Japan Heritage sites are cultural narratives recognized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. These “stories” package together tangible and intangible assets that showcase a region’s unique history and appeal.

Mount Takao, located in Hachioji—a city long known for silk production and nicknamed Soto ("Mulberry Capital")—was included in the story titled “Sacred Takao Mountain: A Spiritual Place Woven into the Mulberry Capital”. In June 2020, it became the first site in Tokyo designated as a Japan Heritage location.

In 2007, Mount Takao received the prestigious three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, meaning it’s considered “worth a special journey.” The guide praised Takao for its rich natural environment despite being just a short trip from central Tokyo. In the Kanto region, only a few destinations like Mount Fuji and Nikko share this top honor.

Unlike Mount Fuji, Mount Takao is open to hikers year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, or peaceful winter trails, there’s always something to enjoy.

Spring (March–May)

Every March, the Takao Baigo Plum Festival draws crowds eager to celebrate the arrival of spring. By mid-March, you’ll spot early bloomers like yamanekonome, with fruit resembling a cat’s eye, and yamaruriso, which produces tiny pale blue flowers. April marks the peak of spring blossoms, from violets and wildflowers to cherry blossoms, followed by the lush greenery of early summer.

Summer (June–August)

In mid-June, the Takao Beer Mount—an open-air beer garden near the cable car station—opens for the season, drawing lively crowds. Late June typically brings the rainy season, with more overcast and wet days. Once it lifts in mid to late July, summer is in full swing. August brings seasonal blooms like kijoran, a forest vine, and tama-ajisai, known for its round flower buds.

Autumn (September–November)

October marks peak hiking season on Mount Takao, attracting the highest number of visitors all year. The annual Takao Momiji Festival kicks off in late October, featuring live music and local product stalls near the Kiyotaki cable car station. By November, the mountaintop trees, including cherry trees, begin to turn vibrant shades, with the best foliage usually appearing from mid to late November. Don't miss the golden ginkgo-lined street in front of JR Takao Station—it's a stunning autumn sight.

Winter (December–February)

In December, average temperatures drop to around 1°C (34°F), bringing crisp, clear air to the mountain. Around the winter solstice in late December, lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of “Diamond Fuji,” when the sun sets directly over Mount Fuji’s peak as seen from Takao’s summit. On New Year’s Eve, the cable car runs all night, welcoming crowds heading to Yakuo-in Temple for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year.

The summit of Mount Takao sits at an elevation of 599 meters, making it noticeably cooler than central Tokyo. During peak seasons—late April to early May and October to mid-November—temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), attracting hikers eager to enjoy the pleasant weather.

Mount Takao offers a variety of hiking routes, including six official nature trails. If you're not sure where to start, here are four recommended courses based on difficulty level.

Try the popular Trail 1 for an easy hike with cable car access, or enjoy a peaceful walk through forest scenery on Trail 3. Trail 6 offers a more immersive mountain experience with streams and natural sounds, while the Inariyama Trail provides a rewarding challenge with steeper inclines.

Trail 1 is the most popular route on Mount Takao, serving as the main approach to Yakuo-in Temple. Fully paved to the summit, it’s ideal for beginners and can be hiked in regular sneakers. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes on foot, but using the cable car or lift shortens the journey by half—perfect for families or those with less stamina.

Along the way, you’ll pass food stalls and the Takao Monkey Park, making it a fun and relaxed climb. At the Jōshinmon Gate, the path splits into two options: the 108-step Otoko-zaka (Men’s Slope) or the gentler Onna-zaka (Women’s Slope). Both routes reconnect, so companions can choose different paths and meet up again just ahead.

Trail 3 offers a tranquil, nature-rich hike surrounded by trees and wildflowers. It takes about an hour to reach the summit and tends to be less crowded, allowing you to move at your own pace. Known as the Katsura Grove Trail for the cluster of katsura trees along the way, it’s especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color. Toward the end, the trail connects with Trails 2 and 1, giving you options to continue your hike.

The path is mostly gentle but includes some narrow sections, so proper hiking or trekking shoes are recommended. There are no vending machines or restaurants on this route, so be sure to bring enough water with you.

Trail 6 is a rugged, 90-minute hike to the summit suited for experienced hikers. Unlike Trail 1, this route is mostly unpaved and includes natural terrain. Highlights along the way include Biwa Falls, a site for waterfall meditation, and Iwaya Daishi, a small cave shrine dedicated to the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi.

Parts of the trail follow a stream, with slippery stones and wet paths, so sturdy trekking or hiking shoes are a must. The trail is narrow and shaded in places, so bringing a flashlight is a good idea. Be sure to carry water and high-energy snacks for breaks along the way.

The Inariyama Trail is known as the most demanding route on Mount Takao, with steep inclines and uneven terrain. Expect sharp slopes and long stair climbs—sturdy trekking or hiking shoes are essential.

It takes about 90 minutes to reach the summit. Along the way, the Azumaya lookout offers sweeping views of Hachioji, and on clear days, you can even spot the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. The ridge path is sunny and uplifting, but just before the summit, you’ll face a tough final push up around 200 steps. The reward? A refreshing sense of accomplishment. Be sure to wear proper hiking gear, bring a flashlight, water, and high-energy snacks.

You can find the English-language pamphlet for hiking Mount Takao at the following link.

Clothing
While Mount Takao isn’t as high as other peaks, it’s still a proper mountain, and your outfit matters. Choose breathable, easy-to-move-in clothes for both top and bottom, tailored to your trail of choice. One crucial tip: wear moisture-wicking underwear. Regardless of the season or trail difficulty, you’ll likely sweat—avoid cotton, which dries slowly.

Footwear
If you're just heading to the Takao Beer Mount, sandals or heels are fine. But if you plan to hike Trail 1, opt for sneakers or athletic shoes. For more challenging trails, proper hiking boots or trekking shoes are essential.

Backpack
A backpack keeps your hands free and is the most practical choice. For a day hike, a pack between 15 and 30 liters is ideal.

Hat
In summer, a wide-brimmed hat helps protect against the intense sun. In colder months, choose something warm. To prevent it from flying off in strong winds, use a hat clip for extra security.

Food & Drinks
Trail 1 has shops and vending machines, but other routes do not—even vending machines are scarce. Be sure to bring your own snacks and water. For intermediate and advanced trails, opt for quick energy boosters like cookies, dried fruit, or nuts.

Sunscreen
Especially essential for summer hikes to protect against strong UV rays.

Towel
Useful for wiping sweat or drying off if you get caught in the rain.

Light
Once the sun sets, the mountain becomes pitch dark. If you plan to descend in the late afternoon, bring a flashlight or, ideally, a headlamp so your hands stay free. Most areas on Mount Takao do have cell reception.

Mount Takao's fall foliage season typically peaks from mid-November to early December. Brilliant displays of iroha momiji (Japanese maple) can be seen around the cable car area and the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple. Other colorful trees include kajikaede, itabun, itayakaede, and shiraki. Additional scenic spots include the cable car and lift routes, the area near Takaosan Station (Kasumidai), the Stupa, and the summit. The ginkgo-lined stretch from the Oiwake intersection along Koshu-kaido to Takao Station is also a must-see.

Autumn is the busiest season at Mount Takao, drawing crowds on both weekdays and weekends. Expect long lines at the cable car ticket booths, boarding areas, and public restrooms.

Below is an overview of typical crowd levels during the fall season—use it as a guide when planning your visit.

Operated by the Takao Tozan Railway, the Takaosan Cable Car runs every 15 minutes between Kiyotaki Station at the mountain’s base and Takaosan Station midway up the slope (with extra departures during peak times). Two cars operate on this line: Momiji and Aoba.

Covering a 1,000-meter stretch and climbing approximately 270 meters in elevation, this line features Japan’s steepest cable car incline at 31.18 degrees. Near the top, the slope becomes so steep it can feel like you're about to tip forward if standing! The ride takes about six minutes one way, and Trail 1 starts just steps from Takaosan Station.

Next to the cable car, the Takaosan Chair Lift offers a scenic ride between Sanroku Station at the base and Sanjo Station midway up the mountain. This two-person lift is similar to those found at ski resorts. If you’re uneasy about riding a chair lift, the cable car is a more stable alternative—both depart from adjacent stations at the base. Tickets for the lift are sold at the same location as the cable car’s Kiyotaki Station, but the machines are different, so double-check before purchasing.

The ride takes about 12 minutes one way, covering approximately 870 meters—slightly shorter than the cable car route. During the ride, staff may offer to take your photo, which can be purchased after you get off (optional and for a fee).

Just a 3-minute walk from Takaosan Station on the cable car line, the Takao Monkey Park & Wildflower Garden is a family-friendly stop midway up the mountain. The monkey park is home to around 90 Japanese macaques, which you can observe safely through glass from both indoor and rooftop viewing areas.

The adjoining wild plant garden features about 300 types of native mountain flora, including rare species like the Takao Sumire, a violet first discovered on Mount Takao. A short walking trail winds through the garden, taking just 15 minutes to explore. There's also a birdwatching house, Ikoi-no-Yakata, where visitors can spot wild birds in their natural habitat.

Located right next to Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line, this Japanese-style day-use hot spring offers a relaxing retreat after your hike. The natural alkaline spring water, drawn from 1,000 meters underground, is slightly milky and gentle on the skin. The facility features seven types of baths, including a fragrant hinoki (cypress) bath with microbubbles and a stone-lined outdoor bath with carbonated water. There’s also a sauna and seasonal kawariburo (rotating themed baths), making it a soothing stop to unwind.

The most convenient way to reach Mount Takao from central Tokyo is via Shinjuku Station. There are two main train routes you can take to get there.

From central Tokyo, take the Shuto Expressway to the Chuo Expressway via Hachioji Junction, then exit at Takao IC on the Ken-O Expressway. From there, it's about a 5-minute drive toward Shinjuku on Route 20 (Koshu-kaido). Several parking lots are available between the IC and Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line. From the station, it's a 5-minute walk to the Kiyotaki Cable Car Station.

Parking Info
There are multiple options, including city-run lots and those operated by the Hachioji Tourism Convention Association. During weekends and the busy autumn season, spaces fill up early. Parking fees vary by lot, generally ranging from 500 to 2,000 yen per day.

With its gentle elevation and the convenience of a cable car and chair lift, Mount Takao is an ideal hiking destination for all ages. Its many sightseeing spots and easy access from central Tokyo make it perfect for a spontaneous getaway. That said, proper footwear and clothing are essential, especially depending on your chosen route. Be sure to prepare accordingly for a safe and enjoyable visit.

(Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in April 2025. For the latest information, please check official sources.)