At first glance, Mt. Takao may look like a simple hiking destination. But this mountain has been considered sacred for over 1,200 years.

Home to Yakuo-in Temple, a temple said to date back to 744 AD, Mt. Takao has long been a center of mountain worship and Buddhist training. Because the mountain was protected for spiritual reasons, much of its lush forest escaped large-scale development and survives today in remarkably pristine condition.

That blend of spirituality, untouched nature, and easy access from central Tokyo is exactly what makes Mt. Takao so special.

And honestly? There’s something surreal about sipping ice-cold Japanese draft beer in a place where monks once trained deep in the mountains.

Perched high above western Tokyo, the venue offers panoramic views, cool mountain temperatures, and an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city below.
Because operating hours change slightly depending on the season, it’s worth double-checking the official schedule before visiting.

・2026 Takao Beer Mount Season: May 30 – November 29, 2026
・Hours (May, June, November): 11 AM – 5 PM; Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays: 12 PM – 9 PM (*November Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays end at 8 PM)
・Hours (July – October): Open daily 12 PM – 9 PM
・Scheduled Closures: June 24–25 and October 27–29, 2026

Takao Beer Mount adopts a highly satisfying "2-Hour All-You-Can-Eat & All-You-Can-Drink (Buffet Style)" system.

Takao Beer Mount uses a popular 2-hour all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink buffet system, making it easy to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about extra charges.

After purchasing your ticket at the entrance, you’ll have unlimited access to draft beers from many of Japan’s top breweries, including Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory. It’s a great chance to compare different styles and seasonal selections in one place.

There are also plenty of options for non-drinkers and families, with a wide selection of soft drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails available.

(Prices and menu offerings may change, so checking the official website before your visit is recommended. Reservations can also be made via the website.)

And then there’s the food.

Expect classic Japanese beer-hall favorites like sizzling yakitori, crispy gyoza, yakisoba fresh off the grill, and comforting oden. Local specialties such as tororo soba, a Mt. Takao favorite topped with grated yam, also make appearances alongside salads featuring fresh vegetables from nearby Hachioji.

Since everything is buffet-style, it’s perfect for travelers who want to try a little bit of everything without committing to a single dish.

Despite feeling deep in nature, getting to Takao Beer Mount is surprisingly easy.

From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line Special Express train to Takaosanguchi Station. No extra express fee is required, and the ride is simple and convenient.
The station itself is worth a look too, featuring a striking wooden design by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma that blends modern style with traditional Japanese aesthetics.

About a 5-minute walk along the river from Takaosanguchi Station will bring you to Kiyotaki Station, the base station of the Takao Tozan Railway. From here to the halfway point where Beer Mount is located, it is most convenient to use the Cable Car.
And this isn’t just any cable car.

The Mt. Takao cable car features one of the steepest inclines in Japan at 31 degrees 18 minutes. As the car climbs through thick forests, passengers are treated to seasonal scenery ranging from vibrant summer greenery to fiery autumn foliage.

Step off at Takaosan Station, and Beer Mount is practically right in front of you.

Takao Beer Mount features a large open-air venue with different seating areas, each offering its own atmosphere and views. Depending on your mood or who you’re visiting with, you can choose the spot that feels just right.

This is the iconic photo spot everyone wants.

From here, you’ll get sweeping panoramic views over the Kanto Plain. On especially clear evenings, you can even spot landmarks like Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower glowing in the distance.

The real magic happens around sunset, when the sky shifts from gold to deep blue and Tokyo’s city lights begin sparkling below like a galaxy.

If you want maximum “mountain escape” vibes, this is the area to choose.

Surrounded by forest, the Garden Stage lets you relax beneath the trees while cool breezes sweep through the mountain. It feels dramatically different from Tokyo’s usual rooftop beer gardens.

An ice-cold beer surrounded by cedar forests and fresh mountain air? That’s peak Tokyo summer.

Mountain weather can change fast, but Takao Beer Mount is prepared.

The spacious indoor seating area offers air conditioning, heating, and shelter from rain, making it a reliable option during chilly spring evenings or sudden showers.

Even if the weather turns, the feast continues.

No matter which seat you choose, each features its own distinct advantages, ensuring new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.

To help international visitors make the most of their time at Takao Beer Mount, here are a few useful tips to know before you go.

Bring a light jacket: Temperatures on the mountain are often 2–4°C cooler than central Tokyo, especially at night.

Check the final cable car departure time before drinking: Takao Beer Mount stays open until 9 PM, but the cable car stops earlier. Be sure to check the final departure time in advance, as walking down the mountain in the dark after drinking can be dangerous.

Weekday afternoons (noon to 4 PM) are the sweet spot: This is best if you want fewer crowds and easier seating. Summer weekends can get extremely busy.

Why not arrive a little earlier than Beer Mount’s opening time to immerse yourself in the deep history and traditional culture of Mt. Takao? Here are outstanding, must-visit sightseeing spots nearby.

About 20 minutes on foot from the cable car station, Yakuo-in Temple sits quietly among Mt. Takao’s forests and has welcomed worshippers for over 1,200 years. The temple is closely associated with tengu, legendary mountain spirits said to protect the area and drive away bad fortune. Their distinctive statues can be seen throughout the grounds, giving the temple a unique atmosphere unlike many others in Japan. Visiting before sunset adds an especially atmospheric touch to a Beer Mount evening.

Just steps from Takaosanguchi Station, this popular hot spring facility is an easy place to unwind before heading home.
The natural hot spring water is drawn from deep underground and is known for its smooth, gentle feel. Guests can soak in open-air baths surrounded by greenery or relax in saunas scented with Japanese hinoki cypress. Whether you’ve spent the day hiking or enjoying the beer garden, it’s a refreshing way to end a trip to Mt. Takao.

Opening on May 30, 2026, Takao Beer Mount combines mountain views, cool evening air, unlimited drinks, and the lively atmosphere of a Japanese summer beer garden, all just an hour from central Tokyo. Give it a go during your visit to Japan this summer.

(Source/Main Image :Takao Tozan Railway)