This time of year is perfect for a Mt. Takao Hike. The trip to Mt. Takao takes about one hour from Shinjuku station on the Keio Line. Mt. Takao has been a location of worship for more than 1,000 years. The main temple Yakuoin is located near the summit and is a popular place for visitors to pray for Shinto-Buddist mountain gods (tengu). There are two statues of these Tengu gods at the temple; one with a very long nose and one with a crow beak. You will see many statues and references to the Tengu all over the mountain and in the omiyage (gifts to take home). If you don’t have a full day, but would like to see some foliage in Tokyo check out our recommended locations. 

Mt. Takao Hiking – Tokyo Day Trip

Once you arrive follow the well outfitted hiking crowd to the cable car that took us about half way up the mountain. There are a number of trails you can hike from the base to summit (599 meters high), or you can take the cable car or chair lift up half way. If you hike from the base plan for about 1.5-2 hours, cable car or chairlift will cut that in half. Number 1 trail is the most popular since it is mostly paved and passes most sites. Other trails are less traveled, narrower and not paved. If you take the cable car or chair lift you will come to the observation deck where you will have a great view of Tokyo on a clear day. Walk from the observation deck to the summit took 45

minutes. I highly recommend walking from the top down to the base on trail #6 or #4 which are a bit more nature oriented. These trails around 3 km and mix terrain so plan for 60-90 mins. The foliage is magnificent, the views beautiful, and the shrines amusing and thought-provoking at the same time. Make sure you plan for 3-4 hours minimum to go up and down Mt. Takao.

After descending Mt. Takao board a special bus for Ukai Toriyama Restaurant which is about a 10-minute ride from Takaosanguchi station. Ukai which has branches in Tokyo and other parts of Japan is a beautifully landscaped and intimate Japanese restaurant. You can enjoy a private room with grilled vegetables and chicken (reservation necessary). A sumptuous treat after our morning hike.   Make sure you make reservations at Ukai Restaurant before your trip.

Here are photos from our recent trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ukai Toriyama Restaurant Photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mt. Takao Hiking Information

Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo
Access: 5 min walk from Takaosanguchi station on the Keio Line from Shinjuku
Open and cable car: everyday 8:00 to around 17:45 (longer hours on weekends and holidays)
Departures every 15 minutes
Cost of cable car: 480 yen (one way), 930 yen (round trip)

Restaurant Information

Ukai Toriyama

Address: 3426 Minamiasakawa, Hachioji, Tokyo

Phone: 042(661)0739  (reservations necessary)

Menu: Charcoal Grilled Chicken & Beef Course lunch ￥4,970  dinner￥9,560; All prices include a 8% tax and are subject to a 10% service charge.

For other day trips from Tokyo consider Kamakura, Kawagoe or Nagatoro.

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Mt. Takao Hiking – Tokyo Day Trip

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