If you’re in the mega-city of Tokyo, you’ll surely want to get away from the concrete and crowds for a moment. Most visitors think of Yoyogi Park or Ueno Park when they want some nature, but if you’re prepared to venture a little further, there’s no better place than picturesque Takaosan 高尾山 — “Mount Takao”. Mount Takao is way easier to get to than most people think, and the location makes for a memorable day trip for visitors who love hiking and the outdoors.
Believe it or not, the beautiful Mount Takao is still considered part of metropolitan Tokyo.
In fact, plenty of locals living in the city make the journey to Takaosan because of how easy it is to get there. The mountain is only around 600m high and can be successfully conquered in your comfy sneakers. 2.6 million people make the pilgrimage each year, so let us convince you to finally do the same! Here are five great reasons to visit Mount Takao if you’re ever in Tokyo, Japan.
1. Mount Takao is less than 1 hour from Shinjuku
Whoa, say what? This amazing hiking spot is just 50 minutes by train from Shinjuku? Yeah, we’re not kidding. If you’re all about an impromptu nature walk and don’t want to leave Tokyo proper, there’s no better place than Mount Takao. You’ll feel like you’ve completely left the city.
Get on the express train from Shinjuku Station (Keio Line) and get off at Takaosanguchi Station. This is your gateway to Mount Takao. As soon as you disembark, you’ll see plenty of signs pointing in the direction of the hiking trails.
2. An excellent cable car ride makes your life easier
While there are multiple hiking trails in Mount Takao, you can take the most straightforward route to the top, and that’s the route with the cable car! This super snazzy cable car — the steepest one in all of Japan, no less, slanting up to 31 degrees up the hillside — brings you halfway to the top. This makes the rest of your journey to the summit much easier. This route takes only 1 hour or so, which won’t be too hard even for beginners.
3. The beautiful grounds of Takaosan Yakuoin Temple
Keep climbing on foot toward the summit and you’ll come across Takaosan Yakuoin Temple (built in 744, restored in the 14th century), one of the head temples of the Shingon Buddhist sect. Legends tell of the Tengu (beak-nosed demon-like spirits believed to dwell on sacred mountains) who make their home on Mount Takao. It’s not hard to spot the Tengu statues here.
4. Incredible views await you at the top
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with some stunning panoramic views. Also, as a sort of bonus, you can see the glorious Mount Fuji from the top on a clear day (it has to be a very clear day because it’s still pretty far off). If you’re up there when the sun starts to set, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular golden light that gives a warm, glowing effect to everything it touches.
5. Famous Mount Takao cheese tarts from Tenguya
Make sure you try some of the famous cheese tarts, sold at the Tenguya. They’re not overly sweet – in fact, they’ve got a hint of savouriness that washes down well with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Seriously, don’t leave the mountain without some! Bring some back with you and have them for breakfast the next day. SO WORTH THE CALORIES.
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