Camping & Trekking
Climbing Mt Takao
Kenny King Hin ChoiMt Takao (高尾山) offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and boasts a cable car, a chair lift and various h..
Mount Takao
Just an hour from downtown Tokyo, Mount Takao is one of the most popular destinations for day-trippers and hikers. Also known as" "Takaosan" ", the mountain is a protected part of the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. It offers a beautiful landscape, an interesting temple and attractive hiking opportunities.The colorful foliage around the mountain and the national park make it a popular destination for the annual autumn foliage observation.
A network of hiking trails leads up the slopes of Takaosan. However, the majority of visitors use hiking trail no. 1, which is wide and mostly paved and passes all important sites on its way to the 599 meter high peak.
The Takaosan is considered a sacred mountain and many visitors pray for luck at the Yakuoin Temple, which is along the way. Statues of gods, one with a long nose and one with a crow's bill, can be found in the temple and elsewhere around the mountain.
Highlights
Yakuoin Temple
Founded in 744, Yakuoin Temple is a Buddhist temple devoted to tengu. Tengu are bird-like mythical creatures said to be messengers of the gods, living on sacred mountains to protect it from evil. Two tengu statues stand guard at Yakuoin Temple, one with a long pointed nose and one with a crow’s beak. Visitors interested in shugendo or Buddhist practices are welcome to participate in asceticism, as well as try shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) with advance reservation.
Discover Yakuoin Temple
Macaques
As per its name, the Natural Zoo hosts 60 monkeys in their natural mountain habitat. The playful Japanese Macaques perform tricks at shows throughout various times of the day. The botanical garden is also home to a massive collection of more than 300 different species of native plants. Both facilities are included within the same entrance ticket.
Takao 599 Museum
Located at the base of the mountain, visitors can learn more about Mt. Takao at the Takao 599 museum. The free-to-enter museum aims to educate visitors on Mt. Takao’s unique ecology and inhabitants. Contrary to its traditional surroundings, the interior of the Takao 599 Museum is chic and modern.
Discover Takao 599 Museum
Takaosan Onsen
Next to the train station is Takaosan Onsen, a natural hot spring facility. With cypress baths, a sauna, outdoor rock baths and more - Takaosan Onsen is the perfect place to rest after a long day’s hike. Other than baths, the facility also offers massage services and has an in-house restaurant serving up local fare.
Discover Takaosan Onsen
General Amenities
- Free guides/pamphlets
Related Articles
18 articles
13
Sacred Temple of Mt Takao
Kenny King Hin ChoiTakaosan Yakuoin is a sacred site on Takaosan, lying halfway between the top of Takaosan and the mid-station.
8
Activities
Mt. Takao - Cable Car & Chair Lift
Susan TumanonThe highlight of the trip was riding the cable car (the steepest in Japan) up the mountain and going down on the chair lift. If..
21
Beer Gardens
Mt. Takao Beer Mount 2025
The Beer Mount is a beer garden located on Mt. Takao in Tokyo. This all-you-can-eat and -drink feast is a summertime treat for hikers...
Culture
Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival 2025
To the west of Tokyo, the autumn leaves of Mount Takao are celebrated each November with a month-long festival. Musical performances,..
Activities
A Little of Everything: Mount Takao
Helen LangfordTakao-san sits on the western edge of Tokyo in Hachioji City and is part of the Meiji Memorial Forest Takao Quasi-National Park...
17
Activities
Plum Blossom Trail in Takao
Cathy CawoodIn early spring we enjoyed a hike along a well known plum blossom trail in Takao on the edge of Tokyo. We began at Takao Station..
Camping & Trekking
Going Up Mt. Takao by Chair Lift
Todd WojnowskiThe Chair Lift is a fun way to get up Mt. Takao without having to do all that climbing
Camping & Trekking
Biwa Waterfall Trail, Mount Takao
Catherine HagarBiwa Waterfall Trail is a great hike on Mount Takao that follows a stream to the top of the mountain. The water keeps you cool during..
12
Camping & Trekking
Hiking Mt. Takao, Hachioji, Tokyo
Adeline OngEscaping to nature within Tokyo to hike one of the sacred mountains of Japan
Camping & Trekking
Takao-san to Jimba-san Day Hike
Sarah MathewsTake a day hike in Tokyo's west between Mt Takao and Mt Jimba. The total walk time is approximately 5.5 hours.
6
Activities
A Visit to Mt. Takao
Sleiman AziziMt. Takao is Tokyo's most popular mountain with 2.5 million annual visitors. A recent trip saw me and my son ascend the mountain..
6
Camping & Trekking
Mt. Takao's Monkey Park and Garden
Hana JoyThe Monkey Park and Wild Plant Garden at Mt. Takao are often overlooked by hikers. The Garden is especially lesser known, making..
Culture
Hachioji City - Museums & Galleries
Sleiman AziziHachioji City, famous for Mt. Takao, is home to plenty of other sites including some great museums and galleries. These include..
Culture
Hachioji City - History & Landmarks
Sleiman AziziHachioji City is not only the doorstep to the famous Mt. Takao but is also home to plenty of history and landmarks. These include..
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Mount Takao
Inside Mount Takao
Culture
Yakuoin Temple
Formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, the Buddhist temple of Yakuo-in (薬王院) was established in 744 and is devoted to tengu. Tengu are bi..
Near Mount Takao
Italian
Affordable Pizza at Cona
At Japan's franchise Italian restaurant Cona, you don't have to worry about stress of choice depending on the price, s..
Japanese
Niboshi Iwashi Ramen En
One particular Hachioji shop manages to set itself apart from the crowd, Niboshi Iwashi Ramen En (煮干鰮らーめん 圓), which ha..
Food
Hello Kitty Lunch Buffet in Tokyo...
Past EventA special event coming to the Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji is set to pair Hello Kitty with food, at a themed lunch buffet. Running..
Activities
Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest
Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest is located in the beautiful landscape of Sagamihara, Kanagawa, just an hour away from the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku...
Historical
The Kanto Fureai no Michi in Tokyo
Walk along the cultural and natural treasures of Tokyo from Mt. Takao to Mt. Mitake on the Tokyo area part of the Kanto Fureai no..
Culture
Midori no Kanshasai 2025
Midori no Kanshasai is the climax of a month-long, annual environmental campaign taking place from 15 April to 14 May to incre..