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 by train is easy and hassle-free. With minimal transfers and smaller, easy-to-navigate stations along the way, you won’t get lost. Since it takes under an hour from central Tokyo, a day trip is totally doable—making it a convenient option to add to your sightseeing plans.

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

Take a Keio Line Limited Express from Shinjuku directly to Takaosanguchi Station—no transfers needed. The ride takes about 50 minutes and costs 430 yen for adults, 220 yen for children.

On weekends and holidays, the special Mt. TAKAO train offers a faster and more comfortable ride, getting you there in as little as 43 minutes. This train requires a reserved seat ticket (410 yen per person), which can be purchased via the Keio Ticketless Service or at station kiosks. You can also use the “Takao-san Ticket” introduced below as your base fare.

Once you arrive at Keio Takaosanguchi Station, the entrance to Mount Takao is just steps away.

Another convenient way to reach Mt. Takao from Shinjuku Station involves taking the JR Chuo Line and transferring to the Keio Takao Line.

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

Be careful not to confuse Takao Station (JR Chuo Line) with Takaosanguchi Station! If you get off at JR Takao Station, it's about a 30-minute walk to the mountain.

During peak travel seasons, Takaosanguchi Station can become extremely crowded. If you have extra time, consider walking from Takao Station along Koshu Kaido (Route 20). It's a pleasant stroll dotted with charming cafes and souvenir shops—and you'll find yourself at Mt. Takao in no time!

Another convenient route to Mt. Takao starts from Shibuya Station using Keio lines.

Take the Keio Inokashira Line express from Shibuya to Meidaimae Station (about 8 minutes). At Meidaimae, transfer to the Keio Line, reaching Takaosanguchi Station in roughly 1 hour 25 minutes (fare: 430 yen adults, 220 yen children). Taking the Keio Line express from Meidaimae will shorten your travel time by about 30 minutes.

For an affordable visit to Mt. Takao, consider Keio Railway’s special "Takaosan Ticket." It bundles a round-trip fare from any Keio or Inokashira Line station to Takaosanguchi Station with discounted tickets for the cable car or scenic two-seater chairlift (available one-way or round-trip).

Buying tickets separately for the train and the cable car or chairlift would typically cost around 20% more. Using these services significantly reduces your hiking time, getting you comfortably halfway up the mountain in less than an hour.

Although Mt. Takao is only 599 meters high, even the easiest trail takes about 90 minutes from base to summit. With the cable car or chairlift, you can shorten this time considerably—perfect if you prefer a leisurely hike or aren’t dressed for serious trekking.

The Mt. Takao cable car departs from Kiyotaki Station at the mountain's base and climbs a steep slope—at 31 degrees 18 minutes, Japan's steepest—covering roughly 1 km in just 6 minutes to Takaosan Station (elevation: 472 m).

Enjoy spectacular natural views through the windows, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage. Originally opened in 1927, the cable car was modernized in 1968 with fully automated vehicles.

Be mindful of the limited schedule when descending, as the last cable car departs between 5:15 PM and 6:30 PM, depending on the season. However, during the operating season of the nearby Mt. Takao Beer Mount beer garden (typically mid-June to mid-October and late October to mid-December), the cable car runs later to accommodate visitors after closing time.

The scenic two-seater chairlift departs from Sanroku Station, located just a short walk from Kiyotaki Station. It offers an open-air ride for two, covering a distance of around 870 meters in about 12 minutes—slower than the cable car, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery.

Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Takao, gaze down upon tall, straight kitayama cedar trees, and experience the thrill of gliding over steep slopes. There's even a paid photo service to capture your memorable ride.

Keep an eye on the return schedule, as the last chairlift departs at 4:30 PM (4:00 PM from December to April, though it may operate later on weekends and holidays). Plan your descent accordingly to make the most of your hike!

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.

For travelers who want to combine a visit to Mt. Takao with sightseeing in Tokyo, the "Keio & Inokashira Line 1-Day Ticket" offers unlimited rides on both railway lines for a great price (1,000 yen adults, 500 yen children). Tickets are available at all Keio and Inokashira Line station vending machines.

These train lines connect popular spots such as Kichijoji, home to the Ghibli Museum (advance reservations required) and Inokashira Park, as well as Shimokitazawa, a neighborhood renowned for its vintage clothing stores, theaters, and live music venues. Why not enjoy a daytime hike on Mt. Takao, then spend the evening exploring Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods and enjoying dinner in the city?

Kichijoji, a stop on the Inokashira Line, is a regular top contender in Japan’s “Most Desirable Places to Live” rankings. It’s a lively area packed with shopping arcades, street food, and green spaces—perfect for a full day of exploring.

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

Inside Inokashira Park, you’ll also find a small zoo and amusement area, making it a great destination for families. In spring, the park bursts into color with around 500 cherry trees—including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura varieties—creating a stunning setting for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Come autumn, the park transforms again with vibrant foliage from maple, cherry, ginkgo, and zelkova trees.

For shopping and dining, head to the lively Sunroad Shopping Street, just a 3-minute walk from the station. This covered arcade is home to a wide mix of cozy cafés, local eateries, trendy shops, and long-established restaurants—all protected from the rain and sun for a pleasant stroll.

In the evening, don't miss Harmonica Yokocho, a maze of tiny alleyway bars and izakaya—a classic spot to enjoy drinks and soak in the retro Tokyo atmosphere.

Shimokitazawa is a hub of Japanese fashion culture, known for its quirky vibe and abundance of vintage and secondhand shops. It boasts one of the largest collections of used clothing stores in Japan, offering everything from American casual to high-quality European vintage pieces—perfect for treasure-hunting fashion lovers.

The area is also a paradise for foodies, especially curry fans. Shimokitazawa is packed with curry restaurants, from long-running favorites to trendy soup curry spots. In fact, the annual Curry Festival held every October features over 100 participating shops.

Cafés are also plentiful, ranging from retro-style kissaten serving coffee and cake to specialty tea houses offering wagashi and matcha. When you need a break from shopping, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge.

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—making it a great deal for exploring beyond Tokyo.

Valid for 5 consecutive days, the pass covers popular destinations including Mt. Takao, central Tokyo, Yokohama, Naritasan, and even Nikko. It’s available exclusively to international visitors to Japan.

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

The "Takaosan Yuttari Ticket" is a great-value bundle that includes round-trip fare to Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio or Inokashira Line, round-trip tickets for the Mt. Takao cable car or chairlift, admission to Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, and a meal.

Available only on weekdays and for adults, this ticket is not sold during peak holiday periods like Golden Week or Obon. For example, departing from Shinjuku or Shibuya, you can save over 1,000 yen!

It can be purchased from ticket vending machines at any Keio or Inokashira Line station. Prices vary depending on your departure station, so check the official website for details.

The "Keio Amusement Passport" combines a one-day unlimited ride pass for all Keio and Inokashira Line trains with admission to a popular amusement park—offering great savings for a fun-filled day.

The pass is the same price no matter which station you buy it from, and you can hop on and off freely across the entire Keio and Inokashira Line network. Choose from three partner attractions: Yomiuriland, Tokyo Summerland (available July–September), or Sanrio Puroland.

Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at any Keio or Inokashira Line station.

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

Easily accessible from central Tokyo, Mt. Takao offers something different each season, making it a great day trip year-round. With its convenient location and hassle-free access, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit again and again. Make the most of your trip—and the surrounding area—by taking advantage of special discount tickets.

(Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in April 2025. Please check official websites for the latest information.)