Autumn is beautiful in Japan. The vibrant colours of the leaves provide many opportunities for festive events celebrating the season throughout the country. The ever popular Mount Takao, on the outskirts of western Tokyo, is no exception.
Held each year throughout November, the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival celebrates the joy of the leaves with various performances held at Kiyotake cable car station at the base of the mountain.
November national holidays and weekends will see demonstrations of taiko drumming, Japanese orchestral concerts, recitals as well as yosakoi festival dancing, an exciting fusion of tradition and modernity that is danced all over Japan.
The reds, oranges, and yellows of Mount Takao's leaves are a beautiful backdrop to these performances. As always, food and drinks are available, as well souvenirs like kokeshi dolls and traditionally presented Japanese sake.
Getting there
Take the Keio line to Takaosan-guchi station. The station is located at the foot of the mountain. JR Pass holders can ride the JR Chuo line to Takao station, then change to the Keio Line for the short ride to Takaosan-guchi.
More info
Find out more about Mount Takao.
Sleiman Azizi @sleiman.azizi
I'm a Japanese Permanent Resident with over 650 published articles on Japan as well as 5 English language books inspired by traditional Japanese literature.I'm also a Japan Travel expert for Tokyo, so if you've anything to say about Japan's never ending capital - or just Japan in general - don't ...
