Enjoying Mt. Takao through hiking and trail running.

Mt. Takao is a 599-meter mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo.
It’s easily accessible from central Tokyo and is a popular hiking destination, especially among beginners.
The mountain offers rich natural scenery, the historic Yakuo-in Temple, and beautiful seasonal landscapes.
With several well-maintained hiking trails and a cable car, it’s perfect for both hiking and sightseeing.
It’s also a great spot for trail running practice, so be sure to give it a try!

Access (By Train)

【Keio Line】

• Route: From Shinjuku Station → Takaosanguchi Station (Approx. 50 minutes by express train)
• Fare: Around 400 yen one way
• Note: This is the most popular route. The trailhead is just a short walk from the terminal station, Takaosanguchi.

【JR Chuo Line】

• Route: From Shinjuku Station → Takao Station (Approx. 50 minutes by rapid train)
  → Transfer to the Keio Line → Takaosanguchi Station (1 stop)
• Note: A good option for JR users, though it requires a transfer.

Hiking Courses

Mt. Takao offers a variety of hiking trails suited to different fitness levels and purposes. Here are some of the most popular routes:

🥇 Trail 1: Omotesando Trail (For beginners & sightseeing)

• Time: Approx. 90 minutes (one way)
• Features: A well-paved path that’s easy to walk. Passes souvenir shops, tea houses, and the historic Yakuo-in Temple. You can also access the trail easily from the cable car station.
• Recommended for: First-time visitors or those who want a mix of nature and sightseeing.

🥈 Trail 6: Biwa Waterfall Trail (For nature lovers)

• Time: Approx. 90–100 minutes
• Features: A cool, shady trail that follows a stream. Be cautious as it can be slippery in places. You’ll pass by the scenic Biwa Waterfall along the way.
• Recommended for: Those who enjoy water scenery and a more immersive nature experience.

🥉 Inariyama Trail (For those seeking a quiet hike)

• Time: Approx. 90 minutes
• Features: A peaceful ridge trail with some ups and downs. There’s a nice viewpoint along the way. Less crowded and great for light training.
• Recommended for: Hikers who want a quiet trek and a bit of a workout.

Trail 4: Suspension Bridge Trail (For a bit of variety)

• Time: Approx. 60 minutes
• Features: Features the Miyama Suspension Bridge and offers a diverse nature walk with different terrain.
• Recommended for: Those who want a shorter hike with interesting features.

Recommended Route

The best route for enjoying Mt. Takao is to climb up via Trail 6 and descend via Trail 1.
This plan lets you enjoy both nature and sightseeing. The ascent via Trail 6 offers a serene hike along a stream, with highlights like the Biwa Waterfall. It’s a peaceful trail ideal for forest bathing, but note that some areas may be muddy or slippery—wear proper hiking shoes.

At the summit, you may even catch a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. For the descent, take Trail 1, a paved route that passes through the historic Yakuo-in Temple. You can take your time strolling down, stopping by tea houses, souvenir shops, and trying local favorites like Tengu-yaki (a sweet filled with black bean paste) and grated yam soba noodles.

If you’d like to cross a suspension bridge, take Trail 4 on the way down, then reconnect with Trail 1.
This route is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience both the natural beauty and cultural charm of Mt. Takao.

Food at Mt. Takao

Tengu-yaki
A warm, chewy pastry filled with sweet black bean paste.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for snacking while walking!
Available near the cable car station at shops like Kasumi.

Grated Yam Soba/Udon (Tororo Soba/Udon)
A local specialty made with yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam).
Served hot or cold, it’s a nutritious and refreshing dish—especially great after hiking!
Available at tea houses around the summit, Yakuo-in Temple, and the base of the mountain.

Dango, Gohei-mochi, and Manju
Grilled rice dumplings, miso-glazed rice cakes, and traditional sweet buns.
Fragrant, warm, and perfect for a short break.
Commonly sold at tea shops along the Omotesando trail.

Oden and Tonjiru (Pork Miso Soup)
Hearty and warming dishes, perfect for colder seasons.
You can sometimes find them at mountain tea houses or near the summit.

Mt. Takao Gallery