A Day Exploring Tokyo's Mount Takao: Great Views and Gourmet Delights

Mount Takao, located in Tokyo's Hachioji City, is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the metropolitan area. The mountain is easy to reach from central Tokyo, in just about one hour from Shinjuku Station.

In this article, our writer recounts their one-day adventure on Mount Takao with stops at the serene Takao Yakuoin Temple near the summit and delightful dining spots on the way back to the city.

9:00 Depart from Keio Shinjuku Station to Mount Takao

From Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, it's about a 5-minute walk to the Keio Line Shinjuku Station West Exit. The one-way fare to Mount Takao Station is only 390 yen, making it a very affordable trip.

Takaosanguchi Station: Designed by a World-Class Architect!

Board the direct express train from Shinjuku Station to Mount Takao Station, which takes about 48 minutes.

After about a 50-minute journey on the direct express train, I arrived at Takaosanguchi Station, the terminus of the Keio Electric Railway Takao Line.

The current station was renovated and completed in 2015, and the internationally acclaimed Kengo Kuma designed it. Inspired by the Takao mountain cedar, a natural monument of Tokyo, the station's exterior was reconstructed using cedar. Everyone who arrives at Takaosanguchi Station instinctively reaches for their cameras to capture a memento of their visit to Mount Takao.

A step outside the ticket gate, and you'll find a tourist information center on the left. You can obtain information about visiting Mount Takao. On the right, there's a souvenir shop that sells mountaineering equipment. It's a small, exquisite station.

Takaosanguchi Station

2241 Takao-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193-0844

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Take Japan's Steepest Mount Takao Cable Car to the Top!

From Takaosanguchi, it's about a 5-minute walk to Kiyotaki Station.

The Mount Takao Cable Car, operated by the Takao Tozan Railway, is a route that connects the foot of the mountain to the summit. Although it's only 1.02 kilometers long, the ride takes 6 minutes from the base to the top.

However, it features a vertical drop of 271 meters, almost reaching the top of the mountain. With a slope of nearly 30 degrees, it is Japan's steepest cable car for mountain climbing. You have to hold onto something to maintain your balance while standing.

During my visit to Mount Takao, I witnessed the peak of the autumn foliage season. Along the cable car ride, I could see vivid red maple leaves and scattered fallen leaves on the ground, creating a picturesque view of autumn in Japan. Just as I was enjoying this scenery, I quickly arrived at Mount Takao Station.

Mount Takao Cable Car Kiyotaki Station

2205 Takao-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193-0844

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11:00 Visit the Ancient Takao Yakuoin Temple

・From Mount Takao Station, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach on foot.

Since the Edo Period, Mount Takao has been regarded as a sacred mountain where many people gather for their faith.

Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao is said to have been established over 1,260 years ago by the monk Gyoki. It is also a place for spiritual practices. The main hall enshrines Bhaisajyaguru ("Medicine Buddha") and Hiyoshi Daigongen.

Inside the temple grounds, you can see many visitors who come to pay their respects. You'll also spot many overseas tourists coming for sightseeing, illustrating how the temple is constantly bustling with activity.

Within the precincts of Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao, you can see many Tengu statues, which are different from Tengu and believed to conceal people and deities. These Tengu are the messengers of the main deity, Hiyoshi Daigongen, and are considered to be divine messengers.

Try Exquisite Vegan Cuisine

In the afternoon, I savored vegan cuisine at Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao, a dining experience that requires a reservation.

The dining area is in the old-fashioned main street of the temple. Parties of two or more guests have individual private rooms, providing privacy during the exquisite meal.

This time, I ordered the Tengu Meal, a showcase of vegan cuisine. You can feel the chef's dedication to vegan cooking through the presentation and portion size, from the rice, pickles, tofu, vegetarian meat, soup, and more.

All of the dishes were refreshingly delicious. However, don't be mistaken! The vegan cuisine crafted here is meant for guests. Although it looks very plentiful, the monks here do not eat that well!

Don't Miss the Goshuin Stamp!

If you collect Goshuin stamps, don't forget to visit the temple and receive one. By the way, the limited edition Tengu Goshuin Stamp Book and stamp bag are both worth purchasing as souvenirs.

13:20 Head to the Summit of Mount Takao

Starting from Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao, you can reach the top in about 20 minutes on foot.

After enjoying the delicious vegan cuisine, I begin one of the highlights of my Mount Takao visit: the ascent to the summit.

In fact, the mountain trails from Yakuoin Temple to Mount Takao are well-paved. Even if you wear regular shoes, walking will be easy. Along the way, you can see the picturesque view of nature.

While strolling at an average pace, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit at an altitude of 599.15 meters.

You'll be treated to a panoramic view from the summit. This means not only the skyscrapers of Shinjuku are visible, but Tokyo Skytree and even Enoshima can be seen on days of good weather. By changing directions, you can also see the magnificent Mount Fuji.

For the Descent, We Recommend Taking the Chair Lift

During the descent, you can take the cable car back up the mountain. However, I recommend taking the chair lift. In addition to reducing the wait time for the cable car, you can enjoy the distant view, giving you unparalleled openness.

15:00 Relax at Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu is located about a 5-minute walk from Kiyotaki Station. After climbing the mountain and working up a sweat, it's perfect to soak in a hot spring and relieve fatigue.

Walking back from Kiyotaki to Takaosanguchi Station, the Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu by the side of the train is your best choice! In addition to the classic open-air hot spring, there's a special indoor hinoki (Japanese cypress) bubbling bath. These fine bubbles also remove dirt from the skin. The outdoor carbonated bath is said to promote blood circulation, metabolism, and beauty.

Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

2229-7 Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193-0844

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17:00 Savor Extraordinary Chicken Cuisine at Ukai Toriyama, Mount Takao

Take the shuttle bus from Takaosanguchi. The shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes.

After soaking in the hot spring and relieving the day's fatigue, it's time to head to the famous restaurant Ukai Toriyama on Mount Takao for a delightful dinner. A free shuttle bus is right beside the Takaosanguchi Station, making it very convenient.

After about a 10-minute shuttle bus ride, getting off feels like stepping into a utopia, a true expression of the original Japanese scenery.

This vast space features a beautiful Japanese-style garden. There are also gassho-zukuri buildings constructed like hands in prayer transferred from the Gokayama region in Toyama Prefecture, creating a perfect Japanese space. It leaves a remarkable impression on visitors.

Savor Delicious Robata Charcoal-Grilled Chicken

Image for a meal for two guests
The chicken is grilled over charcoal using premium chickens carefully raised on a contract farm in Gotemba, Shizuoka, at the foot of Mount Fuji. You can directly taste the chicken's original deliciousness while dipping the meat in miso or yuzu pepper.

The yakitori restaurant Jyubako values delicious and balanced nutrition. You can enjoy the luxurious chicken cuisine in serene surroundings, rewarding yourself for a day's hard work and enjoying a blissful time.

Ukai Toriyama

3426 Minamiasakawamachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193-0846

19:30 Enjoy Tokyo's Night View! Sky Lounge Aurora on the 45th Floor of Keio Plaza Hotel

Keio Plaza Hotel is about a 10-minute walk from Keio Shinjuku Station

Head to the 45th floor at the Sky Lounge Aurora and enjoy the beautiful Tokyo night view from a height of 160 meters. You can even see the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower in the distance, enjoying the increasingly beautiful cityscape.

It is said that the name "Aurora" comes from the fact that you can admire beautiful scenery here regardless of day or night. The dreamlike scenery at dusk resembles the beauty of an aurora, giving it its name.

The average price of cocktails is about 2,000 yen

Professional top bartenders craft the cocktails at Sky Lounge Aurora, and the cuisine is carefully prepared. Slowly sip the delicious French pear cocktail with a hint of fruity aroma and a slightly tipsy feeling of alcohol.

The beverage is paired with the beautifully arranged smoked salmon. Bask in the luxuriousness of this wonderful evening.

Sky Lounge Aurora

2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8330 Keio Plaza Hotel

Take Keio Electric Railway and Enjoy a Day Trip of Micro-Luxury at Mount Takao

In under an hour from Shinjuku, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mount Takao. Enjoy mountain climbing, picturesque views, and delicious cuisine here. When you come to Tokyo, it's worth taking a day to leave the congested city center and appreciate the natural beauty of Tokyo!

Summary of the Micro-Luxury Day Trip to Mount Takao

Keio Shinjuku Station→Takaosanguchi→Mount Takao Cable Car→Yakuoin, Mount Takao→Enjoy Exquisite Vegan Cuisine→Summit of Mount Takao→Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu→Ukai Toriyama→Keio Plaza Hotel Sky Lounge Aurora

Transportation cost: 1,730 Japanese yen (round-trip ticket between Shinjuku and Mount Takao + round-trip ticket for Mount Takao Cable Car)

Other expenses: Approximately 20,000 Japanese yen (vegan cuisine, Ukai Toriyama, Sky Lounge Aurora)

Souvenirs: According to personal preferences.

Recommended reference website: Keio Electric Railway