Mount Takao (高尾山, Takaosan) is one of the closest natural recreation areas to central Tokyo, offering beautiful scenery, an interesting temple and attractive hiking opportunities. Although outside the city center, the mountain is still located within metropolitan Tokyo and takes only 50 minutes and 430 yen to reach from Shinjuku by train.
A network of numbered hiking trails lead up the slopes of Takaosan. The majority of visitors use trail number 1, which is broad, mostly paved and passes all of the major sites as it winds its way to the top of the 599 meter high summit. The other trails are narrower, unpaved and see significantly less traffic. The hike to the top of Mount Takao along trail number 1 takes about 90 minutes from the base of the mountain, but that time can be cut in half by utilizing the cablecar or chair lift that lead halfway up the mountain.
Near the cablecar's top station, there is an observation deck from where you can look out over Tokyo, while the summit offers views of Mount Fuji on clear days. An even larger network of hiking trails can be found beyond the summit of Takaosan which connects to the many peaks of the nearby Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.
Considered a sacred mountain, Takaosan has been a center of mountain worship for more than 1000 years. Yakuoin, an attractive temple, stands along the trail near the mountain's summit, and many visitors stop there to pray to Shinto-Buddhist mountain gods (tengu) for good fortune. Statues of the gods, one with a long nose and one with a crow beak, can be found at the temple and also other spots around the mountain.
Another attraction along trail number 1 is a monkey park. The park's glass walled enclosure is home to about 40 Japanese macaques that put on shows at various times throughout the day. A wild flower garden with 500 different types of plants is also part of the monkey park and can be viewed with the same admission ticket.
Around the base of the mountain behind the railway station, visitors will find the Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, a hot spring bath house that offers a variety of gender segregated baths. There is also the Takao 599 Museum, a nature museum about the ecology surrounding Mount Takao (free admission). Takaosanguchi Station was renovated in 2015 and features a beautiful timber canopy and wood paneled passageways designed by renowned architect Kuma Kengo.
Due to its proximity to central Tokyo, Takaosan can get very crowded on weekends. It is especially busy during the second half of November, when the mountain's scattered autumn colors cause it to become one of Tokyo's most popular koyo (autumn foliage) spots. Consequently, you are well advised to visit Takaosan during the week if you are looking for a break not only from the concrete but also the crowds of Tokyo.
Mount Takao is also a good place to see cherry blossoms a couple of weeks after those in central Tokyo. There are a few trees around the mountain's base, trails and summit, but the best spot for cherry blossoms is the Itchodaira area, which lies an additional 30 minutes hike beyond the summit. Also known as the Takaosan Senbonzakura ("Mount Takao Thousand Cherry Trees"), the area is filled with several varieties of trees that are typically best viewed in mid to late April and are worth a visit if you missed the main season around the city.
Getting there and around
By Keio Railway
Keio offers the cheapest and fastest connections between central Tokyo (Shinjuku) and Takaosan. Limited express trains depart the underground Keio Shinjuku Station every 20 minutes and take about 50 minutes and cost 430 yen one way to reach Takaosanguchi Station, the terminal station at the foot of the mountain. The ride is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
The Mt. Takao + Keio 1-Day Ticket for 1910 yen provides is 100 yen more expensive than regular tickets for the round trips by train and cablecar or chair lift, but it additionally includes the privilege of unlimited use of Keio trains on the day, free entry to the monkey park on Moutn Takao, a free towel at the Takaosan Hot Spring and a 5% discount coupon for the Keio department store in Shinjku.
By Japan Railways (JR)
Take the JR Chuo Line from central Tokyo to Takao Station (580 yen, about 40 minutes from Shinjuku, covered by the Japan Rail Pass), and transfer to the Keio Line for one more station to Takaosanguchi Station (130 yen, 3 minutes, not covered by the Japan Rail Pass).
Hours and Fees
Cablecar
Hours
8:00 to 17:45 (June, September, October and November)
8:00 to 17:30 (March)
8:00 to 17:15 (December, January and February)
Slightly longer hours on weekends and public holidays
Departures every 15 minutes
Closed
Admission
Chair Lift
Hours
Closed
Admission
Monkey Park
Hours
9:30 to 16:30 (May to November)
9:30 to 16:00 (December to February)
Closed
Admission
Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Hotels around Tokyo
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MokkoanFeaturing free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.View on Booking.com
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7 Rooms Hotel & CafeConveniently set in the Edogawa district of Tokyo, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park, 1.5 km from Gyosen Park and 1.6 km from Ukita Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe, while Former House of Udagawa Family is 2.6 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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cyashitsu ryokan asakusaSituated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan has a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Hozomon Gate. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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Kaminarimon RyokanKaminarimon Ryokan offers accommodation with free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, fridge and Nespresso coffee machine. An electric kettle, a green tea set and free toiletries are provided. The hotel offers laundry service for an additional fee. Kaminarimon Ryokan is a 2-minute walk to the Asakusa Metro Station. From there, destinations like Akihabara, Ginza and Ueno are a 15-minute subway ride away. There are many dining options and convenience stores within a few minutes' walk from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Ryokan NakadayaSituated in Tokyo, within 1.5 km of Sensoji Temple and 2.2 km of Tokyo Skytree, Ryokan Nakadaya offers accommodation with a shared lounge. The property is set 3.5 km from Edo Tokyo Museum, 6 km from Marunouchi Building and 6 km from Yasukuni Shrine. Free WiFi is available. The units in the inn are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a shared bathroom. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 19 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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The Okura TokyoComposed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.View on Booking.com
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ulu TokyoAttractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is set 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence and 500 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai. The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Ulu Tokyo features some rooms with city views, and all rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Masago Monument, Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and Takao Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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ENT TERRACE AKIHABARAIdeally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Yushima Seido, 400 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Yushima Goryo Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Gajoen TokyoBoasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.View on Booking.com
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Tokyo Hikari GuesthouseThe cosy Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse offers private rooms and dorm beds, only a 1-minute walk from Kuramae Subway Station. It also features a shared lounge with WiFi/wired internet, tea and cooking facilities, all for free. A washing machine with detergent can be used free of charge. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with extra-long beds. Linens are changed every 3 nights. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, a shared hairdryer is provided free of charge and bath towels are available with an extra charge. Open from October 2014, Tokyo Hikari has a small, sunny garden. Luggage storage is available. Guesthouse Tokyo Hikari is a 15-minute walk from Asakusa.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Tokyo
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Japanese Traditional Kintsugi Experience in TokyoDiscover the Japanese traditional technique of transforming broken ceramic objects into revitalized art pieces, KintsugiView on Klook
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Samurai Trial Cutting Experience of Japanese Swords in TokyoIaido, an ancient Japanese martial art, traces its origins back to the era of samurai warriorsView on Klook
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Tokyo Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide (4/8h)Enjoy a day tour or a customizable half day tour with a private group in Tokyo!View on Klook
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Kimono rental & photography experience in AsakusaTake the subway to Asakusa Station (Ginza Line) Exit 4 and walk for 20 seconds. It is 220 meters away from Sensoji Kaminarimon Gate. The location is perfect!View on Klook
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Asakusa Kimono&Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa in Main Branch**Klook Exclusive Free Next Day Return! Limited Time Only!** Show this message and return your Kimono the next day for FREE for rental during Sep 15 - Dec 15, 2023. Exclusions applied to Formal Kimono Furisode and Homongi. See What to Expect for more detailsView on Klook
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Kimono Yae Rental Experience in AsakusaVisit Yae in Asakusa, Tokyo and get to experience Japanese culture through clothing by renting a kimono/yukataView on Klook
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Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy MealDon't miss your chance to interact with real sumo wrestlers!View on Klook
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Jeans Making Experience in TokyoWe use high quality selvedge denim with "red ears" treatment on both ends to prevent fraying.View on Klook
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Tokyo Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl Evening Tour in Shinjuku AreaAt first, going to izakaya at Omoide Yokocho or Kabukicho DistrictView on Klook
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