Attractions > Tokyo > Area > Shinjuku

About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees

Top of Mt. Takao looking West by Hajime NAKANO (CC BY 2.0)

 

About

Takaosan or Mt. Takao or Mount Takao is the close "Quick Nature Get-a-Way" for Tokyo'ites. This mountain (and nature) is less than an hour from the busiest train station in the world, Shinjuku. "San" means "Mountain" in Japanese so that is why it is named "Takao San" (Takao Mountain). Mt. Takao is in Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park and is 599 meters (1,965 ft.) high. The mountain and its surrounding attractions are so close to Tokyo that the area gets around 2.5 million visitors a year, especially during "Hanami" (Cherry Blossom Season) and "Kouyou" (Autumn Leaves turning season). Although both Hanami and Kouyou is a beautiful time to visit the Mt. Takao area, be warned that there are hordes of people and you will be waiting in long lines (for the cable car and chair lift) if you visit during those times.

The Takao area not only has Mt. Takao but also a few other attractions that make it a fun place to visit. The 599 Museum, cable car and chair lift, a Monkey Park, Yakuo-In Temple and a multitude of walking trails (see details of each below the map) make the area a fun day out for dating couples and families. Trail #1 is the most popular trail as most of it is paved and very wide. The hike on Trail #1 from the base of the mountain to the Mt. Takao observation deck takes around 2 hours at a decent pace but for a nice, slow hike... figure on 3 hours. If you ride the cable car or chair lift, this will cut the distance and time in half. An optional plan would be to ride the cable car or chair lift up and walk all the way down. During the summer months it can get quite hot and sticky, don't forget a water bottle and sweat towel!

From the various observation decks you will be able to see sprawling Tokyo to the East and once you get to the main observation deck at Mt. Takao you will be able to see rolling mountains to the West. If your really lucky and the air is clear you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. After the main observation deck at Mt. Takao you can continue West down various trails if your up to the challenge (and you have time to make it back). The area is well documented with maps and trail paths on various signage throughout the park.

• Cablecar - the cable car leaves from near Keio Takaosanguchi station.
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to around 5:45 p.m. and leaves every 15 min. (no closing days)
  • Cost: One Way 480 yen, Round Trip 930 yen
• Chairlift - the chair lift leaves from near Keio Takaosanguchi station.
  • Hours: 9:00 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. and leaves every 15 min. (no closing days)
  • Cost: One Way 480 yen, Round Trip 930 yen
• Monkey Park - the Monkey Park is near the exit of the cable car (at the top). There are around 30 to 40 Japanese macaques in the park that put on shows at various times throughout the day. There is also a wild flower garden within the park.
  • Hours: 9:30 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. during summer months and slightly later/earlier during winter months (no closing days)
  • Cost: 420 yen. Check the Monkey Park Official Website for exact opening and closing hours.
• Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu (The Hot Springs near Takaosanguchi Station) - is a great place to stop in and relax on your way home!
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Cost: 1000 yen. Slightly higher on Holidays. Check the Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu Website for exact opening and closing hours and prices (English Website).

 

Access

Closest Train Station: Takaosanguchi

Keio Railways - The Keio line train from Shinjuku is the cheapest and will get you the closest to the mountain. You will need to find the Keoi underground station in Shinjuku (its right next the the JR Station, plenty of signage). The cost is 390 yen and takes 50 min.
JR Line - You can also take the JR line to Takao Station but will either have to walk a ways, take a taxi or transfer to the Keio Line and ride one stop. Cost is 550 yen and takes approximately 40 min.

Google Map

 

Hotels & Lodging

Recommended

View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Takaosan or Mount Takao.

 

Hours & Fees

Hours: This is a Area, therefore each establishment has it's own hours but generally shops in Japan generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while restaurants are generally open until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.

Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.

Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by contacting the attraction before visiting.