Planning a day hike activity while in Japan? There are a number of mountains that is ideal for hiking activities one of which is Mt. Takao (Takaosan). Located in Hachioji Tokyo, Japan, Mt. Takao has an elevation of 599m.
Mt. Takao is one of the best spots to get a view of the Autumn colors in Tokyo. The peak autumn colors takes place Mid-November to Late-November.
From Shinjuku Station it will only take 44 minutes via Keio Line to reach Takao Station in Hachioji, Tokyo.
Mt. Takao has 7 hiking trails most visitors take on Trail #1, the trail is paved and less narrower than the other which makes it the easiest trail to take. It will take about 110 mins to climb the trail on foot and 90mins down.
However by using the cable car lift from the Kiotaki Station up to Mt. Takaoyama Station you can reach the summit in just 60mins. The cable car will take you halfway of the mountain which will cost 480 yen and 980 yen for round trip ticket. We recommend that you take the cable car if you don’t want to get too tired and if you have extra cash.
By experience although Trail #1 is paved and the easiest among the trails, it can still be really tiring because of the elevation of the pathway.
Along the trail are several resting areas where you can take a break when you feel tired and a few food stalls to fill your stomach.
When you reach the Takao station you will see a spectacular view of Tokyo’s skyline which is really breath taking and should not be missed.
Attracttions
A few minutes away from the Takaosan cable car station the observatory offers a stunning view of Tokyo’s skyline (particularly the Shinjuku area). You can take a seat on the benches along the observatory and enjoy the view.
Tip: If you can stay until the night falls drop by the observatory for a more majestic view of Tokyo’s skyline nightscape. We recommended that you do stay the view is just breath taking!
Home to a number of 60 monkeys Mt. Takao Money Park is just beside the Kasumidai Observatory halfway of trail #1.
Entrance Fee: ¥420 (Adult), ¥210 (Child)
Located along trail #1 is a 450 year old Japanese cedar tree, whose gigantic roots resemble the tentacles of an octopus giving it the name ‘Octopus root Cedar’.
Is a buddhist temple on Mt. Takao, established in 744 to be the base of buddhism for Eastern Japan.
How to get there?
From Shinjuku Station.
Option1 (Recommended): Take the Keio Line headed to Takaosanguchi, Limited Express. It will take you directly to Takao Station.
Travel Time : 44 mins
Ticket Cost: 360 Yen
Option 2: Take the Chu-Sobu Line headed to Nakano (3 stops from Shinjuku Station). From Nakano station board the train on Chuo Line bound for Takao Station.
Travel Time : 48 mins
Ticket Cost: 550 Yen
