While you can get to Mount Takao by car or bus, traffic often builds up during peak seasons like cherry blossom and autumn foliage. For a smooth and stress-free trip, taking the train is highly recommended.

Getting to Mount Takao from Shinjuku or Shibuya is simple and stress-free. Trains are direct or require only one easy transfer, and stations along the way are small and easy to navigate.

Since it’s under an hour from central Tokyo, it’s perfect for a quick day trip and an easy addition to your itinerary.

The most convenient way to reach Mount Takao from central Tokyo is via Shinjuku Station. Of the two main options, the simplest is the Keio Line.

From Shinjuku, take a Keio Line Limited Express directly to Takaosanguchi Station. No transfers are needed. The ride takes about 50 minutes and costs 430 yen for adults and 220 yen for children.

On weekends and holidays, the Mt. TAKAO train offers a quicker and more comfortable option, reaching the station in as little as 43 minutes. A reserved seat ticket is required and costs 410 yen per person. Tickets can be purchased through the Keio Ticketless Service or at station kiosks. You can also use the Takao-san Ticket introduced below for the base fare.

From Keio Takaosanguchi Station, the entrance to Mount Takao is just a short walk away.

Another easy way to reach Mount Takao from Shinjuku is via the JR Chuo Line with a transfer to the Keio Takao Line.

From Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line Special Rapid (Chuo-Kaitoku) to Takao Station, which takes about 44 minutes. Then transfer to the Keio Takao Line for a quick 3-minute ride to Takaosanguchi Station. The total fare is 720 yen for adults and 360 yen for children.

Be careful not to confuse Takao Station with Takaosanguchi Station. If you get off at JR Takao Station, it is about a 30-minute walk to the mountain.

During peak seasons, Takaosanguchi Station can get very crowded. If you have extra time, consider walking from Takao Station along Koshu Kaido (Route 20). It is an easy and pleasant walk with cafes and souvenir shops along the way, and you will arrive at Mount Takao before you know it.

Another convenient way to reach Mount Takao is from Shibuya using the Keio lines.

Start by taking the Keio Inokashira Line express from Shibuya to Meidaimae Station, which takes about 8 minutes. From there, transfer to the Keio Line and continue to Takaosanguchi Station. The full journey takes around 1 hour 25 minutes, with fares at 430 yen for adults and 220 yen for children.

To save time, take a Keio Line express from Meidaimae, which can shorten the trip by about 30 minutes.

For a more affordable visit to Mount Takao, consider Keio Railway’s Takaosan Ticket. It combines a round-trip train fare from any Keio or Inokashira Line station to Takaosanguchi Station with discounted tickets for the cable car or two-seater chairlift. You can choose one-way or round-trip options.

Buying train and lift tickets separately usually costs about 20% more, so this pass offers solid savings. It also helps cut down hiking time, taking you comfortably partway up the mountain.

While Mount Takao is only 599 meters high, even the easiest trail takes around 90 minutes from base to summit. Using the cable car or chairlift shortens the climb, making it a great option for a more relaxed visit or if you are not dressed for a full hike.

The Mount Takao cable car runs from Kiyotaki Station at the base to Takaosan Station near the top, covering about 1 km in just 6 minutes. The route climbs a steep slope, reaching a maximum gradient of 31 degrees 18 minutes, the steepest in Japan.

Along the way, you can enjoy seasonal views through the windows, from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful autumn foliage. The line first opened in 1927 and was upgraded with fully automated cars in 1968.

Be aware of the last departure when heading down. The final cable car leaves between 5:15 PM and 6:30 PM, depending on the season. During the Mt. Takao Beer Mount beer garden season, usually from mid-June to mid-October and late October to mid-December, service runs later to accommodate evening visitors.

The scenic two-seater chairlift departs from Sanroku Station, just a short walk from Kiyotaki Station. This open-air ride for two covers about 870 meters in around 12 minutes, offering a slower, more relaxed alternative to the cable car.

Along the way, you can take in wide views of Mount Takao, look down over tall kitayama cedar trees, and enjoy the feeling of gliding above the slope. A paid photo service is also available to capture the moment.

Be sure to check the return schedule in advance. The last chairlift departs at 4:30 PM, or 4 PM from December to April, with slightly later hours on weekends and holidays. Planning ahead will help you make the most of your visit.

You can purchase the "Takaosan Ticket" in one of three ways:

1. At ticket vending machines at Keio and Inokashira Line stations

1. Select your preferred language (English, Chinese, or Korean) on the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap "Discount Tickets" on the machine’s display.
3. Choose "Takaosan Ticket."
4. Select either "one-way ticket" or "round-trip ticket."
5. Enter the number of passengers and complete your purchase.

(*Tickets are valid only on the date of purchase. Tickets are unavailable from December 31 to January 3.)

2. Purchase a Digital Ticket

You can also buy a digital "Takaosan Ticket" via the TAMa-GO e-ticket website, available online 24/7. After purchase, simply display the QR code on your smartphone and scan it at the ticket gates to enter.

3. Use Contactless Credit Card Payment

No prior registration is needed—just tap your credit card to purchase the "Takaosan Ticket." Accepted cards include VISA, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, and UnionPay. If you use the same credit card throughout your day-trip itinerary within the ticket’s valid area, the discount will automatically apply when charged.

You can also purchase the "Takaosan Ticket" directly via LIVE JAPAN. Check below for more details.

If you are planning to pair a visit to Mount Takao with sightseeing in Tokyo, the Keio & Inokashira Line 1-Day Ticket is a great option. It offers unlimited rides on both lines for 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. Tickets are available at vending machines at all Keio and Inokashira Line stations.

These lines connect popular areas such as Kichijoji, home to the Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park, and Shimokitazawa, known for its vintage shops, theaters, and live music venues. You can enjoy a hike at Mount Takao during the day, then head back into the city for an evening of exploring and dining.

Kichijoji, a stop on the Inokashira Line, is often ranked among Japan’s most desirable places to live. It is a lively neighborhood filled with shopping arcades, street food, and green spaces, making it ideal for a full day out.

Just a 5-minute walk from the station, Inokashira Park is the area’s centerpiece. Established over 100 years ago, it is considered Japan’s first suburban park. At its heart lies Inokashira Pond, which stretches about 1.5 km around. Visitors can rent rowboats or swan boats and enjoy a relaxing time on the water.

Within Inokashira Park, you will also find a small zoo and amusement area, making it a great choice for families. In spring, around 500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, fill the park with color, creating a beautiful setting for hanami. In autumn, the scenery shifts again with vibrant foliage from maple, cherry, ginkgo, and zelkova trees.

For shopping and dining, head to Sunroad Shopping Street, just a 3-minute walk from the station. This covered arcade is lined with cozy cafés, local eateries, trendy shops, and long-established restaurants, making it an easy place to explore in any weather.

In the evening, stop by Harmonica Yokocho, a maze of narrow alleyways packed with tiny bars and izakaya. It is a classic spot to enjoy drinks and take in a nostalgic Tokyo atmosphere.

Shimokitazawa is a hub of Japanese fashion culture, known for its laid-back, quirky vibe and abundance of vintage and secondhand shops. It boasts one of the largest selections of used clothing stores in Japan, with everything from American casual to high-quality European vintage, making it a great spot for treasure hunting.

The area is also a favorite for food lovers, especially curry fans. Shimokitazawa is filled with curry restaurants, from long-standing favorites to trendy soup curry spots. Each October, the Curry Festival brings together over 100 participating shops.

Cafés are just as plentiful, from retro-style kissaten serving coffee and cake to specialty tea houses offering wagashi and matcha. It is an ideal place to take a break and relax between shopping stops.

How to Buy the Ticket
The "Keio & Inokashira Line 1-Day Ticket" can be purchased at ticket vending machines at any Keio or Inokashira Line station.

1. Select your language (English, Chinese, or Korean) using the button at the top right of the screen
2. Tap “Discount Tickets” on the display
3. Choose “Free Pass”
4. Select “Keio & Inokashira Line 1-Day Ticket”
5. Choose the number of tickets and proceed with payment. (Tickets are valid only on the day of purchase.)

The Greater Tokyo Pass offers unlimited rides on participating private railways, streetcars, and Toei buses across the Kanto region for one flat rate. It is a convenient option for exploring areas beyond central Tokyo.

Valid for 5 consecutive days, the pass covers destinations such as Mount Takao, central Tokyo, Yokohama, Naritasan, and Nikko. It is available exclusively to international visitors.

The pass costs 6,500 yen for adults and 3,250 yen for children ages 6 to 11, and can be purchased through the official website. Be sure to check the site for a full list of participating operators and usage details.

The Takaosan Yuttari Ticket is a value-packed option that combines a Mount Takao visit with a relaxing onsen experience. It includes round-trip train fare to Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio or Inokashira Line, round-trip access to the cable car or chairlift, admission to Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, and a meal.

This ticket is available on weekdays only for adults and is not sold during peak holiday periods such as Golden Week or Obon. When departing from Shinjuku or Shibuya, it can offer savings of over 1,000 yen.

You can purchase it at ticket vending machines at Keio and Inokashira Line stations. Prices vary depending on your departure station, so check the official website for details.

The Keio Amusement Passport is a convenient bundle that pairs unlimited one-day rides on all Keio and Inokashira Line trains with admission to a popular amusement park.

The price is the same regardless of where you purchase it, and you can hop on and off freely across the entire network. You can choose from three partner attractions: Yomiuriland, Tokyo Summerland (available July to September), or Sanrio Puroland.

Tickets are available at vending machines at all Keio and Inokashira Line stations.

The Keio Amusement Passport is available for purchase on LIVE JAPAN. For details, please check the link below.

Easily reached from central Tokyo, Mount Takao offers something new in every season, making it a rewarding day trip year-round. With simple access and a wide range of trails and activities, it is a place many visitors return to more than once. Make the most of your visit and the surrounding area by taking advantage of available discount tickets.