Just an hour from downtown Tokyo, Mount Takao is one of the most popular destinations for day-trippers and hikers. Also known as" "Takaosan" ", the mountain is a protected part of the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. It offers a beautiful landscape, an interesting temple and attractive hiking opportunities.The colorful foliage around the mountain and the national park make it a popular destination for the annual autumn foliage observation.
A network of hiking trails leads up the slopes of Takaosan. However, the majority of visitors use hiking trail no. 1, which is wide and mostly paved and passes all important sites on its way to the 599 meter high peak.
The Takaosan is considered a sacred mountain and many visitors pray for luck at the Yakuoin Temple, which is along the way. Statues of gods, one with a long nose and one with a crow's bill, can be found in the temple and elsewhere around the mountain.
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Founded in 744, Yakuoin Temple is a Buddhist temple devoted to tengu. Tengu are bird-like mythical creatures said to be messengers of the gods, living on sacred mountains to protect it from evil. Two tengu statues stand guard at Yakuoin Temple, one with a long pointed nose and one with a crow’s beak. Visitors interested in shugendo or Buddhist practices are welcome to participate in asceticism, as well as try shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) with advance reservation.
As per its name, the Natural Zoo hosts 60 monkeys in their natural mountain habitat. The playful Japanese Macaques perform tricks at shows throughout various times of the day. The botanical garden is also home to a massive collection of more than 300 different species of native plants. Both facilities are included within the same entrance ticket.
Located at the base of the mountain, visitors can learn more about Mt. Takao at the Takao 599 museum. The free-to-enter museum aims to educate visitors on Mt. Takao’s unique ecology and inhabitants. Contrary to its traditional surroundings, the interior of the Takao 599 Museum is chic and modern.
Next to the train station is Takaosan Onsen, a natural hot spring facility. With cypress baths, a sauna, outdoor rock baths and more - Takaosan Onsen is the perfect place to rest after a long day’s hike. Other than baths, the facility also offers massage services and has an in-house restaurant serving up local fare.
To the west of Tokyo, the autumn leaves of Mount Takao are celebrated each November with a month-long festival. Musical performances, taiko drumming and yosakoi dancing are held at the base of the mountain.
Mt Takao (高尾山) offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and boasts a cable car, a chair lift and various hiking trails.
Takaosan Yakuoin is a sacred site on Takaosan, lying halfway between the top of Takaosan and the mid-station.
The highlight of the trip was riding the cable car (the steepest in Japan) up the mountain and going down on the chair lift. If you are afraid of heights, don't look down
Fall at Mount Takao, a stunningly vivid display of nature.
The Beer Mount is a beer garden located on Mt. Takao in Tokyo. This all-you-can-eat and -drink feast is a summertime treat for hikers.
To the west of Tokyo, the autumn leaves of Mount Takao are celebrated each November with a month-long festival. Musical performances, taiko drumming and yosakoi dancing are held at the base of the mountain.
Takao-san sits on the western edge of Tokyo in Hachioji City and is part of the Meiji Memorial Forest Takao Quasi-National Park. It is a great place to spend the day.
In early spring we enjoyed a hike along a well known plum blossom trail in Takao on the edge of Tokyo. We began at Takao Station and finished at a hill covered with plum trees.
The Chair Lift is a fun way to get up Mt. Takao without having to do all that climbing
Biwa Waterfall Trail is a great hike on Mount Takao that follows a stream to the top of the mountain. The water keeps you cool during the hottest days of summer.
Escaping to nature within Tokyo to hike one of the sacred mountains of Japan
Take a day hike in Tokyo's west between Mt Takao and Mt Jimba. The total walk time is approximately 5.5 hours.
Mt. Takao is Tokyo's most popular mountain with 2.5 million annual visitors. A recent trip saw me and my son ascend the mountain over the New Year period. It was my son's first visit and we walked from the base to the summit without use of the cable car.
The Monkey Park and Wild Plant Garden at Mt. Takao are often overlooked by hikers. The Garden is especially lesser known, making it a great escape from the crowds
Hachioji City, famous for Mt. Takao, is home to plenty of other sites including some great museums and galleries. These include the Hachioji Yume Art Museum, the Mount Takao Trick Art Museum, the Takao 599 Museum and the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.
Hachioji City is not only the doorstep to the famous Mt. Takao but is also home to plenty of history and landmarks. These include the Doryo-do Ruins, Hachioji Castle Ruins, Kinu no Michi and the Kogesawa Plum Grove.
Formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, the Buddhist temple of Yakuo-in (薬王院) was established in 744 and is devoted to tengu. Tengu are bird-like mythical cre...
At Japan's franchise Italian restaurant Cona, you don't have to worry about stress of choice depending on the price, since they offer all pizzas for just ¥500.
One particular Hachioji shop manages to set itself apart from the crowd, Niboshi Iwashi Ramen En (煮干鰮らーめん 圓), which has garnered rave reviews from critics ever since exploding onto the scene in 2009
A special event coming to the Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji is set to pair Hello Kitty with food, at a themed lunch buffet. Running from the start of June until the end of August, the buffet includes a variety of tasty treats which also feature My Melody and Kuromi.
Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest is located in the beautiful landscape of Sagamihara, Kanagawa, just an hour away from the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku. This expansive complex is a paradise for adventure-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those simply seeking relaxation amidst the tranquility of nature. The resort's appeal lies in its wide range of attractions that cater to every taste and age group. From the thrilling rides of the amusement park to the relaxing natural hot springs, Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors. As spring unfolds across the landscape, the resort undergoes a stunning transformation, featuring more than 2,500 cherry trees—the largest collection in Kanto. Visitors can enjoy a magnificent showcase of nature's beauty as the delicate blossoms adorn the surroundings in shades of pink and white. Additionally, the resort hosts the largest illumination event in Kanto. The amusement park offers a variety of thrilling rides and attractions for those seeking excitement. Inspired by the famous Fujikyu Highland, the park features high-speed roller coasters, gravity-defying swings, sports challenges, and intricate mazes, ensuring there's something for every family member to enjoy. In the midst of the excitement of the park, guests can also find moments of serenity and relaxation in the resort's hot springs. Tucked away in the forested shores of Lake Sagami, these natural hot springs offer a rejuvenating retreat for visitors. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, from traditional camping sites to cozy cottages equipped with modern amenities. Overnight guests are treated to complimentary access to both the hot springs and the amusement park.
Walk along the cultural and natural treasures of Tokyo from Mt. Takao to Mt. Mitake on the Tokyo area part of the Kanto Fureai no Michi (Kanto Area Nature Trail).
Midori no Kanshasai is the climax of a month-long, annual environmental campaign taking place from 15 April to 14 May to increase people’s awareness and understanding of “Midori” — meaning “green”, and often used describe nature.
