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.
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.