Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival 2024: Best Locations and Access

The Stunning Autumn Foliage on Mount Takao Each Season

Mount Takao, an easily accessible tourist spot about an hour from central Tokyo, offers various experiences in its lush natural surroundings, from casual hiking to serious climbing, catering to your personal interests.

The trees beautifully shift to seasonal colors in autumn, making it a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. This article introduces recommended spots for autumn foliage in the Takao Mountain area, the annual Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival, and access routes to get here.

Mount Takao: Autumn Foliage Guide

1. Mount Takao: Stunning Autumn Foliage in Tokyo
2. The Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves on Mount Takao
3. Best Autumn Foliage Spots on Mount Takao
4. Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival 2024
5. Access: How to Get to Mount Takao

Mount Takao: Stunning Autumn Foliage in Tokyo

Picture courtesy of Hachioji City
Mount Takao, located in Tokyo's Hachioji City, stands at an elevation of 599 meters, attracting around 2.5 million hikers annually.

With excellent transport routes from the city center, the allure lies in enjoying leisurely mountain walks even on a day trip. Near Takaosanguchi Station, the closest station, there are also hot spring facilities for visitors to relax and relieve their fatigue before heading home.

While it is accessible to everyone, Mount Takao remains a sacred mountain where ascetic practices of Shugendo have been conducted for centuries. Additionally, in 2007, it was awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide as a great tourist destination alongside Mount Fuji.

Mount Takao is one of Tokyo's premier spots for autumn foliage. Come fall, the lively trees change color, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery.

On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji from the summit of Takao Mountain, presenting a grand view that showcases the combination of Mount Fuji and autumn leaves. It is an impressive sight found nowhere else.

Riding the Mt. Takao Cable Car, which transports visitors back and forth from the base at Kiyotaki Station to the halfway point at Takao Mountain Station, also allows for an up-close experience of the stunning autumn foliage.

The Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves on Mount Takao

Picture courtesy of Hachioji City

The foliage of the trees on Mount Takao typically begins to change color around mid-November, reaching the color peak for about two weeks from late November to early December.

Mount Takao features red-leaved Japanese maples and natural forests with beech trees and evergreen trees, resulting in a beautiful landscape where red, yellow, and green mix harmoniously.

The Best Spots for Viewing Autumn Foliage on Mount Takao

While the entire Takao Mountain is adorned with autumn colors, you can enjoy the foliage from anywhere. Here are three picturesque spots worth noting.

1. The Cable Car from Kiyotaki Station

Picture courtesy of Hachioji City

The Mount Takao Cable Car, which connects Kiyotaki Station at the foothills of the mountain to Mount Takao Station partway up, travels a distance of 1 kilometer in approximately 6 minutes one way. As the rails pass through the mountain, you can enjoy the expansive view of autumn leaves before your eyes.

Additionally, the steepest incline of the cable car is 31 degrees and 18 minutes, making it the steepest cable car track in Japan. Though the journey is quick, the views from inside the car are extraordinary. We recommend taking the entire panoramic view during the ride!

However, on weekends during the autumn foliage season, be aware that wait times can reach up to 180 minutes. So, please plan your visit with extra time.

Mount Takao Cable Car Kiyotaki Station

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

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2. Momiji-dai (Maple Viewing Platform) at the Summit

If you proceed about 10 minutes further from the summit of Mount Takao, you will reach a lookout point known as Momiji-dai (Maple Viewing Platform). True to its name, this spot is renowned for its stunning maple foliage, with exceptional views of Mount Fuji.

Nearby, you can find a tea shop called Okutakao Hosodaya, where you can warm up with their specialty dish, nameko mushroom miso soup, while leisurely enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

3. Travel around Yakuoin Temple

Picture courtesy of Hachioji City
Yakuoin Temple, officially named Takao-san Mountain Yakuoin Yuki-ji Temple, was established over 1200 years ago in 744 during the Tenpyo era. Takao Mountain has long been regarded as a setting of ascetic training, where many practitioners once trained.

At Yakuoin, numerous maples are planted throughout the temple grounds, allowing for vibrant red foliage in the autumn. In particular, the area around the mountain gate (Shitenno Gate) and the main hall is a recommended spot for viewing autumn leaves.

The beautiful autumn colors contrast splendidly with the majestic temple, creating a sacred atmosphere.

The Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival 2024

Picture courtesy of Hachioji City
The Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival is held annually from late October to early December.

In 2024, the festival will run from October 26 to December 8. On the 26th (Saturday), the head priest of Takao Mountain Yakuoin Temple will conduct a goma fire ritual and offer a sermon, wishing for safe climbing, dispelling diseases, and fulfilling various prayers.

Additionally, various events will occur daily at the Mount Takao Cable Car Kiyotaki Station Plaza. There will be engaging attractions such as events featuring the flying squirrel mascot Mucchan, performances by the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo (a Japanese puppet theater company), and local students’ performances!

Please note that weekends are quite crowded during this time.

Access: How to Get to Mount Takao

Picture courtesy of Hachioji City

The nearest station to Takao Mountain is Takaosanguchi Station along the Keio Takao Line. From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to Kiyotaki Station, the cable car boarding area.

The Takao Tozan Cable Car's website, which operates the lifts and cable cars, contains comprehensive information. We recommend that you check it out before heading out.

There is also a tourist information center at Takaosanguchi Station. If you have any questions or concerns, it might be a good idea to inquire there.

Enjoy Autumn Foliage at Mount Takao

Takao Mountain is one of Tokyo's top spots for viewing autumn leaves in autumn. With easy access just one hour from the city center, it’s perfect for a day trip.

Taking the cable car or lift is a great option if you want to enjoy the foliage without a rigorous hike! The nearest station, Takaosanguchi Station, also has the Keio Takao Onsen Gokurakuyu hot spring facility. It's recommended to stop by on your way back.

However, be aware that the autumn foliage season can be quite crowded, so plan your visit with some extra time. Additionally, the last times for the cable car and lift vary by season and day of the week, so don’t forget to check!

Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

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

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