For those visiting Mount Takao for the first time: Five things you should know beforehand to enjoy the climb

To fully enjoy the profound charm of Mount Takao

Located about an hour west of central Tokyo by train, Mount Takao, located in Hachioji, Tokyo, is a mountain surrounded by such abundant nature that it's hard to believe it's so close to the city. It's also one of the most visited mountains in the world, with around 3 million visitors annually.

When you first get off at Takaosanguchi Station, many people will be surprised and wonder, "Is this really Tokyo?"

Mount Takao is not only blessed with abundant nature, but also has a history as a "mountain of prayer" centered around Yakuo-in Temple. The culture of goma training and Shugendo remains to this day, and nature and faith coexist in the same place - that is what makes this mountain so special.

In this article, we'll introduce five experiences that will allow you to experience the essence of Mount Takao, along with the audio guide "Mount Takao." As you walk, you'll discover why this mountain has remained unchanged to this day.

What is the audio guide app "ON THE TRIP"?

The audio guide app "ONTHE TRIP" is based on the theme of "turning every travel destination into a museum," and covers cultural assets such as shrines and temples, stunning scenery, hot springs, art festivals, and even cultures like Zen and sushi. It is a travel guide app that lets you explore things that interest you on the spot at various travel destinations.

The audio guide is easy to use. Just download the ON THE TRIP app, open it, and select the spot guide.

When you select a spot that interests you, you can play it and it will tell you the history and background of the scenery in front of you with audio, text, and photos.

*There are two types of guide playback: a GPS-enabled automatic playback type and a manual playback type.

Download the iOS app here

Download the Android app here

Audio Guide "Mount Takao"

Takaosanguchi Station

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

.Takaosanguchi Station is the terminal station on the Keio Line and serves as the main gateway for sightseeing at Mount Takao. It provides easy access toward Kiyotaki Station, the starting point for hiking routes, and is directly connected to a hot spring facility. The surrounding area is well equipped with cafés and a tourist information center, making it a convenient place to rest and gather information before or after hiking.

① Japan's steepest cable car | The start of your mountain climbing

When talking about the origins of Mount Takao, many people will imagine the cable car. This vehicle, which climbs the steepest slope in Japan with a maximum gradient of 31 degrees 18 minutes, is like a small attraction. It is a famous attraction of Mount Takao that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. There is also a chairlift that gives you a sense of openness and makes Mount Takao feel closer, so it is recommended to use separate vehicles for the trip there and back.

As soon as you see Kiyotaki Station, the cable car's departure point, open the audio guide "Mount Takao" and put on your earphones. Press the play button and the guide will begin speaking like this:

====================

The entire mountain of Mount Takao was also the site of a temple called Yakuoin. During the Sengoku period, the lord of Hachioji Castle made the mountain a place of worship and deeply revered the gods and Buddhas of Yakuoin. He even issued a decree that "anyone who cuts even a single blade of grass will have their head cut off."
This strict but respectful attitude towards Mount Takao has been passed down to future generations, and the grass and trees have been protected. Later, in the Meiji period, the forest became property of the Imperial family, and eventually became a national park. It is because of this history that such a large amount of nature has been preserved, even though it is located within Tokyo.

====================

As I looked around while listening to the guide, I spotted what looked like a rocky area across from a busy souvenir shop. When I got closer, I saw a small waterfall with the word "Kiyotaki" written on it. When I learned that the station name itself is connected to the faith of people in the past, Kiyotaki Station, which is usually overflowing with tourists, began to show a different side to me.

The guide will then tell you the story behind how the cable car came to be what it is today. Before boarding, be sure to walk around the area with your guide listening to what he has to say.

Mount Takao Cable Car Kiyotaki Station

2205 Takao-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193-8511

Kiyotaki Station is the starting point of the Takaotozan Dentetsu cable car, located at the foot of Mount Takao. It is easily accessible from central Tokyo and is used by many people as a gateway for mountain climbing and sightseeing. The area around the station is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops where you can stop by before or after a hike, and you can also enjoy a stroll.

②Kasumidai Observatory | Enjoy the spectacular view of the city

After getting off the cable car, head to the observation deck called Kasumidai. The beautiful, hazy view from this observation deck is perfectly fitting for its name. When the buildings you were just standing on appear small and hazy, you'll feel as if you've entered another world. Once you've had your fill of the view, play the audio guide.

============

(Omitted)

There are beech trees in this area that are over 200 years old. Beech trees sprouted during the Edo period, when the weather was much colder than it is now, but it is said that new buds no longer sprout in the modern Mount Takao. The lifespan of a beech tree is approximately 300 years. In another 100 years, beech trees may disappear from Mount Takao. The insects that feed on their leaves will also eventually disappear. When you think about this, each and every small life at your feet feels irreplaceable.

However, new life emerges in the spring, with over 40 varieties of violets blooming in full glory.

Mount Takao is also a place of seasonal prayer, where transience and rebirth revolve.

============

A distant cluster of buildings and deep nature spreading out before you. Listening to the audio guide while admiring these two completely different views side by side, it becomes clear why Mount Takao has been able to preserve its appearance for so long. The nature has been preserved precisely because Mount Takao has a place of prayer called Yakuoin Temple. With this meaning in mind, we start our climb from here to the summit.

The well-maintained hiking trails range from paths you can walk in casual clothes and sneakers to full-fledged mountain trails. First, try the classic Route 1. Even though it's a beginner's course, it's a luxurious trail where you can encounter rows of cedar trees over 500 years old and feel the presence of a forest where flying squirrels live.

On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance from the summit. The view, which seems to overlap with the mountains, is a reward that Mount Takao offers. There is also an audio guide at the summit, so don't forget to listen to it.

Mount Takao Climbing Course Route 1

Overview: Mt. Takao Route 1 (Omotesando Course) is the most popular route on Mt. Takao, with a wide and well-maintained path from Kiyotaki Station to the summit. As most of the path is paved, it is a safe course for beginner hikers and tourists alike.

3. Yakuo-in Temple | Experience goma rituals

Halfway up the mountain, you will find Yakuo-in Temple, which we have been told about in our guidebook. As you step into the temple grounds, you will see Tengu appearing everywhere, creating a sacred atmosphere.

When I arrived at the main hall of Yakuo-in Temple, I pressed the play button on the guide. As the sound of a conch horn rang out, I heard the following voice from the guide:

============

Even today, goma rituals are performed several times a day inside the hall. Goma is a prayer ritual using fire. Fire symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha, and is said to burn away our earthly desires and delusions, and deliver our wishes to the Buddha.

============

If you're lucky, you can hear the sounds of the goma ritual even from outside the main hall. The sounds of sutra chanting, conch shells, and drums—even through the doors—you can almost feel the air shaking slightly.

In addition to audio guides that cover the entire mountain, Mount Takao also offers special guides that introduce the Yakuoin Goma Training.

The guide for the goma ritual will be there to help first-time visitors understand how to take in the moment. It's okay if you don't know the proper etiquette. The guide will carefully convey the scene of the goma ritual through sound and words.

If you have a wish in your heart, we recommend that you try the goma ritual. You can participate in the prayer even on the day by applying at the Goma Reception Desk on the temple grounds. Beyond the flickering flames, your feelings will emerge and become a vow.

Takaosan Yakuoin Yukiji Temple

2177 Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193-8686

Takaosan Yakuoin is a Buddhist temple founded during the Nara period and remains a sacred site of mountain worship and Shugendō ascetic practice today, attracting many visitors and worshippers. The temple is also known for its tengu legends, and its grounds are home to the main sanctuary, the main hall, and various statues associated with tengu, allowing visitors to experience the distinctive atmosphere of mountain faith.

Goma training participation information

How to participate

1. Please fill out the "application form" at the Goma reception desk.
2. Please pay the goma offering and receive the exchange voucher for the talisman and offerings.
3. Please enter the main hall approximately 15 minutes before the start time.

What is the audio guide "Mt. Takao Yakuoin Temple - Goma Training"?

Mount Takao has long been known as a sacred mountain, and is a place where many people have placed their hopes and prayers.

At Yakuo-in Temple, located halfway up the mountain, the ritual of "goma," a fire that symbolizes the wisdom of Buddha, is still practiced to purify earthly desires and purify the mind.

The audio guide "Mt. Takao Yakuoin Goma Training" provides an easy-to-understand introduction to what kind of prayer goma is, its meaning and background, and the mindset required to participate.

Before you start the goma ritual, be sure to listen to this as a hint to deepen your experience on the day.

Audio guide "Yakuoin Temple, Mount Takao"

Click here to apply online for goma training and vegetarian cuisine

④ Shojin cuisine | Experience the spirit of Mount Takao

Yakuoin Temple offers not only goma training, but also another special experience: shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine). When you hear the term shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine), you might imagine a simple meal. However, the shojin ryori at Yakuoin Temple goes one step further; it is an experience that will fill your body and soul, along with the feelings that Mount Takao holds dear.

To help you truly savor this experience, the audio guide "Takaosan Yakuoin Shojin Ryori" will tell you about the history and meaning of the cuisine, as well as the feelings behind the flavors.

=========

Yakuoin Temple cherishes the idea that "everything is a Buddha, including the creatures and plants of the mountains, ourselves, natural phenomena such as wind and rain, and the mountains themselves."

=========

It is because of this philosophy that seasonal vegetables are used in abundance in the dishes.

Because it does not rely on animal ingredients, you can fully enjoy the natural aroma and sweetness of the vegetables, and the power of nature resonates.

As you eat while listening to the guide, you'll feel a mysterious sensation as if the blessings of Mount Takao are slowly seeping into your body. If you're planning to visit Mount Takao, be sure to try the shojin ryori cuisine.

*Shojin ryori is available by reservation only, so please plan your visit well in advance.

Details and application method for Yakuo-in Temple's vegetarian cuisine

Meal service hours: 11:00-14:00
Takaozen 4,400 yen Tenguzen 3,300 yen *Payment method: Cash only

To apply: Takaosan Yakuoin Temple, Shojin Ryori Section Phone: 042-661-1115 (main line) Fax: 042-664-1199
Phone reservations accepted from 9:00 to 16:00
*Phone calls will be answered in Japanese.

・Reservations are accepted for groups of two or more.
Children 's meals are available for small children .​​​
・Please let us know if you have any food allergies when making your reservation.
・There may be days when reservations cannot be accepted from mid-December to early February, and due to mountain events, etc.

What is the audio guide "Mount Takao, Yakuoin Temple, and Shojin Ryori"?

The shojin ryori served at Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao is not just a meal, but a special meal rooted in the faith and training culture of the mountain.

Just as your mind and body naturally become in harmony as you climb the mountain, the vegetarian cuisine served at Yakuoin offers you time to quietly reflect on prayer and gratitude.

The audio guide "Shojin Ryori at Takaosan Yakuoin Temple" clearly explains the history and meaning of shojin ryori, as well as the right mindset to have when eating it.

By deepening your understanding of the experience, why not rediscover the richness that lies within the act of receiving something?

Audio guide "Yakuo-in Temple, Takaosan, and Shojin-ryori"

Click here to apply online for goma training and vegetarian cuisine

⑤ Takao 599 Museum | Learn how to enjoy Mount Takao

If you visit Mount Takao, even if you don't climb the mountain, we recommend you make a detour to the Takao 599 Museum at the base. Here you can learn about the plants and creatures you can encounter on Mount Takao, as well as the unique environment in which they live. The attached cafe serves siphon coffee, making it a great place to relax and learn about Mount Takao.

The audio guide introduces the museum as follows:

===========

This is not just an exhibition facility.

It's a place where you can take a moment to "focus your eyes" before stepping into nature.

===========

The exhibit features a wall full of stuffed animals and birds from Mount Takao, centered around a single beech tree, as well as an interactive exhibit where you can learn by touching actual nuts. The space is designed to naturally draw visitors' attention to the small wonders of Mount Takao, and you can't help but wonder, "What is this?"

The 599 Museum is not just a place to learn about Mount Takao, but a place that inspires pure curiosity. We recommend visiting this place before climbing the mountain. Once you have focused your eyes and mind here and are starting to walk, the mountain's story will naturally emerge.

TAKAO 599 MUSEUM

2435-3 Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo

The Takao 599 Museum, which refers to Mount Takao, is a facility located in Hachioji, Tokyo, that opened in 2015. In addition to exhibits showcasing the flora and fauna that inhabit Mount Takao, you can also see projection mapping themed around Takao's nature. It is also popular with families, as it has a cafe and a play area for children.

Conclusion

Mount Takao, which we walked through with five experiences, is a mountain with depth, where rich nature and a culture of prayer have overlapped over a long period of time. The audio guide is like a small key that gently "opens" this overlap. The background that you would not notice just by looking at the scenery gradually emerges through the stories you hear.

Please take the time to explore the story that lies deep within these mountains at your own pace.

★Click here to watch a video introducing the essential charm of Mount Takao