Mount Takao is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo. With a height of 599 metres, it offers various opportunities to appreciate nature and scenery. It is located in Hachioji, a city about an hour away from central Tokyo, and welcomes millions of tourists every year.

Climbing Mount Takao is a typical activity among both locals and foreigners, especially during spring when the sakura trees are at the peak of their blossoming, and autumn, when the leaves of the trees display beautiful and vibrant colours.

Hiking Trails

There are eight different walking trails to choose from when heading to the summit of Mount Takao.

Trail #1 – Omotesando Trail

This is a 3.8 kilometre trail that passes by a monkey park, shrines, temples and other major attractions, and requires about 90 minutes to reach the top. This is the most popular of all eight trails.

Trail #2 – Kasumidai Look Trail

The loop is 900 metres long and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Trail #3 – Japanese Judas Tree Trail

This is 2.4 kilometres long and requires about an hour to climb to the top.

Trail #4 – Suspension Bridge Trail

This is 1.5 kilometres long and takes about 50 minutes to reach the summit.

Trail #5 – Mount Takao Peak Loop Trail

A 900-metre long loop that takes about 30 minutes to complete, it passes through a dense forest of cedar trees that were planted during the Edo Period.

Trail #6 – Biwa Waterfall Trail

This trail is 3.3 kilometres long and passes by a stream, cave, and the Biwa Waterfall. It takes about 90 minutes to get to the summit.

Trail #7 – Inariyama Trail

Also called the Panoramic Ridge Trail, this 3.1 kilometre long course is best known for its gold-banded lilies and hydrangeas during the summer, and maple trees during the autumn. It requires about 90 minutes to climb to the peak.

Trail #8 – Mount Takao/Mount Jinba Trail

The longest and most difficult of the eight, this trail covers 18.5 kilometres and extends to Mount Jinba. It requires roughly five and a half hours to complete.

How to Get There

From Shinjuku Station, get on the JR Chuo Line going to Takao Station (ticket costs 550 yen and travel time is 40 minutes) and then transfer to the Keio Line going to Takaosanguchi Station (ticket costs 130 yen and takes about 3 minutes).

Alternatively, from Shinjuku Station, just get on the Keio Line right away for a direct and fast connection to Takaosanguchi Station (ticket costs 390 yen and takes about 50 minutes).