Reaching Mount Takao from Tokyo is an extremely easy and rewarding task. Located just an hour from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station via the Keio Electric Railway, Mount Takao offers breathtaking views and exquisite cuisine at Takao Yakuoin Temple and Ukai Toriyama and let you immerse in a day filled with adventure and culinary experiences.
In this article, I share my one-day adventure at Mount Takao from Tokyo, highlighting visits to the tranquil Takao Yakuoin Temple near the summit and delightful dining spots on the return to the city.
9:00 AM: Depart from Keio Shinjuku Station to Mount Takao
A short five-minute walk from the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo leads you to the West Exit of Keio Line Shinjuku Station. The one-way fare to Mount Takao Station is an affordable 390 yen.
Takaosanguchi Station: A Masterpiece by a World-Class Architect!
Catch the direct express train from Shinjuku Station, which takes approximately 48 minutes to reach Mount Takao Station. Upon arrival at Takaosanguchi Station, the terminal for the Keio Electric Railway Takao Line, you’ll find yourself at a beautifully renovated station completed in 2015, designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma.
The station’s exterior, inspired by the Takao mountain cedar—a natural monument of Tokyo—features a stunning cedar construction. Visitors often snap photos as they arrive, eager to capture the essence of Mount Takao.
As you exit the ticket gate, you’ll spot a tourist information center on your left, where you can gather details about exploring Mount Takao. On the right, there’s a souvenir shop offering mountaineering gear, making this small yet exquisite station an inviting start to your adventure.
Ride Japan’s Steepest Cable Car to the Summit of Mount Takao!
From Takaosanguchi Station, it’s just a short 5-minute walk to Kiyotaki Station.
The Mount Takao Cable Car, operated by the Takao Tozan Railway, offers a scenic route from the base of the mountain to its peak. Though it spans just 1.02 kilometers, the ride takes about 6 minutes, featuring a vertical drop of 271 meters and a steep incline of nearly 30 degrees—making it Japan’s steepest cable car for mountain ascents. You’ll want to hold on tight to maintain your balance!
During my visit, I was fortunate to catch the peak of the autumn foliage season. The cable car ride was a visual delight, with brilliant red maple leaves and fallen foliage painting a stunning autumn landscape. Just as I was soaking in the views, I arrived at Mount Takao Station.
11:00 Visit the Historic Takao Yakuoin Temple
Since the Edo Period, Mount Takao has been revered as a sacred site, attracting many visitors seeking spiritual solace.
Takao Yakuoin Temple, probably founded over 1,260 years ago by the monk Gyoki, serves as a center for spiritual practices. The main hall houses Bhaisajyaguru, known as the “Medicine Buddha,” and Hiyoshi Daigongen.
As you stroll through the temple grounds, you’ll find many visitors paying their respects, alongside international tourists enjoying the sights, creating a lively atmosphere.
Explore the Temple Grounds:
Within the precincts of Yakuoin Temple, you’ll notice numerous Tengu statues. Unlike traditional Tengu, these figures are seen as messengers of the main deity, Hiyoshi Daigongen, believed to carry divine messages.
Enjoy Vegan Cuisine at Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao
In the afternoon, I relished a vegan meal at Yakuoin Temple, which requires a reservation for this unique dining experience. The restaurant is located along the temple’s historic main street. Guests dining in pairs or larger groups are provided with private rooms, ensuring a serene atmosphere for the exquisite meal.
This time, I opted for the Tengu Meal, a delightful showcase of vegan dishes. The chef’s passion for plant-based cooking is evident in the thoughtful presentation and generous portion sizes, featuring rice, pickles, tofu, vegetarian meat, soup, and more.
Don’t Miss the Goshuin Stamp! If you collect Goshuin stamps, be sure to stop by the temple to obtain one. The limited edition Tengu Goshuin Stamp Book and accompanying stamp bag make excellent souvenirs.
13:20 Ascend to the Summit of Mount Takao
After enjoying my delicious vegan meal, I began one of the highlights of my visit: the hike to the summit.
The trails from Yakuoin Temple to the top are well-maintained, allowing for an easy walk even in regular shoes. As you hike, you can take in the beautiful natural scenery. It takes roughly 20 minutes to reach the summit, which stands at an altitude of 599.15 meters.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. On clear days, you can see the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, Tokyo Skytree, and even Enoshima. Turn your gaze in another direction, and you might catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji.
For the Descent, Consider the Chair Lift
While you can take the cable car back down, I recommend opting for the chair lift. This choice not only reduces wait times but also offers stunning views and a sense of openness as you descend.
15:00 Unwind at Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu
Located about a 5-minute walk from Kiyotaki Station, Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu is the perfect place to relax after a vigorous hike.
As you walk back from Kiyotaki to Takaosanguchi Station, the hot spring is conveniently situated along the way. In addition to a classic open-air bath, there’s a special indoor hinoki (Japanese cypress) bubbling bath, known for its skin-purifying properties. The outdoor carbonated bath is reputed to enhance blood circulation, metabolism, and overall beauty.
Read Also: How to “onsen” in Japan? A guide to soaking in serenity
17:00 Delight in Exquisite Chicken Cuisine at Ukai Toriyama, Mount Takao
Catch the shuttle bus from Takaosanguchi Station, which departs every 20 minutes.
After relaxing in the hot spring and rejuvenating from the day’s adventures, it’s time to enjoy dinner at the renowned Ukai Toriyama on Mount Takao. The convenient shuttle bus picks you up right next to Takaosanguchi Station.
Following a brief 10-minute ride, you’ll arrive in a paradise that captures the essence of traditional Japanese scenery.
The expansive grounds feature a stunning Japanese-style garden, complete with gassho-zukuri buildings—designed to resemble hands in prayer—imported from the Gokayama region in Toyama Prefecture. This picturesque setting leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Savor Delicious Charcoal-Grilled Chicken
The chicken is expertly grilled over charcoal, using premium birds raised on a contract farm in Gotemba, Shizuoka, at the base of Mount Fuji. Experience the rich flavors of the chicken while dipping it in miso or yuzu pepper.
At Jyubako, the yakitori restaurant, the focus is on delicious, nutritionally balanced dishes. Enjoy this luxurious chicken cuisine in a tranquil environment, rewarding yourself for a day well spent
19:30 Enjoy Tokyo’s Night View at Sky Lounge Aurora
The Keio Plaza Hotel (book on Agoda) is just a 10-minute walk from Keio Shinjuku Station.
Visit the Sky Lounge Aurora on the 45th floor and take in the stunning night views of Tokyo from 160 meters up. On clear nights, you can spot Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower amidst the sparkling cityscape.
The name “Aurora” reflects the breathtaking scenery that can be appreciated both day and night. The twilight views evoke the beauty of an aurora, giving the lounge its enchanting name.
Enjoy a Day Trip at Mount Takao from Tokyo Summary
In less than an hour from Shinjuku, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mount Takao. Experience hiking, stunning views, and delectable cuisine. A day trip is a perfect escape from Tokyo’s bustling city center to embrace its natural splendor!
Transportation Cost: Approximately 1,730 yen (round-trip from Shinjuku to Mount Takao, plus round-trip Mount Takao Cable Car)
Other Expenses: Around 20,000 yen (for vegan cuisine, Ukai Toriyama, and Sky Lounge Aurora)
Souvenirs: Based on personal preferences.
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