Tokyo's Most Frequent Peak Provides Multiple Hiking Routes, Displaying Stunning Landscapes
Mount Takao: A Popular Day Trip from Tokyo
Mount Takao, nestled in Tokyo's western outskirts, is the world's most visited scenic mountain, attracting up to 4 million visitors each year according to The Asahi Shimbun. This mountaineering gem is easily accessible from Shinjuku, making it a popular day trip destination for both locals and tourists.
Accessing Mount Takao
To reach Mount Takao, hop on the Keio Line directly from Shinjuku Station and travel to Takaosanguchi Station, the gateway to the mountain. The journey takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes. From Takaosanguchi Station, the mountain and its trailheads are just a short 5-minute walk away.
Trails Galore
Mount Takao offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. The most popular beginner-friendly route is the Omotesando Trail, which passes landmarks like Yakuoin Temple and Monkey Park. More challenging routes include the Inariyama Trail and Trail #6. Besides hiking, there is a cable car and chair lift available that can take you near the summit if desired.
Exploring the Trails
Trail 1 offers a mostly paved route, taking around two hours to ascend if one stops for pictures and snacks, but can be done in half the time with the use of the cable car or chair lift. The highlight of Trail 4 is a suspension bridge surrounded by greenery. Trail 6 is more rugged and challenging.
Cultural and Natural Attractions
Along the way, you'll encounter cultural and natural attractions. For instance, passing through the temple gate at Yakuo-in, you'll see statues of two long-nosed goblins, the tengu. In early summer, hydrangeas bloom along the mountain's trails, and in autumn, red maple leaves and other fall colors adorn the mountain.
Winter Wonders
Winter yields occasional light snow and the "Diamond Fuji" phenomenon on Mount Takao, where the sun setting right behind Mount Fuji can be seen from the summit, weather permitting.
Mount Takao stands at a height of 1,965 feet and boasts a monkey park located along Trail 1, the main route for hiking the mountain from bottom to top. Time Out Tokyo once cited Takao-san as the world's most-visited mountain, making it a must-visit destination for any nature lover visiting Tokyo.
Lifestyle enthusiasts seeking outdoor-living experiences might find home-and-garden paradise in Mount Takao, where the trails abundant in natural beauty can provide a tranquil retreat from Tokyo's urban bustle. Traversing Mount Takao offers various opportunities to appreciate its rich cultural and natural attractions, from admiring blooming hydrangeas to witnessing the "Diamond Fuji" phenomenon.
