Mt. Takao is a popular hiking spot located within an hour from central Tokyo, and it is very easy for you to get there. At the same time it had been considered as a sacred site of “Shugendo”, unique Japanese religion which combined the traditional mountain worship with Shinto and Buddhism. There is a temple called “Yakuo-in” halfway up the mountain, where many visitors take a break and pray for good fortune. Mt. Takao was awarded three stars of the Michelin Green Guide in 2007 along with Mt. Fuji.

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Recommendation

There are several hiking courses to enjoy Mt. Takao, and you can also take the cable car or chair lift to get to the station halfway up the mountain. It takes you about 1.5 hour to walk from the foot of the mountain to the top, but takes only 1 hour if you use the cable car or chair lift. You can choose the hiking course according to your physical condition and taste.

Mt. Takao as a hiking spot
There is the observation deck close to Takaosan cable car station halfway up the mountain, which offers a panoramic view of Kanto Plain with the skyscrapers of Tokyo. Furthermore, you can also see Mt. Fuji from the top of the mountain on a clear day. I hope you enjoy hiking in the natural forest which has been preserved for a long time.

Mt. Takao as a sacred site
You will find “Yakuo-in” temple on the way to the top. I would like to recommend you visit this temple to see the unique culture in Japan. The temple is dedicated to “Izuna Daigongen”, the deity in the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism which was worshiped by Japanese famous military commanders in the Sengoku (Warring States) period. There are also many statues of “Tengu” in the temple, the guardian of the deity and Buddha. Mt. Takao had been considered as a sacred site of “Shugendo”, unique Japanese religion which combined the traditional mountain worship with Shinto and Buddhism.

Access

It takes you about 50 minutes to get to Takaosanguchi station from Shinjuku by Keio Line. If you take JR Line, you should change trains at Takao station. Please refer to this site to check the detail.

Travel Route

Many visitors enjoy a day trip since it is very easy to get there from central Tokyo.

Day Move Sightseeing Stay
1 Shinjuku -> Takaosanguchi (Keio Line)
Hiking (Cable Car/Chair Lift/Walk)
Takaosanguchi -> Shinjuku (Keio Line)		 Mt. Takao
Yakuo-in