Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao
4.5
About
An hour outside Tokyo by train, Mt. Takao is popular among city dwellers for the views from its seven hiking trails. To enjoy the view without the work, take the cable car or chairlift to the top and visit the Takaosan Yakuoin Yuuki-ji Temple, founded in 744.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Marie
Reading, UK29 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Came on a day trip from central Tokyo. We took the cable car up to the head of the mountain where we enjoyed dinner with incredible views of the mountains and the city in the distance, definitely recommend grabbing a bite while visiting! Walking around the top of the mountain, shrines and food stalls, everyone we came across was incredibly welcoming. We visited the Mt Takao Monkey Park during which was a lovely and unique experience where staff made a lot of effort to help us and feel welcomed.
Unfortunately the chairlift was down for maintenance but would have loved to experience, maybe next time?
Unfortunately the chairlift was down for maintenance but would have loved to experience, maybe next time?
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYLON_nomad
London, UK3,452 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
Under COVID, we were thinking of somewhere remote by trying to stay away from the crowded place but we were wrong.
The queues for cable car and lifts were too long so we decided to take a path up to the summit.
It was bit challenging for my 6 year old daughter but we managed to climb!
It was more surprising that the summit was as crowded as the bottom.
Unfortunately we could not see Mt Fuji but we were happy to make it to the peak.
It was great for one day hiking!
The queues for cable car and lifts were too long so we decided to take a path up to the summit.
It was bit challenging for my 6 year old daughter but we managed to climb!
It was more surprising that the summit was as crowded as the bottom.
Unfortunately we could not see Mt Fuji but we were happy to make it to the peak.
It was great for one day hiking!
Written November 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
toshiyuki1961
Yokohama, Japan6,191 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
The parking lot around Takaosanguchi Station, which I arrived after 8 o'clock, was full, with 100 cars, small and medium. I parked it at the Times in front of the Keio side station of Takao station.
Both the cable car from Kiyotaki Station and the echo lift from Sanroku Station were queuing up reasonably long, but luckily I was able to get on the train without having to be at the end of the line to buy a ticket because I was carrying a touch-acceptable credit card. I thought that the cable car might be more transportable, but I chose the lift because I could see the same level of congestion as a commuter train. It's a comfortable aerial walk that takes you to Sanjo Station in 12 minutes, but you may find it scary because you need to ride on a conveyor belt that looks like a moving sidewalk when getting on and off.
From Sanjo Station on the lift, you will head to the summit via Takaosan Station on the cable car. Omotesando Course No. 1 is the main Directions to the summit via Yakuo-in, passing cedar trees such as Saru-en, Wildflower Garden and Octopus Cedar. It's the busiest road, but it's also the easiest Directions to walk.
The 599m summit, which barely reaches 600m in elevation, is also thronged with hundreds of people. It was only a matter of the Guinness Book of Records naming it the world's most visited mountain, but the gradient from the crisp nearby to the ink-painted distant is worth seeing.
After a short break with cheesecake soft serve, you can descend via Route 4, called the Suspension Bridge Course. It's a great Directions to enjoy mountain walking and there are other sights along the way besides suspension bridges, but today there were so many climbers up and down that we had to stop several times along the way to give way to each other. The good thing about Japanese climbers is that they can do this kind of thing for granted. The further descent was to the foot of the mountain at No. 1 without using a lift, but it was surprisingly steep, so it hurt my knees more than I imagined. On the other hand, those who came up were taking a break because quite a few people stayed in the flat place on the way. The Takao cable car is famous for climbing the steepest in Japan, so it was only natural ...
But it was a holiday that made us sweat so much and feel so comfortable and tired!
Both the cable car from Kiyotaki Station and the echo lift from Sanroku Station were queuing up reasonably long, but luckily I was able to get on the train without having to be at the end of the line to buy a ticket because I was carrying a touch-acceptable credit card. I thought that the cable car might be more transportable, but I chose the lift because I could see the same level of congestion as a commuter train. It's a comfortable aerial walk that takes you to Sanjo Station in 12 minutes, but you may find it scary because you need to ride on a conveyor belt that looks like a moving sidewalk when getting on and off.
From Sanjo Station on the lift, you will head to the summit via Takaosan Station on the cable car. Omotesando Course No. 1 is the main Directions to the summit via Yakuo-in, passing cedar trees such as Saru-en, Wildflower Garden and Octopus Cedar. It's the busiest road, but it's also the easiest Directions to walk.
The 599m summit, which barely reaches 600m in elevation, is also thronged with hundreds of people. It was only a matter of the Guinness Book of Records naming it the world's most visited mountain, but the gradient from the crisp nearby to the ink-painted distant is worth seeing.
After a short break with cheesecake soft serve, you can descend via Route 4, called the Suspension Bridge Course. It's a great Directions to enjoy mountain walking and there are other sights along the way besides suspension bridges, but today there were so many climbers up and down that we had to stop several times along the way to give way to each other. The good thing about Japanese climbers is that they can do this kind of thing for granted. The further descent was to the foot of the mountain at No. 1 without using a lift, but it was surprisingly steep, so it hurt my knees more than I imagined. On the other hand, those who came up were taking a break because quite a few people stayed in the flat place on the way. The Takao cable car is famous for climbing the steepest in Japan, so it was only natural ...
But it was a holiday that made us sweat so much and feel so comfortable and tired!
Automatically translated
Written October 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Woolwich Andy
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Amazing to think there is such wonderful walking so close to Tokyo. We walked up in a week day and it was busy so it must be packed at the weekend. We walked up from the bottom starting on trail 1 which is basically a road which vehicles can drive up and down. We branched off to another trail and came back down on one of the other less well used trails. Given the amount of walkers the trails are very well marked and in place they have built wooden stairs as it’s so steep and they need to protect the path.
The walks are for all ages although you would need a certain level of fitness or determination. There is a cable car which goes over half way plus it’s an easier walk from there.
At the top are restaurants so you can get a drink and something to eat.
Views are amazing as you would expect so well worth a visit.
The walks are for all ages although you would need a certain level of fitness or determination. There is a cable car which goes over half way plus it’s an easier walk from there.
At the top are restaurants so you can get a drink and something to eat.
Views are amazing as you would expect so well worth a visit.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy T
Perth, Australia55 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Climbed Mt Takao in August when it was hot as hell but still had a fantastic time. Many interesting things to see on the way up, and the summit doesn't disappoint either. There's plenty of trails to try out, and honestly I enjoyed taking the more intrepid ones on the way back. Be aware that the cable car only takes cash, and the dude manning it laughed at us when we didn't have cash (it started pouring rain), in hindsight fair enough it was pretty funny. Even walking down in the rain was beautiful though.
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TS ANAND
Hyderabad, India491 contributions
May 2024 • Family
One has to take Kieo line frm shinjuku station nd get down at takaosanguchi. A short walk will take you to cable car. Do experience cable car one way and sky lift another way. Make sure u have walking shoes. After the trip do go ONSEN hot spring bath next to Takaosanguchi station. Pl read about Onsen before going as all may not be comfortable.
Written May 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sonofdragon
San Jose, CA441 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We came on Dec 02 in search of momijigari, and we left with a truck load of pictures. From Takaosanguchi station, we hiked up to the top of the mountain and returned to the station via the ropeway. Like others, we hiked trail #1 from among the many designated trails. Standing along the trail is the Shinto-Buddhist Yakuoin Temple. So beautiful that you won't miss it. The fall colors made the temple stand out. I did post some pictures earlier. Please check them out. :)
Written December 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott W
Glen Iris, Australia762 contributions
Oct 2022
Hiked up Mt Takao today. Was about 20% of the way up Trail 1 when I began to regret not taking the chairlift (or cable car). Trail 1 is fully paved but very steep most of the way up. Takes around hour to get to the chair lift station, and that's walking at a steady pace. Couldn't see a thing at the 599m peak because of the cloud, but still worth it to see the temples, cedars/forest and all the (thousands) of people spending a day out. Glad I didn't do it on a hot day. Coming down, suggest try Trail 4 - its not paved but well maintained and its a bit easier on your feet than pounding concrete. There's also a photo opportunity at a timber suspension bridge. You can traverse Trail 1 in runners, but suggest footwear with support and grip on Trail 4, especially it it is wet. Well worth a day trip from Tokyo.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimmy Y
Cardiff, UK138 contributions
Feb 2014 • Business
I was at Hachioji and decided to visit Mt Takao. There are 2 ways on the train to mt Takao. Either the Keio train or the JR train. On the JR train would need to change at Takao station. Keio train will be direct to the final stop.
Once you get out of the train station, turn right and walk towards the Mt Takao chair lift or cable car station. If you are not ready for walking then I would strongly suggest you take the cable car, return ticket is JPY900. It takes about 10mins to reach to station above excluding waiting or queuing time.
To avoid crowds I would suggest weekdays and even so, it can be rather busy by late afternoon.
Once arriving the station above, get out and turn left passing a row of shops, arriving on a road, you can get a good view of Tokyo. There after turn left and walk on the road, there will be many people walking towards the same direction.
You will pass a monkey park, it is extra if you wish to visit. Along the ways there are shops and restaurants if you wish to have soba. The same road will lead you to the Shinto temple at the summit.
There are many vending machines if you wish to buy water or juice.
I must say that walking up to summit and to the temple is quite a task and take you time to complete the walk. It did the whole visit within 2 hours and I did it rather quickly as i do not have the full day.
I think Mt Takao is worth visiting provided you enjoy walking and nature. There are some lovely large trees and I enjoy the peaceful environment and serenity. I would avoid visiting if the weather is bad.
There are lockers near the cable car station, they are small ones and will not fit a luggage, good for a small rucksack.
Once you get out of the train station, turn right and walk towards the Mt Takao chair lift or cable car station. If you are not ready for walking then I would strongly suggest you take the cable car, return ticket is JPY900. It takes about 10mins to reach to station above excluding waiting or queuing time.
To avoid crowds I would suggest weekdays and even so, it can be rather busy by late afternoon.
Once arriving the station above, get out and turn left passing a row of shops, arriving on a road, you can get a good view of Tokyo. There after turn left and walk on the road, there will be many people walking towards the same direction.
You will pass a monkey park, it is extra if you wish to visit. Along the ways there are shops and restaurants if you wish to have soba. The same road will lead you to the Shinto temple at the summit.
There are many vending machines if you wish to buy water or juice.
I must say that walking up to summit and to the temple is quite a task and take you time to complete the walk. It did the whole visit within 2 hours and I did it rather quickly as i do not have the full day.
I think Mt Takao is worth visiting provided you enjoy walking and nature. There are some lovely large trees and I enjoy the peaceful environment and serenity. I would avoid visiting if the weather is bad.
There are lockers near the cable car station, they are small ones and will not fit a luggage, good for a small rucksack.
Written February 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DoctorDerm1
Winter Springs, FL269 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
This is a lovely way to escape into the mountains, being only about an hour away from Tokyo. The train station is right at the base of the mountain. The top of the mountain is only 1800 feet. There is a cable car and a chair lift which both will take you about half way up or down. We took the cable car up which cost ¥480. From there it is and easy walk. If you wish to walk the whole thing there are six different trails to choose from. We chose trail #6 which was a lovely quiet walk through the forest following a stream down to the base. In my attached photos I have an English copy of the trail map.
Written July 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
We're planning to do Mt Takao for the NYE celebrations this year, and wondered on peoples recommendations for what time to go up, to take food/drink etc? We're debating on heading up around 9/10pm and to stay for the sunrise but obviously that is a VERY long time in the cold. Is there much to do overnight there? Or go up around 3/4am just for the sunrise
Any tips/advice/recommendations are greatly appreciated! :)
Written December 5, 2019
Winter comes early & we juzback from cold Fukuoka!. It be freezing overnight & I'm not sure if there are other companies around then. Be mindful of the ropeway timing gutsy wind, safety etc. Food & drinks will be a must 4u. Good luck, enjoy!
Written December 7, 2019
Hi Amber, we will be in Tokyo April 9th-11th. Do you think there will be cherry blossoms in bloom on Mt. Takao?
We are from Colorado in USA and we like to hike. Which hike would you suggest?
Thank you.
Mary Beth
Written April 6, 2019
I believe they should still be blooming. It truly depends on the weather. They're still blooming where I live.
Written April 7, 2019
足は丈夫な８６歳の母を連れていきたいと思っています。都内から行くには高尾山駅で降りるのがいいか、高尾山口駅で降りるのがいいのか、迷っています。ケーブルカーはどちらに？ イメージとしては高いところに上ってから、だらだら歩いて降りようと思っていますが、どちらがいいでしょう？
Written August 30, 2018
高尾山口がケーブルカーの最寄りです。高尾山口から歩いてケーブルカーの駅まで5〜10分でしょうか。
高尾駅からは走っても15分くらいかかります。
Written September 2, 2018
What trail is best for someone with bad knee?
Written June 13, 2018
Trail #1 is the most popular route (meaning most crowded) & it is wide & paved all the way w/ vendors selling snacks/drinks. However, it is not flat, there are slight inclines and a few stairs along the way. You can use two walking sticks to help w/ the bad knee.
Written June 14, 2018
I know it depends on every one's interest but will a morning half say 8 to 1 pm sufficient, if we take train and then either cable car or chair lift? Also any preference between the two?
Written November 30, 2017
Yes! 8am to 1pm is plenty of time to take the train to Takaosanguchi station and the cable car to Mt Takao. I was able to make the round trip hike to the top from the cable car and back down (while stopping for some photos) in under and hour. I arrived at Takaosanguchi station at 745am, got on the first cable car of the day, went to the top of Mount Takao and was back at the station by 10am. Definitely worth the visit!
Written November 30, 2017
Would it be too hot to go Mt Takao in July?
Written May 22, 2017
5月でも暑かったので、7月はとてもきついと思います。行かれるならしっかり暑さ対策をしてお出かけください。
Written May 22, 2017
Hi. I know it can be done faster, but we've done the same trek three times and we took about 4 hours to climb trail #6 and descend on trail #1. That gave us left plenty of time to take photos along the way, grab a quick bite at the top, and enjoy the temples and snacks on the way down. We are not slow walkers, but we chose to take more time to enjoy all the sights on the way down, which made the experience very memorable. If you want to add more souvenir shopping on trail #1, or the beer garden on trail #1, or a sit-down restaurant at the base of the mountain, or even relax in the onsen at the bottom of the trail (next to the train station), plan on taking even more time than that. Also, you can reduce your climb time by taking the cable car or chair lift, which take you halfway up trail #1.
Written March 21, 2017
Is this a good place to visit around the New Years? Planning to go this week,,,
Written December 29, 2016
Yes, I was there 12/29/2017 , beautiful view when You reach the TOP, it was a bit cold, just need to wear appropriate clothes!... of course this weekend was a bit crowded bc of CNY👍
Written January 31, 2017
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