Beginner's guide to Mt. Takao! Thorough investigation of climbing routes, recommended courses, times, clothing, etc.!
On this page, Kanto region It is one of the most popular mountain climbing and trekking spots not only in Japan but also in Japan. Takao ” is a special feature!
In addition to all the climbing routes on Mount Takao, the site also introduces each course and suggests the time required, time of year, and appropriate clothing for each season. A comprehensive introduction to useful information for climbing Mount Takao To do.
Tokyo Mount Takao is close to the city center of Tokyo. It is recommended for beginners, children, and solo hikers. It has also attracted attention from overseas. The Nature of Mount Takao Please feel free to enjoy!
table of contents
- 1 What is Mount Takao?
- 2 Access to Mt. Takao
- 3 Mount Takao's climbing route and recommended course for beginners
- 4 Temperature of Mt. Takao
- 5 Recommended time to visit Mt. Takao
- 6 Appropriate clothing and items to bring to Mt. Takao
- 7 Recommended tours and activities at Mount Takao
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Takao
- 9 Editorial department recommended feature articles
What is Mount Takao?
Tokyo
Hachioji City
It is a 599.3m high mountain located to the east of the Kanto Mountains (Chichibu Mountains).
Takao
”.
Being a natural setting close to the center of Tokyo, it is visited by many tourists and climbers regardless of the season.
"The most visited mountaineer in the world"
It is also said that...
The playfield is the beautiful nature that changes with each season, spring, summer, autumn and winter.
You can see Mt. Fuji from the summit.
Mountain climbing/trekking
" is synonymous with tourism at Mount Takao.
!
On the mountain trail "
Monkey Garden/Wild Grass Garden
" and the head temple of the Shingon sect Chizan school "
Takaosan Yakuo-in Temple
" In addition to mountain climbing, Mount Takao is also a great place to visit.
Takaosan Sumika
" and " where you can dine while looking at the night view of the city center.
Mount Takao Beer Mount
It is also a fun tourist spot with attractions such as "
Cable cars and lifts run up to the middle of the mountain So even people who aren't good at mountain climbing can enjoy themselves by going hiking or visiting temples and gourmet spots!
The first Japanese heritage site in Tokyo
In 2020, " Reiki Manzan, Mt. Takao ~The Story of Mulberry City Spinned by People's Prayers~ " has been recognized as a "Japan Heritage" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as a cultural asset with a story structure.
Michelin Green Guide Japan
In the Michelin tourist guide "Michelin Green Guide Japan", in Japan A "three-star rating" on par with Mount Fuji is getting
Access to Mt. Takao
Starting point of Mt. Takao trail
These are Kiyotaki Station, the cable car station, and Sanroku Station, the lift station.
Keio Line "Takaosanguchi Station"
It is about a 5-minute walk from here to Kiyotaki Station and Sanroku Station.
Convenience of walking from the nearest station
This is one of the reasons why Mount Takao is popular among beginner hikers.
Below, Main access methods from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station are grouped into trains and cars.
By train
Shinjuku Station (Keio Line) → Takaosanguchi Station [Required time: about 55 minutes]
Shinjuku Station (JR Chuo Line) → Takao Station → Takaosanguchi Station [Time required: about 1 hour]
by car
Metropolitan Expressway Shinjuku Line→Chuo Expressway→via Hachioji JCT→Ken-O Expressway→Mt. Takaosan IC→Route 20 [Time required: about 1 hour]
Parking lots around Takaosanguchi Station
If you are traveling by car, please refer to the following Parking lots around Route 20 is available.
- Takaosan Yakuo-in Prayer Hall Parking Lot
- Keio Takaosan Parking Lot (for normal passenger cars only)
- Large car parking lot (all buses: large, medium, small, micro)
Mount Takao's climbing route and recommended course for beginners
Next, " What is the recommended climbing route for Mt. Takao? "or" How long does it take to climb Mount Takao? We will provide you with information about climbing Mount Takao, such as:
Mountain climbing/trekking
Mt. Takao is famous as an introductory guide to
A total of 8 courses from beginner to advanced
There are climbing routes of
Below are the eight courses: Name and total length of distance, degree of difficulty and required time from climbing to descent Let's check the target.
List of climbing routes on Mt. Takao
| Course Name | Course length | required time | difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Route 1 (Omotesando Course) |
3.8Km |
Climbing: about 100 minutes Downhill: about 80 minutes |
★★ |
|
Route 2 (Kasumidai Loop Course) |
900m | Around 40 minutes | ★ |
|
Route 3 (Katsura Forest Course) |
2.4km |
Climbing: about 60 minutes Downhill: about 50 minutes |
★★ |
|
Route 4 (Suspension Bridge Course) |
1.5km |
Climbing takes about 50 minutes Downhill: about 40 minutes |
★★ |
|
Route 5 (Summit loop course) |
900m | Around 30 minutes | ★ |
|
Route 6 (Biwataki Course) |
3.3km |
Climbing: about 100 minutes Downhill: about 80 minutes |
★★★ |
|
Inariyama Course (Overlook Ridge Course) |
3.1km |
Climbing: about 100 minutes Downhill: about 80 minutes |
★★★★ |
| Mt. Takao/Mt. Jinba Course | 15.3km | About 5 hours 20 minutes | ★★★★★ |
Route 1 (Omotesando Course)
The main approach to Yakuo-in Temple is lightly paved and easy to walk on. You can take a shortcut by using the cable car or chairlift.
Route 2 (Kasumidai Loop Course)
This is a circular course of about 1 km that does not lead to the summit. Although there are ups and downs, you can observe the different plant life on the north and south sides of Mt. Takao.
Route 3 (Katsurabayashi Course)
This trail branches off from Trail 1 and continues to the summit. It is gentle and has few ups and downs. It is a relatively empty trail, so it is recommended for those who want to go to the summit quietly and slowly.
Route 4 (suspension bridge course)
This popular route is conveniently located and allows you to cross Miyama Bridge, the only suspension bridge on Mount Takao. It joins up with Route 1 near the summit.
Route 5 (Summit Loop Course)
This course takes you around the summit in about 30 minutes. The path is wide, level and easy to walk on. Although it is short, you can experience the seasonal nature of Mount Takao.
Trail 6 (Biwataki Course)
This is a slightly rugged course for advanced hikers that runs from the foot of the mountain along "Maenosawa," one of the headwaters of the Tama River. Along the way, you will come across "Biwa Falls" and a small shrine, giving it a solemn atmosphere.
Inariyama Course (Miharashi Ridge Course)
This is the hardest route along the mountain trail that connects the base to the summit. You can also see views of central Tokyo, but it is slippery so you need to be careful when descending.
Mt. Takao/Mt. Jinba Course
From the summit of Mount Takao
*
This is a 15km long course that traverses the mountain and heads towards Mount Jinba, which is on the border between Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures.
*Traverse: Walking along ridges and ridgelines from the summit to another mountain without descending.
People who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll
"
Route 2 (Kasumidai Loop Course)
"or"
Route 5 (Summit Loop Course)
” is recommended.
one round
The journey takes 30 to 40 minutes.
You can enjoy nature, including plants unique to Mount Takao, while taking a stroll.
For mountaineering and trekking beginners
"
Route 1 (Omotesando Course)
", "
Route 3 (Katsurabayashi Course)
", "
Route 4 (suspension bridge course)
" How about this?
About 100 minutes one way
You can aim for the summit of Mount Takao. The difficulty level is low.
There are many things to see and it is a fascinating course.
For intermediate climbers and trekkers
"
Trail 6 (Biwataki Course)
"or"
Inariyama Course (Miharashi Ridge Course)
" Why not give it a try?
The one-way trip takes about 100 minutes to reach the summit of Mount Takao. The course has a theme of "forest and water."
"Biwa Falls" is also the water practice hall of Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple
You might even be able to see people doing water walking during your hike.
Mt.Takao and Mt.Jinba course for advanced users
The course is 15.3km long and takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Mt. Takao/Mt. Jinba Course
" is popular among serious hikers and mountaineers!
From the summit of Mt. Takao, via Icchodaira, Mt. Shiroyama, Mt. Kagenobu, and Myoo Pass
The most difficult trekking route on Mount Takao, aiming to reach the summit of Mount Jimba
is.
Take a cable car or lift and hike on foot. Experience yoga and qigong. Why not try the course that includes a bowl of the famous nameko soup at the teahouse on the observation deck?
Temperature of Mt. Takao
Next, Mt. Takao belongs to Annual average temperature around Hachioji City and near the summit Let's check it out.
"
Mountain temperatures vary by about 0.6°C per 100m of elevation
It is also said that...
Near Hachioji City
The altitude of the mountain is about 110m, so the altitude of the mountain is 599.3m.
In the case of Mt. Takao, the temperature difference between the city area and the summit is approximately -3°C.
The calculation is that there is.
| Around Hachioji City | Near the summit of Mt. Takao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moon | Highest temperature | Lowest Temperature | Highest temperature | Lowest Temperature |
| January | about 9°C | About -2℃ | about 6°C | About -5℃ |
| February | about 10℃ | about 0°C | about 7°C | About -3℃ |
| March | about 13°C | about 4°C | about 10℃ | about 1°C |
| April | about 19°C | about 10℃ | about 16°C | about 7°C |
| May | about 23°C | about 15°C | about 20℃ | about 12°C |
| June | about 25°C | about 19°C | about 22°C | about 16°C |
| July | about 29°C | about 23°C | about 26°C | about 20℃ |
| August | about 31°C | about 24°C | about 28°C | about 21°C |
| September | about 26°C | about 20℃ | about 23°C | about 17°C |
| October | about 21°C | about 13°C | about 18°C | about 10℃ |
| November | about 16°C | about 6°C | about 13°C | about 3°C |
| December | about 12°C | about 1°C | about 9°C | About -2℃ |
From the data above, The area around the summit is cool even in the summer, and even colder than the city in the winter. Please refer to this when choosing what to wear.
Recommended time to visit Mt. Takao
Takao can be enjoyed regardless of the season, spring, summer, autumn, or winter.
You can enjoy mountain climbing, trekking, sightseeing and walking in all seasons.
.
In spring, there are cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, in summer there are lush vegetation, in autumn there are autumn leaves, in winter there are clear air and snowy scenery, etc.
All seasons are recommended and are the "best seasons"
But,
Mountain climbing/trekking
of
For beginners, "Spring" and "Autumn" are the best.
We recommend.
If the temperature is comfortable, not too hot or too cold, Less energy loss than in "summer" or "winter" So you can enjoy mountain climbing at your leisure.
![[2025] When will the autumn leaves bloom at Mount Takao? Images of the best time to see them and 5 great spots](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/takaosan-autumn-leaves_thumb.jpg)
Appropriate clothing and items to bring to Mt. Takao
At Mt.Takao Mountain climbing/trekking " What kind of clothes should I wear to Mount Takao? I'm sure many people have this question.
As for "mountain climbing," Mount Takao is relatively easy and recommended for beginners, but
Minimum preparation required
is.
Refer to the list below,
Choose what to wear when visiting Mt. Takao
let's
Appropriate clothing for Mt. Takao
- hat
- long sleeves and long pants
- mountain jacket
- trekking shoes
- backpack rucksack Such
Climbing and trekking clothes are also to prevent injuries Basic wearing of long sleeves and long pants Let's layer (layering) according to the temperature and weather of the day.
Avoid wearing sandals or heels on your feet, Trekking shoes for mountain climbing or comfortable sneakers etc. is recommended.
In addition, in preparation for cold weather and sudden rain Mountain jacket made of materials such as nylon that is both waterproof and windproof It is convenient to have
What to bring for Mt. Takao
- Bento (lunch)
- Water bottle (plastic bottle drink)
- towel
- change clothes
- snack
- Trash bags Such
To enjoy climbing and trekking, Drinks and towels are essential items In addition, depending on the starting time and time required for the climbing route, Lunch box and light meals Also prepare the following.
again, The rules and manners are to bring back the trash you found in the mountains. Yes! Be sure to bring plastic bags to put your trash in.
Recommended tours and activities at Mount Takao
Finally, the "Activity Japan" which is currently accepting reservations Recommended tours and activities to enjoy around Mount Takao " will be introduced in the form of a popularity ranking.
Besides mountain climbing and trekking, there are many other ways to enjoy Mount Takao! Participate in activities other than mountain climbing This is also recommended for those new to Mount Takao. Please choose a plan while checking the tour contents, price, reviews, and word-of-mouth reviews.
[Tokyo/Machida] Kimono rental plan with location photo shoot! 50 shots delivered in 1 hour!
This plan includes kimono rental and a professional photographer accompanying you on a stroll around the city. It would be a shame to just take a selfie to capture the gorgeous kimono look in the best possible photo! With this plan, a photographer will accompany you and take plenty of photos of you in the kimono, so you can take lots of memorable photos, including photos with compositions that you can't take with a selfie!
*:.｡..｡.:*★(Women only) A great deal for students!! Student discount plan★*:.｡..｡.:*Up to 46% OFF (Retro Modern Hair Set Plan 8,300 yen excluding tax → 4,500 yen excluding tax) This is a great deal for students, as you can choose your preferred grade from standard kimono to retro modern!! Hair set is usually priced at 2,200 yen
[Tokyo/Machida] Kimono set, hair styling, and dressing included! Free umbrella rental on rainy days!
Standard kimonos are recommended for customers who want to experience wearing a kimono cheaply and easily. They are also ideal for those who prefer a more subdued color scheme.
We will be holding an experience of searching for stag beetle and rhinoceros beetle larvae in Hachioji City, Machida City, Fuchu City, private land, and rotten wood from shiitake mushroom logs. We will also be searching for adult stag beetles from June to mid-September. From mid-September to the end of May, you will only be able to search for larvae. Meeting points will be Minami-Osawa Station, Satoyama in Fuchu, and Satoyama in Machida. What to bring: Plastic case, gloves
●Enjoy a stroll through the National Showa Memorial Park, where cosmos flowers bloom. One of Tokyo's leading parks, it boasts a vast area of 165.3 hectares, spanning the cities of Tachikawa and Akishima. It was opened as the National Showa Memorial Park to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa's reign. ●For meals, enjoy the hotel lunch buffet and a lunch sky view with a refreshing view of the sky. Hotel Emisia Higashi
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Takao
Q. What are the beginner courses at Mount Takao?
A.
For those climbing Mount Takao for the first time or those new to mountain climbing, we recommend using the cable car or lift and taking Trail 1 (Omotesando Course). Trail 1 is the main course, which also serves as the main approach to Yakuo-in Temple, and is easy to walk on as it is paved all the way from the base to the summit. Beginners are recommended to take a shortcut to the middle of Trail 1 (Omotesando Course) by using the cable car or lift.
For each course
Here
Please also refer to the following.
Q. When is the best time to see the autumn leaves at Mount Takao?
A.
The best time to see the autumn leaves at Mount Takao is usually from mid-November to early December. The area is particularly crowded during the autumn foliage season. To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning or on a weekday, and using public transportation.
About the autumn leaves of Mount Takao
Here
Please also refer to the following.
Q. Are there bears on Mount Takao?
A.
In recent years, there has been an increase in sightings of bears (Asiatic black bears) in Tokyo. For information on sightings, please refer to the "
TOKYO Map
", so be sure to check before you go out.
Please also refer to the safety measures here.
"
What not to do if you encounter a bear? Things to keep in mind when hiking, trekking, or camping
"
*The content of this article is current as of October 2025.
