Perfect easy day hike with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Exploring Mt.Takao
Leaving Hakone, we returned to Tokyo for a few days in preparation for our flight to Hawaii. My friend had to return to Singapore urgently for work and will rejoin a day later. I had a spare full day in Tokyo so i looked up day trips from Tokyo that i could visit.
Mt. Takao stood out during my research as an ideal place for forest bathing. In additional, i was training my stamina up for the upcoming USA hikes in the next few weeks. The peak of Mt.Takao is at 599 meters and on clear days, you get to see Mt.Fuji in the distance at the peak viewpoint.
Getting to Mt.Takao
From Tokyo, rise early and head over to Shinjuku station and board the limited express train from Keio Shinjuku station departing every 20 minutes. The journey there takes about around 50 minutes and cost 430 yen one way to Takaosanguchi station.
There’s also an option to purchase Mt.Takao+keio 1 day ticket for 1910 yen with a few perks included like free entry to Monkey park.
I opted out of the one day ticket as i planned to hike up to the summit and if time permits, to hike down. In the end i walked halfway down and took the chair lift at the halfway mark to descend the remaining part of the mountain.
Upon reaching Takaosanguchi station, you will be welcome by the tourist information centre and the many shops that lined the charming streets of Takaosanguchi. If you are unclear about the trails to attempt, head to the tourist centre to seek some advice and take a map. There are about 8 different trails for different fitness levels.
Here’s a reference to the map: Mt.Takao map_english
Biwa Waterfall trail no. 6
This trail features both forest and water streams, it’s about 3.3km long. I wouldn’t stay it was too strenuous, only at some parts towards the peak. During the hike, you can enjoy the sounds of the water stream that’s flowing beside, and the forest is dense enough to get you away from the crowds that’s on other easier trails. I did get to do some forest bathing, it was beautiful and healing, would highly recommend to start early as there are many local hikers!
The start signages are not hard to miss, and the trail is very well marked with numbers posted at various points to let you see your progress. Hikers on this trail varies, most are really friendly and happy to send you happy vibes along the way. I went on a pretty dry season or day, so the water flow at some part didn’t bother me, i had a pair of waterproof Salomon hiking boots and my feet stayed dry throughout.
Upon reaching the peak, i was joined by hikers from the other trails and even student groups. The peak viewpoint were crowded despite me thinking i started early. There’s a nice water fountain at the top with fresh spring water for you to refill your bottles and some restaurants that sell you food should you be really hungry. As it was too crowded, i basically rested a little, went to see the beautiful viewpoint and was lucky enough to see Mt.Fuji on that day, and head back down.
Chair lift
On the way back down, i visited the Yakuo-in temple, tried some local dango and enjoyed the beautiful walk down on another trail, followed by a chair lift back down to main town. The chair lift cost about 480 yen one way and takes about a peaceful 15 minute to descend. Dangling my legs and enjoying the surrounding was my favourite part. Do plan your time properly as the chairlift only operates till 4pm or 4.30pm depending on the season.
The whole journey took me almost half a day to explore, and this excludes exploring the shops lining the streets in Takaosanguchi. During the cherry blossom season and autumn it may be very crowded as i can imagine everyone heading over there from Tokyo to enjoy the pretty flowers and leaves.
There’s also a monkey forest near the chair lift which was included in the 1 day Mt.Takao ticket if you purchase that option, but due to time limitation, this attraction was skipped for future revisit. There’s 40 over species of Japanese macaques for you to check them out. Single entry cost around 400 yen.
Short video of a day at Mt.Takao
Here’s me enjoying a day trip at Mt.Takao. Oh there’s a taiyaki store at the midway point of Mt. Takao selling Tenguyaki. It is a nice crispy warm snack for your hike up or hike down Mt Takao. If you are keen to learn more about the history of Tengu and Mt.Takao, you can refer to this page.
So are you now inspired by how accessible and beautiful Mt.Takao area is? Why not plan a day trip here the next time you find yourself with extra days in Tokyo?
More pictures here ;D Wished my friend was here with me, promised her that we will attempt this trail again together next time.
Till the next post!