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 is the head temple of the Chizan school of Shingon Buddhism, founded in 744, and one of the three great head temples of the Kanto region. Tengu statues, symbols of good fortune and protection from misfortune, are found throughout the grounds, and the temple is the spiritual center you pass on the hiking routes.
The temple has an office for amulets and goshuin (temple stamps), where hikers can pray for good luck and safety. Every March it holds the Hiwatari Festival, a fire-walking ritual performed barefoot, and it has a waterfall training hall for ascetic practice, making it an excellent place to experience 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.
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 is in Hachioji, Tokyo. At just 599 meters high it has more than six hiking trails and is one of the most visited mountains in the world. Whether you are a family looking for an easy stroll or a hiker seeking a physical challenge, you can find a suitable route here. Below are the three main hiking routes, along with must-visit spots such as Yakuo-in, the cable car and chairlift, and the summit observation deck, to help you plan a complete Mount Takao trip in 2026.
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 route is well equipped, with tea houses such as Juichi-chome Chaya and restrooms, where you can try yam soba. We recommend setting 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 and takes about 30 minutes, good for an easy forest bath. Trail 3, “Katsura Forest Road” (about 2.4 kilometers), is known for katsura trees and ferns and takes about 1 hour, 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. There is also a ridge-walk route extending from the Mount Takao summit to Mount Shiro and Mount Jinba, suited to half-day or longer outings.
For a first visit, we suggest Trail 1 combined with the cable car or chairlift. 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 and 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 next to the cable car’s Takaosan Station (elevation 488 meters) opens for a limited time. It is all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink, with barbecue, a salad bar and draft beer, and overlooks the night view of the Kanto Plain. On clear days you can even see the lights of the Shinjuku skyscrapers in the distance, a romantic atmosphere. According to the official website (urban-inc.co.jp), reservations are available for groups of 4 or more on weekdays and 10 or more on weekends and holidays, and walk-ins are also accepted. It costs ¥5,000 for adults with a 120-minute limit. Nights are cool, and the last cable car is extended to 9:15 p.m.
Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji
Takaosan Yakuo-in (officially “Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji”) was founded in 744 and 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. At the temple 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. For the hours of the amulet office, follow the announcements on the Yakuo-in official website (takaosan.or.jp).
Mount Takao Cable Car and Chairlift (Kiyotaki Station to Takaosan Station)
The Takao cable car (Cable Car) connects Kiyotaki Station at the foot of the mountain with Takaosan Station halfway up. The maximum gradient is 31 degrees and the ride takes about 6 minutes. A one-way ticket is ¥490 for adults and ¥250 for children. The open-air chairlift (Lift) takes about 12 minutes at the same fare as the cable car and gives a close-up feel of the forest, with especially good views of the red leaves in autumn. The first cable car is 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, opening later and closing earlier than the cable car. 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 day’s cable car and chairlift operating hours every day, so it is safest to check before you set out. The site also has an online ticket link and announces a service for boarding the cable car and chairlift directly with a transit IC card; for the start date and how it works, follow the website’s announcements. Facilities on the mountain have irregular closure days, so if you plan to visit the Monkey Park or the beer garden, check those announcements too.
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 is Mount Takao’s foliage season, when red leaves along the Inariyama Route and around Yakuo-in attract many photography enthusiasts. The Hachioji Tourism Convention Association holds the “Takaosan Momiji Matsuri” every autumn (in 2025 it ran from October 25 to December 14, with events such as a saito goma fire ritual in front of Kiyotaki Station on the first day). The 2026 dates had still 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 is in Hachioji, Tokyo, and is one of the most popular hiking spots near the city. At 599 meters high, it is about 50 minutes from Shinjuku on the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station, so access is very convenient. When planning a 2026 day trip to Mount Takao, the main questions are the cable car and chairlift fares, how hard each hiking route is, and whether you need to book tours in advance. Below we cover Mount Takao cable car and chairlift fares, how to get from Kiyotaki Station to the summit, and the cost and time for the three main hiking routes, to help you set your budget and plan a relaxed but fulfilling trip.
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 cable car lines, and the ride of about 6 minutes climbs 271 meters. A one-way ticket is ¥490 for adults and ¥250 for children; a round-trip ticket is ¥980 for adults and ¥500 for children. Whether the round-trip ticket offers any discount should be confirmed on the Takao Tozan Electric Railway website.
The first cable car is at 8:00 a.m., and the last varies by month: January to February and December, 5:15 p.m. on weekdays and 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays; March, 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays; April to May and July to August, 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 6:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays; June and September to November, 5:45 p.m. on weekdays and 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays (the last car is extended to 9:15 p.m. while the summer “Takaosan Beer Mount” is open). Cars generally run every 15 minutes, with extra cars added when crowded. The cable car saves about an hour of climbing, and the cars have large glass windows for views of the primeval forest, which suits families and seniors.
We recommend coming in the foliage season from mid-November to early December, when maples dye the slopes along the cable car red and the transparent cars make for great photos. The cable car stations often have long queues at this time, so arrive at Kiyotaki Station at least 30 minutes early to line up and buy tickets.
Mount Takao Chairlift (Lift)
Mount Takao also has a chairlift. The ride takes about 12 minutes, slower than the cable car, so you can take in the forest scenery at leisure. Fares match the cable car: one way is ¥490 for adults and ¥250 for children; round trip is ¥980 for adults and ¥500 for children. 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 last chair is earlier than the last cable car, so mind the time if you want 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.
We suggest taking the cable car up and the chairlift down (or the reverse) to try both. Riding one single trip each way costs ¥980 in total for an adult, a good fit for families or couples.
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.
Mount Takao Suspension Bridge Route and Inariyama Course Tours
The Inariyama Course on Mount Takao is 3.1 kilometers long and takes 100 minutes one way, with large ups and downs, suited to those with basic fitness. On clear days the observation deck along the way gives views of 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, a visit to 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 the foliage or cherry blossom seasons, book a month ahead.
Where to Stay Nearby
Takaosanguchi Station is the terminus of the Keio Line, about 50 minutes from Shinjuku by limited express, and most travelers make a same-day round trip. If you want to hike at dawn or pair it with the evening beer garden, stay around Takaosanguchi or Hachioji Station, or return to Shinjuku or Tachikawa for the night.
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.
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 is mid-November to early December. It is one of the eight great foliage spots near Tokyo, and we recommend going 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, which can be combined flexibly according to 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.
