One of Japan’s most famous and accessible peaks located west of Tokyo , Mt. Takao (599 m) holds three stars from the Michelin Guide. Millions of visitors flock to the mountain, drawn by the variety of trails and abundant wildlife. The most popular route, the Nature Research Trail 1 offers an easy hour-long journey to the summit via lift and cable car. Takao is hikable year-round, but is especially popular in autumn. On clear days, the view from the summit stretches as far as Mt. Fuji. The mountain is also home to the historic Yakuoin Temple, which was originally built in the eighth century.
Detail
Duration 1day / 2hours
Highest Point 599m
Elevation Gain 411m
Horizontal Distance 6km
* Duration is an estimate and may vary depending on route and pace.
Reference: Mt. Takao's Nature Research Trail 1 (Takao-san Shizen Kenkyuro Ichi Gohro)
Access
Mt. Takao is easily accessible from central Tokyo. The Keio Line's Takaosanguchi Station is the nearest station. It takes about 50 minutes from JR Shinjuku Station to Takao Station via an express train.
Links
Mt. Takao (Tokyo Convention & Visitors Burea)
Mt. Takao (Automatic translation available)