Mt. Takao
Day HikeKanto(Tokyo)
EasyDistance
7 km
Elevation Gain
400m
Max Elevation
599m
Duration
3h
Tokyo's most popular day hike with multiple trails and a summit temple.
Mt. Takao is one of Tokyo's most accessible and popular hiking destinations, standing at 599 meters in western Tokyo. The mountain offers multiple well-maintained trails ranging from paved paths to forested routes, making it ideal for beginners and families. Its proximity to central Tokyo and the historic Yakuoin Temple halfway up the mountain make it a unique blend of nature and culture. In autumn, the mountain is ablaze with brilliant fall foliage.
At a Glance
- Difficulty
- easy
- Distance
- 7 km
- Elevation Gain
- 400 m
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Best Season
- Year-round, especially autumn foliage (November)
- Trail Type
- day hike
Best Season
Year-round, especially autumn foliage (November)
Highlights
Yakuoin Temple with tengu statues; Panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from the summit; Lush beech forest on Trail No. 6; Suspension bridge on Trail No. 4; Seasonal wildflowers and autumn leaves
Access
Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station (about 50 minutes). The trailhead is a short walk from the station. A cable car and chairlift are available to ascend partway.
Warnings & Safety
Trails can be extremely crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in autumn. Some routes are slippery after rain. Bring water as vending machines are only at certain points. Watch for wild monkeys near the summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is Mt. Takao?
Mt. Takao is rated as easy difficulty.
How long is Mt. Takao?
Mt. Takao is 7 km long.
What is the elevation gain on Mt. Takao?
The elevation gain on Mt. Takao is 400 meters.
How long does it take to hike Mt. Takao?
Hiking Mt. Takao typically takes about 3 hours.
When is the best season to hike Mt. Takao?
The best season to hike Mt. Takao is Year-round, especially autumn foliage (November).
Where is the trailhead for Mt. Takao?
Mt. Takao is located in Tokyo, Kanto region of Japan.
What type of trail is Mt. Takao?
Mt. Takao is a day_hike trail.
Are there any warnings for Mt. Takao?
Warnings for Mt. Takao: Trails can be extremely crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in autumn. Some routes are slippery after rain. Bring water as vending machines are only at certain points. Watch for wild monkeys near the summit..
How do I get to Mt. Takao?
Access information for Mt. Takao: Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station (about 50 minutes). The trailhead is a short walk from the station. A cable car and chairlift are available to ascend partway..
What is the maximum elevation on Mt. Takao?
The maximum elevation on Mt. Takao is 599 meters.
Is Mt. Takao suitable for beginners?
Mt. Takao is rated easy, making it accessible for hikers of that level.
Do I need special equipment for Mt. Takao?
For Mt. Takao, proper hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Check warnings: Trails can be extremely crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in autumn. Some routes are slippery after rain. Bring water as vending machines are only at certain points. Watch for wild monkeys near the summit..
What are the highlights of Mt. Takao?
Highlights of Mt. Takao include: Yakuoin Temple with tengu statues; Panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from the summit; Lush beech forest on Trail No. 6; Suspension bridge on Trail No. 4; Seasonal wildflowers and autumn leaves.
Is Mt. Takao accessible by public transport?
Access to Mt. Takao: Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station (about 50 minutes). The trailhead is a short walk from the station. A cable car and chairlift are available to ascend partway..
Can I hike Mt. Takao in winter?
The best season for Mt. Takao is Year-round, especially autumn foliage (November). Check conditions before hiking in winter.
