Mount Takao Travel Guide 2026: Cable Car, Chairlift and the Three Main Hiking Routes
Mount Takao stands 599 meters high in Hachioji, Tokyo, and is as little as 50 minutes by train from Shinjuku. It has a three-star rating from the Michelin Guide and is said to be the most climbed mountain in the world.
Takaosan Yakuo-in
Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, founded in 744, heads the Chizan school of Shingon Buddhism and is one of the three great head temples of the Kanto region. Tengu statues, symbols of good fortune and protection from misfortune, dot the grounds, and the temple is the spiritual center you pass on the hiking routes.
Hikers pray for luck and safety at the amulet and goshuin (temple stamp) office. Every March the temple holds the Hiwatari Festival, a barefoot fire-walking ritual. It also has a waterfall training hall for ascetic practice, an excellent place to see Japan’s mountain worship culture.
Mount Takao Summit Observation Deck
The summit observation deck stands at 599.15 meters. It has wide views, and on clear days you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance. It is the ultimate goal of the hiking routes and the best photo spot.
In autumn, from mid-November to early December, the mountain is ablaze with red leaves, making it one of the eight great foliage spots near Tokyo. Around the winter solstice, between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., you can also see the “Diamond Fuji” phenomenon, which draws many photography enthusiasts.
TAKAO 599 MUSEUM
TAKAO 599 MUSEUM is about a 4-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station. Admission is free, and it displays animal specimens, wildflowers and insect specimens from Mount Takao. It is good for families before or after a hike and teaches about the mountain’s ecology.
The museum has a modern design that combines interactive displays with specimens. It is one of the rainy-day backup options and the best introduction to the natural ecology of Mount Takao.
Keio Takaosan Onsen / Gokurakuyu
Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu is right next to Takaosanguchi Station. Admission is ¥1,100 on weekdays and ¥1,300 on weekends and holidays, and it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. It is the best place to wash away the fatigue after a hike.
The facility has a variety of baths and a rest area. Hikers can walk there directly from the train station with no extra transport, a perfect finish to a day trip to Mount Takao.
Takaosan Monkey Park
Takaosan Monkey Park and Wild Plant Garden (Takaosan Saru-en and Yaso-en) keeps about 90 Japanese macaques. Admission is ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children, and it is about a 3-minute walk from the cable car’s Takaosan Station. It is one of the most loved interactive attractions for families.
The park also has a small botanical garden with different flowers in every season. It fits well before or after a hike, so your schedule stays flexible.
Joshin-mon Gate
Joshin-mon is the first gate into the sacred grounds of Yakuo-in. It symbolizes washing away worldly worries and purifying the heart, and it is an important landmark where Trail 1 and Trail 4 meet.
Next to the gate are a simple rest area and signposts, where hikers can confirm their route. It is a popular spot for souvenir photos and a short rest.
Tako-sugi (Octopus Cedar)
Tako-sugi is a giant cedar more than 450 years old beside Trail 1. It is named for its tangled roots, which resemble octopus tentacles, and is one of Mount Takao’s most distinctive natural wonders.
Legend says that touching the lucky octopus stone beside it brings good fortune, and many visitors stop to take photos. It is a photo spot you should not miss on the climb.
Otoko-zaka and Onna-zaka
Otoko-zaka (the Men’s Slope) is a steep stone staircase of 108 steps, symbolizing the removal of 108 earthly desires. Onna-zaka (the Women’s Slope) is a winding path with a gentler gradient. Both lead to Yakuo-in, so choose according to your fitness.
Many hikers take Onna-zaka on the way up to save energy and tackle Otoko-zaka on the way down to work their legs. It is a classic stretch for experiencing Mount Takao’s faith culture.
Miyama Bridge (Miyama-bashi)
Miyama Bridge is the only suspension bridge on Mount Takao. It is on Trail 4 and spans a mountain stream, and walking across it gives a view over the dense forest. It is an excellent spot for observing nature.
Small wild animals and wild birds are often spotted around the bridge, a highlight for travelers who love exploring nature.
How to Get to Mount Takao: Transport, Cable Car and Chairlift Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
Mount Takao is in Hachioji, Tokyo, and is one of the most popular hiking destinations near the city. Access is easy and fares are reasonable. Whether you take the train, the cable car or the chairlift (a single-rail lift), you can reach the summit easily, which makes it ideal for a day trip. Mount Takao hiking is one of the most popular options near Tokyo, with easy access and reasonable fares.
How to Get to Mount Takao: Transport at a Glance
🚃 Keio Line: direct from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station in about 50 minutes, ¥430, with trains every 5 to 10 minutes. We recommend the “Takaosan Kippu” combo ticket (the price varies by departure station; see the Keio website, keio.co.jp), which includes round-trip train fare and a cable car or chairlift ticket.
🚡 Cable car: departs from Kiyotaki Station, about 6 minutes, ¥490 one way and ¥980 round trip, generally every 15 minutes. It is one of the steepest cable cars in Japan.
🚠 Chairlift: the base station is right next to the cable car’s Kiyotaki Station. It takes about 12 minutes and costs the same ¥490 / ¥980. It runs 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May to November and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from December to April. The seats are open-air with views, but service is suspended in strong wind or thunderstorms, and there are queues on peak foliage-season holidays.
🥾 On foot / online tickets: from the Kiyotaki Station trailhead it is about a 90-minute walk to the summit, free of charge. We recommend buying tickets in advance through the Keio website or platforms such as KLOOK to skip the foliage-season queues.
Must-Do Hiking Routes on Mount Takao: The Three Main Routes and the Four Seasons
Mount Takao in Hachioji, Tokyo, rises just 599 meters yet has more than six hiking trails and is one of the most visited mountains in the world. Whether you seek an easy family stroll or a physical challenge, you can find a suitable route here. Plan your complete 2026 trip with the three main hiking routes and must-visit spots such as Yakuo-in, the cable car and chairlift, and the summit observation deck.
Trail 1 (Omotesando Route)
Trail 1 is Mount Takao’s classic pilgrimage path. It is 3.8 kilometers long and starts at Kiyotaki Station, with paved and stone-step surfaces leading to Yakuo-in. It suits beginners and seniors. The woods along the way are lush, and in winter the mountain air is crisp and cold.
The trail is well equipped, with tea houses such as Juichi-chome Chaya and restrooms, where you can try yam soba. Set off before 9:00 a.m. A one-way walk takes about 90 minutes on a weekday.
A round trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, plus 30 minutes to visit Yakuo-in. It is open all year with no admission fee. Bring your own drinking water and light hiking shoes.
Inariyama Route (Observation Deck Route)
The Inariyama Route is about 3.1 kilometers long and has open views. It passes the Inariyama Observation Deck at about 350 meters, where on clear days you can see the Shinjuku skyscrapers and the outline of Mt. Fuji in the distance.
The route is mostly dirt paths and wooden steps with large ups and downs, suited to hikers with basic fitness. From mid-November to early December, maples and other trees form a fiery tunnel of red along the way, a photo hot spot.
One way takes about 100 minutes, and a round trip with rests takes about 4 hours. The route is open free all year. Watch your footing, because the surface is slippery after rain. The observation deck has benches for a picnic or rest.
Trail 6 (Biwa Waterfall Route)
Trail 6, the “Biwa Waterfall Route,” is 3.3 kilometers long and follows a stream valley uphill, passing the 8-meter Biwa-daki waterfall, a place of waterfall ascetic practice since the Edo period.
The terrain is wild. Some sections require stepping on stream rocks and slippery wooden bridges. It is cool in summer and full of natural character, suited to adventurous hikers.
One way takes about 100 minutes, and you should plan 2.5 to 3 hours there. It is open all year, but in the rainy season (June to July) the stream can swell, so avoid it then. This route meets Trail 1 before the summit, so you can combine Trail 6 on the way up with Trail 1 on the way down.
Overview of Mount Takao’s 8 Hiking Routes
Mount Takao has 8 designated hiking trails of varying difficulty and duration, which can be combined flexibly. Trail 2, the Scenic Loop Trail (about 900 meters), circles the forest around Takaosan Station in about 30 minutes, good for an easy forest bath. Trail 3, Katsura Forest Road (about 2.4 kilometers), takes about 1 hour and is known for katsura trees and ferns, good for nature lovers. Trail 5, the Summit Loop, circles the summit in about 30 minutes, good for a stroll after reaching the top. Trail 4, the Suspension Bridge Route (about 30 to 40 minutes one way), passes Miyama Bridge. A ridge route links the summit to Mount Shiro and Mount Jinba, suited to half-day or longer outings.
For a first visit, try Trail 1 combined with either lift. Fit hikers can try the Inariyama or Trail 6 routes for a taste of wilder mountain forest. If you have time, add Trails 2 and 5 as easy walks before or after the summit to experience the character of all 8 routes.
Summer Only! The Takaosan Beer Mount Beer Garden
From May 30 to November 29, 2026, the open-air Takaosan Beer Mount beer garden opens for a limited time beside Takaosan Station, 488 meters up. Guests enjoy all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink barbecue, a salad bar and draft beer while overlooking the Kanto Plain at night, which creates a romantic atmosphere. On clear days, the lights of the Shinjuku skyscrapers are even visible in the distance. According to the official website (urban-inc.co.jp), groups of 4 or more can reserve on weekdays, and groups of 10 or more can reserve on weekends and holidays, though walk-ins are also accepted. Adults pay ¥5,000 for a 120-minute session. Nights are cool, and the last cable car runs until 9:15 p.m.
Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji
Founded in 744, Takaosan Yakuo-in (officially Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji) enshrines Iizuna Gongen as its main deity. It is one of the three great head temples of the Kanto region of the Chizan school of Shingon Buddhism and the spiritual center of Mount Takao. Here you can buy the Iizuna Gongen amulet, which symbolizes warding off misfortune and bringing good luck, as well as limited-edition goshuin. Visit the Niomon gate, the main hall and the Okunoin Fudo-do, and plan to stay 1 to 1.5 hours. Entry to the grounds is free. Check amulet office hours on the Yakuo-in official website (takaosan.or.jp).
Mount Takao Cable Car and Chairlift (Kiyotaki Station to Takaosan Station)
The Takao cable car connects Kiyotaki Station at the foot of the mountain with Takaosan Station halfway up. Its maximum gradient is 31 degrees, and the ride takes about 6 minutes. A one-way ticket costs ¥490 for adults and ¥250 for children. The open-air chairlift takes about 12 minutes at the same fare and gives a close-up view of the forest, especially the red leaves in autumn. The first cable car leaves at 8:00 a.m., and the last runs between 5:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., depending on the month and whether it is a weekday or holiday. The chairlift runs 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May to November and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from December to April. Allow 30 to 40 minutes, including queuing, and arrive early on peak-season holidays.
Mount Takao Cable Car Website: Operating Hours, Tickets and Payment Methods
The official website of Takao Tozan Electric Railway is takaotozan.co.jp. Its home page posts the daily cable car and chairlift hours, so check it before you set out. The site also offers online tickets and announces when you can board the cable car and chairlift with a transit IC card. Check the announcements for the start date and details. Mountain facilities have irregular closure days, so check before visiting the Monkey Park or the beer garden.
Summit Tea Houses and Food on Mount Takao
The “Mount Takao Summit Observation Deck” at 599 meters overlooks the Kanto Plain, and on clear days you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance. Nearby shops such as the “Summit Tea House” sell tengu-yaki and soba (about ¥600 to ¥900).
Mount Takao’s three local specialties: yam soba (about ¥1,000 to ¥1,100, sold along Trail 1), sanpuku dango (about ¥400 per skewer, sold along Trail 1) and tengu-yaki (about ¥200 each, sold around the summit).
Plan to stay 1 to 1.5 hours for the view and a meal. The observation deck is open free all year. It is colder at the summit in winter, so bring warm clothing.
Tako-sugi and Otoko-zaka / Onna-zaka
“Tako-sugi” is a giant cedar along Trail 1, more than 450 years old, named for its tangled roots that resemble octopus tentacles. Legend says touching the trunk brings good luck, and it is a famous photo spot along the way.
Beside Tako-sugi the path forks into two trails, “Otoko-zaka” and “Onna-zaka.” Otoko-zaka is a steep staircase of 108 stone steps symbolizing the removal of 108 earthly desires, while Onna-zaka has a gentle slope suited to seniors and families. The two paths meet again in front of Yakuo-in.
Plan to stop here for 15 to 20 minutes to take photos and rest. This area is open free all year and is an important stop where Mount Takao’s faith culture and natural scenery blend.
Mount Takao Seasonal Festivals and Best Times for Scenery
Every year in mid-March Mount Takao holds the “Yama-biraki” mountain-opening ceremony to pray for hiking safety. In early April cherry blossoms bloom at the foot of the mountain and along Trail 1, good for flower-viewing hikes.
From early to late June, hydrangeas bloom around the Biwa-daki route in a dreamy sea of purple and blue. Mid-November to early December brings Mount Takao’s foliage season, with red leaves along the Inariyama Route and around Yakuo-in drawing many photographers. The Hachioji Tourism Convention Association holds the Takaosan Momiji Matsuri every autumn; in 2025 it ran from October 25 to December 14, opening with a saito goma fire ritual in front of Kiyotaki Station. The 2026 dates had not been announced as of early October, so check the official tourism site, Ikou-yo Hachioji and Takaosan, before you go.
In January and February visibility from the summit is best, the prime time for views of Mt. Fuji. Choose the route that matches the season, and confirm the seasonal operating hours of the cable car and chairlift in advance to plan the fullest four-season Mount Takao experience.
How Much Does a Mount Takao Trip Cost in 2026? Cable Car and Chairlift Fares, and Tours
Mount Takao, 599 meters high in Hachioji, Tokyo, is one of the most popular hiking spots near the city. It is about 50 minutes from Shinjuku on the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station, so access is very convenient. For a 2026 day trip, plan around cable car and chairlift fares, how hard each of the three main hiking routes is, and whether you need to book tours in advance.
Takao Tozan Electric Railway Cable Car (Cable Car)
The Takao Tozan Electric Railway cable car connects Kiyotaki Station and Takaosan Station. The line is 1,020 meters long, with a maximum gradient of 31 degrees 18 minutes, once among Japan’s steepest. The ride of about 6 minutes climbs 271 meters. A one-way ticket costs ¥490 for adults and ¥250 for children. A round-trip ticket costs ¥980 for adults and ¥500 for children. Confirm on the Takao Tozan Electric Railway website whether the round-trip ticket offers any discount. The cable car line connects Kiyotaki Station and Takaosan Station on the Takao Tozan Electric Railway.
The first cable car leaves at 8:00 a.m., and the last departure varies by month. In January, February and December, the last car leaves at 5:15 p.m. on weekdays and 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. In March, it leaves at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. In April, May, July and August, it leaves at 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 6:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. In June and from September to November, it leaves at 5:45 p.m. on weekdays and 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. While the summer Takaosan Beer Mount is open, the last car is extended to 9:15 p.m. Cars generally run every 15 minutes, with extra cars added when crowded. The cable car saves about an hour of climbing, and its large glass windows offer views of the primeval forest, suiting families and seniors.
Visit from mid-November to early December, when maples color the cable car slopes red and transparent cars make great photos. Queues are often long at this time, so arrive at Kiyotaki Station at least 30 minutes early to line up and buy tickets.
Mount Takao Chairlift (Lift)
The Mount Takao chairlift takes about 12 minutes, slower than the cable car, so you can enjoy the forest scenery at leisure. Fares match the cable car: one-way tickets cost ¥490 for adults and ¥250 for children, and round trips cost ¥980 for adults and ¥500 for children. It runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May to November and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from December to April. The last chair leaves earlier than the last cable car, so watch the time if you plan to ride the chairlift down.
The chairs are open-air two-seaters, good for photos and for getting close to the forest. There is a weight limit, and service is suspended in strong wind, heavy rain or thunderstorms, so check the weather before you set out.
Try both by taking the cable car up and the chairlift down, or the reverse. Riding one trip each way costs ¥980 in total for an adult, a good fit for families or couples. You can try both the cable car ride up and the chairlift down, or the reverse.
Mount Takao Hiking Route: Trail 1 (Omotesando Course)
Trail 1 is the classic, popular route, about 3.8 kilometers from the foot of the mountain to the summit, passing sights such as Yakuo-in. The surface is flat and the gradient gentle, and a one-way walk takes about 90 minutes, suiting beginners and families.
Along the way there are several tea houses and souvenir shops for rest and meals, such as the soba shops and grilled dango stalls around Takaosan Yakuo-in, at roughly ¥800 to ¥1,500, a good way to refuel.
You can also take the cable car or chairlift to Takaosan Station (halfway up the mountain), then walk about 1.5 kilometers to the summit to save energy. This is recommended for first-time visitors. From the cable car station you can reach Takaosan Station, halfway up the mountain, and walk on to the summit.
Mount Takao Suspension Bridge Route and Inariyama Course Tours
The Inariyama Course on Mount Takao is 3.1 kilometers and takes 100 minutes one way, with large ups and downs, suiting those with basic fitness. On clear days, its observation deck shows central Tokyo and Mt. Fuji, a good choice for a deeper experience of Mount Takao’s ecology.
Travel agencies such as KKday and Klook offer day tours combining the Mount Takao cable car, Yakuo-in and a nearby hot spring. Contents vary by product, and a common one is a Keio Line ticket with a cable car or chairlift ticket. These packages save time buying tickets on site and, depending on the season, focus on foliage, flowers or forest bathing, which suits independent travelers. For foliage or cherry blossom seasons, book a month ahead.
Where to Stay Nearby
Takaosanguchi is the Keio Line terminus, about 50 minutes from Shinjuku by limited express, so most travelers return the same day. To hike at dawn or enjoy the beer garden, stay near Takaosanguchi or Hachioji, or return to Shinjuku or Tachikawa.
FAQ
Q: How much are the Mount Takao cable car and chairlift fares?
Adults pay ¥490 one way and ¥980 round trip; children pay ¥250 one way and ¥500 round trip. The two cost the same, so you can mix and match going up and down. Cable car tickets and chairlift fares cost the same, so you can mix and match them.
Q: How long does it take to get from Shinjuku to Mount Takao?
The Mt. TAKAO limited express that runs on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays takes about 45 minutes direct at the fastest (a ¥410 reserved seat ticket is required), while a regular limited express takes about 50 to 55 minutes.
Q: Is Mount Takao suitable for beginner hikers?
Very much so. Trail 1 is paved and gentle all the way, and casual shoes are enough, making it the top choice for beginners and families.
Q: When is the best time to see autumn leaves on Mount Takao?
The best time to visit is mid-November to early December. It is one of the eight great foliage spots near Tokyo. Visit on a weekday or in the morning to avoid crowds.
Q: Are there restrooms and shops on Mount Takao?
Only Trail 1 has shops and restrooms along the way. The other routes have fewer facilities, so prepare what you need before setting out from the foot of the mountain.
Q: Are there bears on Mount Takao?
The Takaosan Visitor Center issues bear-related cautions. Check the latest notices before you hike, carry a bear bell, and avoid hiking alone at dawn and dusk.
Q: Is there a hot spring near Mount Takao?
Yes. Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu is right next to Takaosanguchi Station, ¥1,100 on weekdays and ¥1,300 on weekends and holidays, open 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Q: How many hiking routes does Mount Takao have?
Mount Takao has 8 themed routes: Trail 1 Omotesando, Trail 2 Scenic Loop Trail, Trail 3 Katsura Forest Road, Trail 4 Suspension Bridge Route, Trail 5 Summit Loop, Trail 6 Biwa Waterfall Route, the Inariyama Route, and the ridge-walk route extending toward Mount Jinba. You can combine them flexibly according to your fitness and time.
Q: Is there a beer garden on Mount Takao in summer?
Yes. From May 30 to November 29, 2026, the all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink “Takaosan Beer Mount” opens next to the cable car’s Takaosan Station, ¥5,000 for adults, with reservations or walk-ins accepted.
