10 Things To Do In Mt. Takao (Tokyo)

Mt. Takao is a mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo offering a very beautiful scenery especially during spring and autumn. It is 599 meters high and is only an hour away by train from Shinjuku.

Every year, Mt. Takao is visited by around 2.5 millions of both professional hikers and tourists wanting to enjoy its beauty and looking for a good escape from the busy center of Tokyo.

Here are 5 things that you can do in Mt. Takao to make your day more fun:

01 | Hike up Mt. Takao

There are 8 hiking courses to choose from ranging from the easiest to the hardest. If you’re up for an adventure, the hardest one will definitely pump up your adrenaline!

02 | Take the cable car

If you want to take it easy, save some time, and focus more on the beautiful scenery from up above, the cable car is the best choice for you!

03 | Make sure to reach the summit

Although the scenery is already beautiful enough at the base of Mt. Takao, you won’t regret if you decide to reach the summit. The scenery from the top is magnificent especially in autumn with all the colorful leaves covering the entire mountain.

04 | Take the chair lift down

If you dread the hike from the summit down to the base of the mountain, you can take the chair lift.

Just like taking the cable car, you can escape the painful hike, save time, and enjoy the scenery completely.

05 | Explore the monkey park

For just less than 500 yen, you can see and feed lots of Japanese macaques with their own individual names at Mt. Takao’s monkey park. They also regularly hold monkey shows and exhibitions here.

06 | See the wildflower garden

Inside the monkey park, there is also a wildflower garden that is home to hundreds of beautiful flowers. No need to pay any additional fee to see this garden.

07 | Visit the Yakuo-in Temple

Formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, this Buddhist temple was established in 744 on the orders of Emperor Shomu as a base for Buddhism in eastern Japan.

At this temple, you will see statues of Tengu, a creature that looks like a half person and a half animal. Tengus are believed to be the protectors of Mt. Takao.

08 | Visit the trick art museum

Mt. Takao also has its very own Trick Art Museum which is located at the foot of the mountain. Make sure to drop by to challenge your imagination.

09 | Buy souvenirs

Before leaving Mt. Takao, check out the souvenir shops located at the base. There are lots of amazing stuff and delicious Japanese food to check out and bring back home to your family and friends.

10 | Take an onsen bath or Get a massage

After a full day of fun exploration, make sure to end your day with a very relaxing dip in one of Mt. Takao’s hot springs.

If the whole onsen culture is still new to you and you feel uncomfortable, you can get a massage instead.

Quick Facts (Mt. Takao)

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