Mt. Takao

It takes only about 50 minutes by train from the Shinjuku Station and has easy access from central Tokyo. Mt. Takao, which people can start climbing from the Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line, is 599 meters high. It is a popular spot to enjoy hiking at one's own pace. All three routes from the foot take you to the peak in about 90 minutes, so it is easy for novice trekkers as well. On the mountain paths are various plants, animals, and insects, and you can look at them every season. About 1,300 species of vascular plants are growing in the surrounding area, so it is also a real thrill to look for typical plants in Mt. Takao during hiking. A cable car and a chairlift can take you quickly from the foot to a height of 472 meters. The observation deck near the Takaosan Station on the cable car line offers a marvelous view, and you can see skyscrapers in the center of Tokyo as well as the Yokohama area. If you go further up near the peak, you can enjoy a great panorama of the Japanese Southern Alps and Mt. Fuji. There are kiosks serving snacks and gift shops on the trail.