Last updated：
About an hour by train from central Tokyo. With around 2.5 million annual visitors, Mt. Takao is Japan’s most popular mountain.
At 599 meters high, Mt. Takao is an easy hike, perfect for beginners, boasting rich nature and stunning views from the summit.
While it’s known as a safe and easy hike for first-timers, it can still be a bit overwhelming for some.
“Which route should I choose?”
“What should I wear?”
“Are there any shops? Can I find good food?”
We’ve prepared this guide to clear up all your concerns and help you enjoy Mt. Takao to the fullest!
From how to ride the cable car to recommended eateries, I, who love Mt. Takao so much that I moved nearby, will fully support your Takao debut!
Take a deep breath, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and start your adventure with nature here!
There are 8 routes in total at Mt. Takao. Of those, 3 routes lead from the base of the mountain (where the cable car station is) to the summit. There are also 4 other routes that allow you to take a detour for exploration or connect to other paths mid-route.
You can mix and match these based on your level and purpose to decide the best route for your hike.
| Route Name | Course Name | Distance | Duration | Course Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent | Descent | Roundtrip | ||||
| Route 1 | Omotesando Course | 3.8km | 100 min | 80 min | - | The main route with highlights like the famous "Takosugi" (octopus cedar) and cedar - lined paths |
| Route 2 | Kasumidai Loop Course | 0.9km | - | - | 40 min | Centered around the Monkey Park and Wild Plant Garden, focusing on Takao’s plant life. |
| Route 3 | Katsura Forest Course | 2.4km | 60 min | 50 min | - | A quiet trail through a beautiful katsura forest, themed around "Takao’s forest." |
| Route 4 | Suspension Bridge Course | 1.5km | 50 min | 40 min | - | Birdsong can be heard throughout the seasons, and it’s themed around "forest and animals." |
| Route 5 | Summit Loop Course | 0.9km | - | - | 30 min | A leisurely course themed around "People and Nature." Take your time and reflect on the relationship between them. |
| Route 6 | Biwa Waterfall Course | 3.3km | 100 min | 80 min | - | Themed around "forest and water." You might catch a glimpse of monks training under the Biwa Waterfall, even in winter. |
| Inariyama Course | Ridge Course | 3.1km | 100 min | 80 min | - | The theme is "the four seasons." In autumn, the whole mountain turns red with beautiful maple leaves. |
| Mt. Takao to Mt. Jinba Course | Takao to Jinba Course | 15.3km | Approx. 5 hours 20 min | A long course that passes through Ichodaira, Shiroyama, and Kagenobuyama before reaching Jinba Kogen - shita. | ||
For beginners hiking Mt. Takao for the first time, take the cable car and Route 1. This is the easiest and most popular route. Most visitors head to the summit using this course, which is also paved.
Route 1 leads from the base of Mt. Takao to the summit. However, you can take a cable car or lift from the base to halfway up Route 1, after which you’ll walk the rest of the way to the top.
The other routes are more challenging hiking trails, without paved paths. If you’re planning to use any route other than Route 1, proper gear and experience are necessary, so please don’t go unprepared.
At the base of Mt. Takao, you’ll find the Kiyotaki Cable Car Station and the Sanroku Lift Station. This is where your Mt. Takao adventure begins.
Though the cable car and lift have different station names, they are part of the same complex, so you won’t get lost. Whether you choose the cable car or the lift is up to you, as they both lead to the same point. The fares are the same as well.
| Transport | Ride Duration | Best Features | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Car | 6 min | Experience Japan’s steepest incline | Trains depart every 15 minutes, so you might have to wait |
| Lift | 12 min | No waiting time and a direct connection with nature | Takes twice as long as the cable car |
| Adult | Child | |
|---|---|---|
| One Way | 490 yen | 250 yen |
| Round Trip | 950 yen | 470 yen |
Buy your ticket from the vending machines.
Once you have your ticket, head to the boarding platform. The cable car and lift platforms are separate, so be sure to go to the right one.
Cable Car Platform
Lift Platform
If you can’t decide which one to take, try the cable car! The natural scenery is beautiful, and it may leave you feeling nostalgic.
Here’s a video of the view from the cable car:
Mt. Takao Cable Car – Ascent
Mt. Takao Cable Car – Descent
If you’re coming to Mt. Takao by train, get off at Keio Takao Line’s Takaosanguchi Station. It’s a 6-minute walk from there to Kiyotaki Station, where the cable car is located.
If you’re driving to Mt. Takao, park near Keio Takao Line’s Takaosanguchi Station and start your hike from there.
Of course, you cannot drive up the mountain, so be sure to leave your car at the base.
The most popular parking lots for Mt. Takao hikers are Musasabi Parking Lot (max 2,000 yen) and Takao Sanroku Municipal Parking Lot (max 1,000 yen).
However, these parking spots fill up fast due to their convenient location. If they’re full or you want a cheaper option, try the Yakuoin Parking Lot (max 500 yen). It has 250 spots and toilet facilities.
If you’re using the Cable Car & Route 1 to reach the summit, plan for at least 1 hour each way, factoring in breaks. Considering time at the summit to rest, take in the views, and eat, you should allow a total of 3 hours for the round trip.
It’s best for beginners to start hiking Mt. Takao in the morning. Depending on the season, it can get dark quickly in the afternoon.
By starting in the morning, you can hike at your own pace, with plenty of time to take breaks, visit Yakuoin Temple, have lunch, and buy souvenirs.
When hiking Mt. Takao using the Cable Car & Route 1, you won’t need professional hiking gear like enthusiasts carry. However, sneakers are an absolute must. There are sections with stone steps, slopes, unpaved paths, and wooden walkways (with gaps), so sandals or heels are a definite no. You risk slipping or getting your foot stuck, which could lead to injury, so make sure to wear proper sneakers.
If there’s snow, it can get slippery and dangerous, so consider postponing your hike or wear outdoor shoes (like hiking boots) that are water-resistant and have good grip.
Mt. Takao is an easily accessible mountain, so there’s no need to push yourself to hike in bad weather as a beginner. It’s best to hike when the weather is clear—you’ll enjoy it more! Be sure to check the conditions and reschedule your hike if needed.
In terms of clothing, aim for something comfortable and breathable that covers most of your body. Being on a mountain, you’ll encounter insects, and it’s better to keep your skin covered to avoid bites.
During summer, Mt. Takao is around 20°C, which is cooler than the city, so bringing an extra layer will give you peace of mind.
In winter, temperatures drop below 10°C. Wear warmer clothes, and it’s a good idea to have layers you can take off if it gets too hot.
No matter the season, dressing in layers is always a good idea. While Mt. Takao’s beginner-friendly course is relatively easy, you’ll still work up a sweat as you hike. Be prepared with clothing you can adjust to the weather conditions.
At the base of Mt. Takao, you’ll find the Takao Shopping Street. A main street extends from the cable car station, with many restaurants and souvenir shops.
If you’re visiting Mt. Takao, plan some time to explore the shops here! From delicious soba to sweet treats, there are plenty of temptations.
One shop I recommend is Takahashiya, located near the cable car station.
Their soba is famous, but you must try the “Mugitoro Meshi” (barley and grated yam rice).
Just one bite, and you’ll feel your body rejoice. It’s such a simple yet comforting dish. The pickles and miso soup that come with it are also superb—definitely give it a try.
Read more about Takahashiya
There are three restaurants at the summit of Mt. Takao. The best way to enjoy your visit is to start in the morning, hike from the base, and have lunch at the top!
Let’s introduce each restaurant.
Akebono-tei, located at the summit, is a popular eatery where you can enjoy delicious soba and a great view. From inside the restaurant, you can admire Mt. Fuji and the changing seasons of Mt. Takao while savoring your meal. Their soba and oden, made with specially selected ingredients, are particularly popular.
Akebono-tei’s signature dish is hand-made soba, with the most popular choice being the tororo soba. The unique texture of the thick and thin noodles mixed together, combined with the dashi broth made from katsuobushi (bonito flakes), creates the perfect match. The zarutororo soba (cold soba with grated yam) is also a recommended choice if you prefer cold soba. Adding a good amount of wasabi enhances the flavor even more.
Their miso dengaku is also a popular side dish, made with a generous amount of sesame-rich miso and served piping hot. It’s so delicious it melts in your mouth.
With 40 seats available and reservations accepted, Akebono-tei is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a slow-paced meal. If you’re in the mood for oden or miso dengaku, Akebono-tei is the place to go.
Omiharashi-tei, also located at the summit, offers fantastic views of Mt. Fuji, just like Akebono-tei. On clear days, you can see the city spread out below you while enjoying your meal. It’s a refreshing spot for both your mind and body.
The highlight of their menu is the tororo soba, made with a rich dashi broth that includes sabakan (mackerel) and kombu. Their nametake soba, made with large and small nameko mushrooms, and zarutororo soba are also popular choices. Eating while gazing at Mt. Fuji just makes the food taste even better!
They also offer take-out, so on sunny days, you can enjoy your food outdoors. Bringing soba or oden outside to enjoy under the open sky is a wonderful experience.
One of my personal favorites is to take out their amazake and enjoy it while admiring the view from the summit. After the effort of hiking, combined with the breathtaking scenery and the warm, sweet amazake, it’s truly a perfect reward.
Though named a “chaya” (tea house), Yamabiko Chaya is a full-fledged restaurant. While Akebono-tei and Omiharashi-tei are side by side at the summit, Yamabiko Chaya is located a bit lower down.
I always choose to eat at Yamabiko Chaya. Its retro mountain-hut atmosphere from the Showa era is so comforting.
Read more about Yamabiko Chaya
Mt. Takao is the perfect beginner-friendly hiking course. With its easy accessibility—just an hour from Tokyo—and its rich natural environment, Mt. Takao is an ideal place to start your adventure.
The attractions of Mt. Takao:
By following the guidelines in this article, you can safely and fully enjoy hiking Mt. Takao. Start with the Cable Car & Route 1 for beginners, and once you’re comfortable, try tackling the other routes.
Tips for enjoying your Mt. Takao hike:
If you’re curious about what it’s like to take the Cable Car & Route 1, be sure to read the following article.
Read more about Beginner’s Course at Mt. Takao
If my experience has in any way encouraged you to take on hiking or trekking at Mt. Takao, nothing would make me happier. Please come visit Mt. Takao and experience it for yourself.
