By japanretreats on February 28, 2014 ( 1 Comment )

Mount Takao

Mt. Takao is a popular family friendly hiking mountain in Tokyo! It is located at 50km away in the west from the centre of Tokyo. If you want to enjoy a day surrounded by the seasonal flowers and nature with plenty of fresh air and great views, this is our choice for you!

Just like other destinations around Tokyo that we are recommending in our site, this is again an easy train trip!

From Shinjuku Station (1 hour trip)

Keio Line Express: Shinjuku -> Takaosan-guchi Station
JR Chuo Line Express: Shinjuku -> Takao Station then change to Takaosan-guchi Station for 1 more stop.

From Tokyo Station (1 hour 20 minute trip)

JR Chuo Line Express: Tokyo Station -> Takao Station then change to Takaosan-guchi Station for 1 more stop

From Takaosan-guchi Station, step out and stroll to catch the Lift or the Cable Car that conveniently bring you to the Observation Deck! From this point there are several hiking trails to choose from to hike up to the top of Mt. Takao. There also are Monkey Park, Yaso Park (wild plants park) and Yakuoion Temple.

You can see the centre of Tokyo from the top as well as beautiful Mt. Fuji in a distance on a clear day. They have Visitor Center on the top with information of the nature and the history of Mt. Takao area.

Last but not least, during the warmer period from mid June to mid October, they open a lovely beer garden called “Beer Mount” at their observatory restaurant. Why don’t you have a seat outside to enjoy the most of the great view! It is “all you can eat & drink” style (including beer!) and open from afternoon (no lunch) till 9:00 pm everyday. It is 3,300-3,500 yen per adult and 500-2,500 yen for kids depending on their age (no alcohol, naturally). You can take a cable car to come down from the mountain, no need to worry about walking down all the way. This will be one of your awesome experiences for sure!

Please make sure you will bring a bottle of water with you although there are kiosks, and an extra jacket might be handy as it is a mountain weather after all.

For more information you can visit HERE.