature-rich Tama area in western Tokyo, Mt. Takao is especially recommended as it can be reached in about one hour from central Tokyo, making it easy to enjoy nature. With an elevation of 599 meters, the mountain is suitable for casual hiking. Its three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide also attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad. Mt. Takao is also known as the Mountain of Prayer and has long been revered as a place of worship.
Written by a writer from New Zealand who has appreciated nature since childhood, the following article explores the attractions of Mt. Takao, covering not only its natural beauty but also its long history as a place of worship.


Mt. Takao, located on the outskirts of western Tokyo in Hachioji, offers a refreshing side of one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. Hachioji thrived as a post town during the Edo period and later as a textile town during the Meiji period. Mt. Takao is densely forested and has a powerful spiritual presence, having served as a major place of worship since the Edo period. Additionally, Mt. Takao is famous as one of the most climbed mountains in the world, attracting about 3 million visitors each year. One of the reasons Mt. Takao is loved by so many is the variety of trails and ways to reach the summit, as well as the views visitors are greeted with along the way.
With growing interest from international visitors, a multilingual audio guide for Mt. Takao was released in October 2025, introducing key points of interest along the mountain trails. Since it was my first time visiting the area, it provided the perfect opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Mt. Takao’s rich history and cultural significance.

9:15
Beginning the walk from Kiyotaki Station

My day started at Kiyotaki Station, where I rode the cable car. From the audio guide, I learned that it is the steepest in the country, with a maximum incline of 31 degrees and views of green momiji (Japanese maple) and tsutsuji (azalea) on either side. This six-minute ride took me to Takaosan Station, where I began my ascent to the summit.
Cable car lift (Multiple languages available)

After leaving the cable car, I was greeted with a view of Tokyo stretching out below. Unlike what I had imagined, there were very few temple-like structures around the cable car area, making it hard to believe I was already walking within what was historically part of Yakuo-in’s grounds.
Yakuo-in Temple was founded to bring happiness to those who visit and originally enshrined Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing. Although many visitors associate Yakuo-in with the temple buildings near the summit, I learned through the audio guide that Mt. Takao itself was once considered part of Yakuo-in’s vast grounds.
The area is surrounded by beech, cedar, evergreen, and broadleaf trees, meaning that the scenery and prayer experience at Yakuo-in and around Mt. Takao change with the seasons. Visitors will also find motifs of Tengu, the long-nosed yokai revered in mountain worship and said to be messengers of the gods.

9:30
Learning about Shugendō & encountering the famous Tako Sugi

As I continued listening to the audio guide while making my way toward Yakuo-in Temple, I learned more about Mt. Takao’s connection to Shugendō, an ancient practice that combines Buddhism, Shinto, and mountain worship. For centuries, practitioners known as yamabushi have regarded climbing sacred mountains as a form of spiritual training and purification.
Before reaching Yakuo-in Temple, I passed the famous Tako Sugi, or “Octopus Cedar,” one of Mt. Takao’s most well-known landmarks. According to a local legend introduced in the audio guide, the tree’s roots bent like octopus legs to make way for the temple path, symbolizing the harmony between nature and spirituality that can still be felt throughout the mountain today.
As I continued climbing, I kept hearing the phrase “Rokkon Shōjō,” meaning “purification of the six senses.” In Buddhist teachings, the six senses refer to the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. This concept is closely tied to Mt. Takao’s long history of mountain worship. Further along the trail, I noticed several statues and motifs related to this phrase. Visitors often stop to pray and leave offerings in the hope of maintaining good health and preserving their senses throughout their lives.

10:10
Arriving at the entrance to Yakuo-in Temple

At the entrance to Yakuo-in Temple, the words “Reiki Manzan,” meaning “the mountain is filled with spiritual energy,” are written above the gate. Surrounded by towering cedar trees and Tengu statues, it’s easy to understand why Mt. Takao has long been believed to possess sacred spiritual power.
Arriving at Yakuo-in’s Main Hall, I spent some time exploring the temple grounds and admiring the intricate carvings and colorful decorations of the buildings. Surrounded by forest, it felt like a natural place to pause and reflect before continuing the climb to the summit.
Head Temple Takao-san Yakuo-in Official Site
Leaving the temple behind and heading further up the mountain, I once again found myself surrounded by greenery. One thing that stood out throughout the day was just how much nature still thrives on Mt. Takao despite its popularity. Home to a remarkable variety of plants, insects, birds, and mammals, the mountain is carefully protected to preserve the ecosystem that has developed here over centuries. Many of the towering cedar trees that line the trails can take decades to mature, making conservation an important part of ensuring future generations can experience Mt. Takao as it is today.
One small detail that reflected this effort was the complete absence of trash cans. Visitors are encouraged to take their trash home, helping reduce litter and protect the wildlife that calls the mountain home. Despite seeing plenty of people on the trails, I didn’t see any litter along the way. It felt like a reflection of the respect both locals and visitors have for the mountain.

11:15
Reaching the summit of Mt. Takao

After reaching the summit of Mt. Takao, I was greeted with a view of Mt. Fuji, a welcome surprise considering the sky had been shrouded in clouds earlier that morning. After taking some time to enjoy the scenery and catch my breath, I began my descent via Trail 4, a quieter trail that winds through the forest. Along the way, I crossed a suspension bridge and caught glimpses of the highway below, a reminder of how close the mountain is to central Tokyo despite feeling worlds away. I even came across a small picnic area tucked among the trees, making it easy to imagine enjoying lunch there.
What surprised me most was that even on a weekday, despite the many people climbing the mountain, Mt. Takao never felt overcrowded. With multiple trails and so much open space, visitors naturally spread out, making it easy to enjoy the scenery and peaceful atmosphere at my own pace.

12:30
Descending by chairlift

13:00
Enjoying Mt. Takao’s famous tororo soba & learning more about Mt. Takao

I started my ascent at 9:00 a.m., so by the time I arrived back in town around 1:00 p.m., I was fairly hungry. Mt. Takao is famous for tororo soba, a simple but satisfying dish consisting of soba noodles topped with grated Japanese yam. Known for its smooth, slightly sticky texture, tororo has long been enjoyed in Japan as an energizing food, making it the perfect meal after a morning spent hiking. We stopped by Momijiya Honten, just a short walk from Kiyotaki Station, to enjoy the local specialty.
Momijiya Honten (Japanese site only)

What makes the dish even more interesting is how closely it is tied to the local community. Through the “Takao-san Tororo Soba Campaign,” restaurants around the mountain have come together to promote the area’s signature dish, with every shop offering its own take on tororo soba. Rather than competing against one another, the campaign encourages visitors to explore the area while supporting local businesses, reflecting the strong sense of community that exists around Mt. Takao.
I made one final stop at TAKAO 599 MUSEUM, located near the base of the mountain. Named after Mt. Takao’s elevation of 599 meters, the museum offers an introduction to the mountain’s rich ecosystem, wildlife, and history. Interactive exhibits showcased the importance of preserving this natural environment.
TAKAO 599 MUSEUM

Final thoughts

What makes Mt. Takao so special is that it offers much more than just a hike. Within an hour of central Tokyo, I found myself surrounded by dense forests, centuries-old temples, and a mountain that has been a place of worship for generations. Whether you’re drawn by the spiritual history of Yakuo-in, the stunning views from the summit, or simply the chance to escape the city for a few hours, Mt. Takao offers a refreshing change of pace.
Listening to the audio guide throughout the day helped me understand not only the mountain’s history but also the ongoing efforts to protect it. From conservation initiatives and the respect visitors show by taking their trash home, to the traditions that have shaped the mountain for centuries, there is a clear commitment to preserving what makes Mt. Takao unique. This balance of nature, spirituality, and accessibility is what continues to make Mt. Takao one of Japan’s most beloved destinations.
For those planning to climb Mt. Takao, I recommend downloading the audio guide app using the links below for a more informative and enriching experience.
iPhone / Android Check out the map above for access information to Mt. Takao, explore the various hiking trails, and find the trail that best suits your visit. Volunteer-guided tours run by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau are also available, offering a more immersive way to experience Mt. Takao.
Route 12: Experience rich nature, the mountain, and the Japanese spirit at Mt. Takao