[2025 Hachioji ] Travel Guide for Mt. Takaosan Hiking Course (Updated Aug)

#asiabudgetchallenge Mount Takao ( is a lush, 599 m peak just an hour from Shinjuku—nestled within Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi‑National Park, it’s a sacred site known for its temple, tengu statues, and dramatic views (on clear days, even Mount Fuji!)    Budget: ● Train from Shinjuku via Keio Line: ¥430 one-way. ● Or JR Chūō + Keio: JR pass covers JR leg. ● Cable car or ropeway: ¥490 one-way or ¥950 round trip. ● Attractions: Monkey Park ~¥500, optional Onsen, souvenirs ~¥1,500–¥2,000 overall.    Travel Tip: Choose Trail 1 for a paved, scenic route featuring Yakuō‑in temple, a monkey park, observation decks, and food stalls. It takes ~90 min up, ~80 min down—but cut time in half by using the cable car or lift. Travel Hack: To avoid crowds, arrive on a weekday morning (before 9 AM) and opt for Trail 6 or the Inariyama Trail on the return—these unpaved routes are quieter and more scenic. Pack snacks and water (vending machines cost more up top), bring a small trash bag (no bins allowed), and regular sneakers are sufficient.

#hikingtrails #100waysoftravel #japantravel Mount Takao, located about an hour from central Tokyo, is a perfect spot for a nature-filled day trip. Standing at 599 meters, it's great for hiking, cultural exploration, and enjoying beautiful views, all with easy access from the city. Getting There: From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station (50 minutes, about 400 yen). It’s quick, affordable, and brings you right to the base of the mountain. Best Time to Visit: - Autumn (October to December): For stunning fall colors. - Spring (March to April): For cherry blossoms. To avoid crowds, try visiting on a weekday or early in the morning. Trails: Mount Takao has several trails, from easy to more challenging: Trail 1: A paved, beginner-friendly route. Trail 4: A quieter, scenic path with a suspension bridge. Trail 6: A more natural trail that passes a waterfall. If you’re not up for hiking, there’s a cable car or chairlift option halfway up. Things to See: -Yakuo-in Temple: A historic Buddhist temple dedicated to the mountain gods. - Summit Views: On clear days, you can see Tokyo and Mount Fuji from the top. - Nature: Wildlife like monkeys and beautiful forests, especially in autumn. Tips: - Start early to avoid crowds. - Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers. - Bring cash for food stalls and small shops. - Check the weather and be prepared if it’s muddy after rain. Mount Takao is perfect for a peaceful break from the city, with scenic trails and cultural highlights for all levels of hikers.

#myhiddengems Been to Tokyo several times, but I haven't been to this place. There's a lot to see and do in Mt Takao. We took the tram from the foot of Mt Takao and climbed for around 1.5 hour to reach the peak to find this view [the third photo]. There were many things to see as we climbed. Several different routes and we chose the temple for king of medicine route. After the climb, we enjoyed this grape softee while waiting for the tram to get down to the foot of Mt Takao.