If you’re looking for the perfect day trip from Tokyo, Mt. Takao should definitely be at the top of your list! Just an hour from the city, this beautiful mountain offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want a peaceful escape from Tokyo’s bustling streets, Mt. Takao has something for everyone.
The journey from Tokyo to Mt. Takao is a breeze. We hopped on the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station, and within an hour, we were stepping into the lush greenery surrounding Takaosanguchi Station. The station itself has a welcoming vibe, and it’s easy to see why this spot is a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.
If you love handmade and artisan products time your visit to Mt. Takao to co-incide with the Sakka ichi Mt. Takao Handmade Market.
One of the highlights of Mt. Takao is the variety of hiking trails. We chose Trail 1, the most popular and well-maintained path, which winds its way past stunning temples, towering cedar trees, and scenic viewpoints. The trail is gentle enough for beginners but still offers plenty of exercise and adventure. Plus, the occasional snack stands along the way make it easy to fuel up for the climb.
There are six main trails to choose from plus the Mt. Inari Ridge Trail. This is great as you can plot your return trip via a different trail plus it helps disperse the walkers as Mt. Takao can get very busy. It pays to do a bit of planning and decide if you want to visit some of the major sights while at Mt. Takao.
For instance, if you want to visit the Monkey Park, walk the Miyama Suspension Bridge, view the Biwataki Falls or visit the Yakuo-in Temple then choose the trails that interest you.
Yakuo-in Temple
Halfway up, we stopped at Yakuo-in Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple that’s been standing on the mountain for centuries. The temple grounds are peaceful (if you don't visit on a weekend) and filled with traditional statues and incense. It’s the perfect spot to take a break, snap some photos, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
What makes Yakuo-in Temple so special is how it blends into the natural surroundings of Mt. Takao. Surrounded by towering cedar trees and lush greenery, the temple feels like it’s part of the mountain itself. You’ll find smaller shrines, intricate carvings, and plenty of spots to leave your own prayer or wish.
Tengu
The tengu you’ll see at Yakuo-in Temple on Mt. Takao are fascinating figures deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and mountain worship. They are somewhat distinctive and are not at most Japanese temples so they make a striking impression.
In Japanese tradition, tengu are supernatural creatures often depicted with either long noses or beaked faces, representing a mix of human and bird characteristics. At Yakuo-in, they’re believed to be the guardians of the mountain and protectors of the temple. Tengu symbolize strength, wisdom, and protection, but they’re also known for their mischievous side, often testing the faith and humility of visitors.
Yakuo-in Temple is also notable for distinctive for large sculptures of shoes or sandals (waraji) that historically have a deep and symbolic meaning.
At Yakuo-in, the waraji symbolize a wish for safe travels and protection on one’s journey. In the context of the temple, these sandals are thought to represent the temple’s protective powers, guiding and safeguarding pilgrims, hikers, and worshippers who visit Mt. Takao.
For many visitors, Yakuo-in Temple isn’t just a photo stop - it’s a chance to slow down and reflect. It’s a reminder of how nature and spirituality come together on Mt. Takao. For this reason please be respectful of people coming here to pray and are not merely tourists looking for snaps.
Takaosan Bussharito
It seems that Takaosan Bussharito doesn't appear on any official maps but is worth seeking out for some fantastic Buddhist sculptures that make for quite a great photo opportunuity. Pay attention when walking Trail 1 if you want to visit Takaosan Bussharito.
A beautifully crafted Buddhist stupa is located near the summit. This impressive structure, also known as the Tahoto-style pagoda, adds a layer of cultural depth to your hiking adventure. The Bussharito stands out with its distinctive two tiered roof and intricate carvings
The Bussharito was built to enshrine sacred Buddhist relics and to promote world peace and harmony. It’s a place where visitors can reflect on the spiritual side of their journey up Mt. Takao.
Takaosan Bussharito is one of the more peaceful spots on Mt. Takao and for this reason is highly recommended by me. It's really nice to get away from the crowds and this is one of those rare spots on Mt. Takao that you can actually do this. As a bonus with its relaxing atmosphere, Buddhist sculptures and lush greenery all around, it makes a perfect spot for some great images. You can actually take some time here unlike most of the mountain.
On Top of the World
Reaching the summit of Mt. Takao was definitely the highlight of our trip. At 599 metres high, it offers panoramic views of Tokyo, and on clear days, you can even spot Mt. Fuji in the distance! There are plenty of benches and open spaces at the top, making it an ideal spot for a packed lunch or just to sit back and relax.
Once you reach the summit of course you want to take a pic or two of the view. While 599 metres is definitely not an epic climb you do get rewarded with a few nice views to make the walk all worth while.
Monkey Park
One of the most unique attractions on Mt. Takao is the Monkey Park, a fun and educational stop that’s perfect for families and animal lovers. Located partway up the mountain, the park is home to a lively troop of Japanese macaques.
Visitors can observe these fascinating monkeys up close as they play, groom each other, and interact with their natural surroundings. The Monkey Park at Mt. Takao offers a rare chance to see these creatures in a safe, controlled environment while learning about their behavior and habitat.
Besides the monkeys, the Mt. Takao Monkey Park also features a wildflower garden, where you can stroll among seasonal blooms and enjoy panoramic views of the mountain. This is a small bonus and definitely wouldn't be a primary reason to visit the monkey park - in fact it seems a bit rundown.
To be honest I wouldn't really recommend the monkey park unless you have children or have a significant interest in wildlife. The experience just seems a bit underwhelming all round. The monkey park feels a bit rundown and unloved - it doesn't over promise but for me just wasn't a winner and I like to go to virtually everything when I am in travel and tourist mode.
Cable Car and Chairlift
If you’re not in the mood to hike both ways, don’t worry - there’s a handy cable car and chair lift that can take you part of the way up or down. We took the chair lift down for a fun and breezy ride with fantastic views of the forest below. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with kids or just want to give your legs a rest.
Of course, no trip to Mt. Takao is complete without trying the local treats! We suggest trying some dango (sweet rice dumplings) or a cold beer from one of the many food stalls at the base.
Why not try the shaved ice! The perfect reward after a long day of hiking and exploring.
Nature and Suspension Bridge
We visited during Golden Week so it definitely wasn't much of a nature experience given the outsized crowds. However, when you get off the manicured and paved trail sections you definitely can get a nice nature experience. We visited in early May and the vegetation was a nice luscious green.
As a one time visitor I do try to do as much as possible. It goes without saying we made a point of walking across the suspension bridge. Well, it's not particularly long but it's still worth making the effort to get here. You're on the mountain after all so you may as well doing everything within reason.
While we happened to visit on probably one of the busiest days of the year it was still possible to experience a bit of nature.
If you’re planning your own Mt. Takao adventure, I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a camera, and keeping an eye on the weather. And don’t forget to check the train schedule from Tokyo - it’s all part of the experience! So grab your backpack, invite some friends, and get ready for an unforgettable Tokyo day trip to the stunning Mt. Takao.
Handy Pocket Map
We've attached a link to a handy pocket map of Mt. Takao including all the walking trails. Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that we do not maintain this map and it may contain outdated information. Use at your discretion:
- Link to Mt. Takao pdf guide and map
Conclusion
Overall, our day trip to Mt. Takao from Tokyo was an absolute blast. It’s a super accessible adventure, with a great mix of hiking, culture, and food. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or you’re a local looking for a quick getaway, Mt. Takao is a must visit spot that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
If you need to unwind or just feel like getting away from the boisterousness of Akihabara, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Shibuya or Tokyo in general then a walk at Mt. Takao maybe the ideal short break you need.
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