ElizabethLooking for a quick escape from the bustling streets of Tokyo? Mt. Takao might just be the perfect spot for you! Nestled just a short train ride away, this beautiful mountain offers a refreshing slice of nature and a great way to recharge without venturing too far from the city. Here’s how we made the most out of our weekend trip to Mt. Takao, complete with travel tips to help you plan your own adventure.
Getting There: The Journey to Mt. Takao
Starting our trip from Shinjuku was an adventure in itself, given the construction at the station. Finding the right train can be a bit tricky, but here’s a tip: look for the Keio Liner. This express train is the fastest way to Mt. Takao, with a journey time of just 46 minutes, and it only operates three times a day, so timing is key. We snagged our reserved seats right on the platform—a lucky catch that set a smooth start to our weekend. (More details on how to get on the right train.)
Alternatively, you can take the Chuo Line (which offers Green Car service) and transfer at Takao Station to the Keio Line, getting off at Takaosanguchi Station—the gateway to Mt. Takao.
For the return trip, we opted for the regular Keio train, which takes about an hour and makes several stops—great for those who aren’t in a rush.
Exploring the Mountain
Upon arriving at Mt. Takao, we started our adventure by taking the chair lift up the mountain (there’s also a cable car available). It’s best to stop by the visitor center at Takaosanguchi Station first to get a lay of the land. We chose to ascend via the chair lift and follow Trail 1, the Omotesando Trail, which is mostly paved and conveniently passes by the Monkey Park and through the Yakuo-in temple.
Monkey Park
The Monkey Park is an interesting spot with about 60 monkeys that are part of presentations and feedings throughout the day. Some of these monkeys respond to their names and demonstrate tricks like showing how far they can jump. It’s an intriguing place for both adults and kids alike, though if your not a fan of the zoo, skip this stop.
Yakuo-in Temple
This temple is a must-visit with its bright, colorful decorative carvings and numerous tengu statues. The pathway leading up to the temple is lined with rows of lanterns, and special trees, creating a mystical atmosphere. Trail 1 takes you straight through the temple, breaking up the ascent to the top of the mountain.
Lunch on the Mountain
We stopped for Soba at one of the many restaurants that line Trail 1. There is no shortage of food if you stick to the paved trail. We found a restaurant just before the monkey park that had stunning views and also great soba. Everyone in our party found something they could enjoy. I was glad to not have hungry kiddos on the way up the mountain. There is also no shortage of food options around the mountain. We made quite a few snack stops over the day. Our favorite though were the Sankakudo Doughnuts.
Trail Options
Mt. Takao has quite a few trail options. While we came up the paved and popular Trail 1. For our descent, we took Trail 4, the Suspension Bridge Trail, which was quite muddy and involved a lot of stairs, but eventually met back up with Trail 1. Trail 4 runs through the forest and is far less crowded.
Dissent
The group was split between taking the incline railway and the chair lift back down. It’s worth noting that the chair lifts have no guard rails, adding a bit of thrill to the ride down. The incline railway is the steepest in all of Japan. Tickets are purchased at a vending machine. You can use your Pasmo/Suica card for convenience.
River Play
After coming off the mountain, just before you reach the station there is a wonderful little area where you can dip your feet into the cold river. The kids really enjoyed playing here. There were plenty of other kids and rocks you could move to create dams. The slab is quite slippery and nearly every child (ours and others) ended up in the water. We spent nearly an hour watching the kids play here and enjoying sitting in the sunshine with our feet in the river. After so much city time this felt like a real nature luxury.
Onsen Experience
The Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, located right at the train station, was our choice for dinner and a relaxing soak in its exquisite outdoor baths. This was the perfect way to end our day. The onsen has a large selection of baths and
Transport and Ticket Tips
If you’re planning to use the cable car or chair lift and will be traveling on the Keio line, the 1-Day Takao ticket is a great value at ¥1,690. This was more of a spontaneous trip for us, so we didn’t take advantage of this deal.
Takao 599 Museum: Visiting the Takao 599 Museum at the base provided us with a wealth of information about the mountain and its natural surroundings. It’s an excellent spot for children with interactive displays and a short musical projection mapping show. Adjacent is a wood carving center that offers crafts for children, where we enjoyed making wooden keychains for free.
Accommodation: Our stay at the Mt. Takao Base Camp Hostel was exactly what we needed. With clean, efficient 4-person rooms and an on-site restaurant, it provided a comfortable base for our group. Its proximity to local convenience stores like Family Mart and 7-11 was an added bonus.
A Serene Conclusion: Before departing, we stopped by the Mt. Takao Coffee Roastery & Ceram for some final relaxation. The cafe offered a cozy escape from the rain, allowing us to enjoy delicious cake and coffee as we reflected on our memorable weekend.
Final Thoughts: Our weekend trip to Mt. Takao was not just a getaway; it was a rejuvenating retreat into nature, culture, and tranquility. Whether you are looking for a quick day trip or a leisurely weekend escape from Tokyo, Mt. Takao offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights. It’s a destination that promises to enrich your spirit and provide a fresh perspective on the beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes.
