Takaosan Yakuo-in Tokyo
A sacred mountain escape just an hour from Tokyo, offering ancient temples, scenic hikes, and panoramic views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Takaosan Yakuo-in Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred mountain escape just an hour from Tokyo, offering ancient temples, scenic hikes, and panoramic views.
"A perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and accessibility, just a stone's throw from Tokyo's hustle."
🚠 Cable Car & Chairlift
Save energy by taking the cable car or chairlift up. Great views!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, even if you plan to use the lifts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yakuo-in Temple
Mid-mountain
An ancient Buddhist temple with a spiritual atmosphere, featuring numerous tengu statues and rituals.

Summit Views
Mountaintop
Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji.

Azalea Garden
Near Yakuo-ji
A serene and often uncrowded spot, especially beautiful during azalea season.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚠 Cable Car & Chairlift
Save energy by taking the cable car or chairlift up. Great views!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, even if you plan to use the lifts.
📅 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable experience.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty, so offline maps are a lifesaver.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚠 Cable Car & Chairlift
Save energy by taking the cable car or chairlift up. Great views!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, even if you plan to use the lifts.
📅 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable experience.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty, so offline maps are a lifesaver.
🍜 Try Local Snacks
Enjoy delicious street food and local specialties near the summit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Takao is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, spiritual ambiance at Yakuo-in Temple, and accessibility from Tokyo. Visitors appreciate the convenience of the cable car and chairlift, making it a great option for families and casual hikers. However, its popularity means it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
"My photos suck compared to pro social media influencers, so don't focus too on the shoots. This is a review of both the Mountain and the temples. The mountain is about 600m high. You can easily burn at least 500 calories tracking on this 2.6km+ trail. If you don't use the non-free cable rail of course. Probably the least busiest and most quietist up here. When you reach the peak, you get to see other mountains and an overview of Tokyo city from the horizon. They even have binoculars you pay 100 yen to use but your phone might zoom in better these days. Food and drinks await half way for refreshments and laventries. And theres also an observatory up ahead too. Almost forgot about the Shinto Buddhist temples that are part of Japan's heritage now. You can trail through it to enjoy the nice healing spiritual energies as you journey to reach the top. Note they do close at 4pm though so you need to go around to reach the top. Don't stay out too late though or else it gets too dark and mosquitoes will bite you (some parts of the trail are not lit). So hike carefully as it can also be slippery at inclinations on wet days."
Vy Dao
"Had a great time, the shrines were beautiful, the climb easy (did trail 1).
In the summer the cool air of the trees makes it more enjoyable.
The cable car was really enjoyable, felt like I was in a Ghibli movie. It’s apparently the steepest cable car in Japan.
There are 3 Goshuins to choose from (depends which counter you go to) but the red stamps are the same, only the writing changes."
Olympe
"Easier to reach than anticipated because of the cable car and chairlift! Still lots of stairs but worth the hike for the views :)"
Evie Lietz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station directly to Takaosanguchi Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes. Some express trains may require a transfer at Kitano Station.
Yes, there are parking lots available near the base of the mountain, but they can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Public transport is generally recommended.
The Keio Special Express train from Shinjuku is a convenient option that often doesn't require transfers. Check the schedule for the most direct routes.
It typically takes around 40-60 minutes by train from major hubs like Shinjuku.
Yes, a 1-Day Ticket is available which includes round-trip train rides and a round-trip cable car or chairlift ride for approximately 1500 JPY.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mount Takao itself is free to enter and hike. However, there are fees for the cable car and chairlift, as well as for specific attractions within Yakuo-in Temple.
Operating hours vary seasonally, but they generally run from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets for the cable car and chairlift can usually be purchased on-site at the respective stations. The 1-Day Ticket package often includes these.
The 1-Day Ticket offers a bundled price for transportation, which is generally more economical than purchasing individual tickets.
Yes, Yakuo-in Temple is open to visitors. While the temple grounds are accessible, specific ritual times or areas might have restrictions.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Mount Takao offers several trails, ranging from paved paths to more natural routes. Trail 1 is the most popular and paved, while others like Trail 6 are more natural. Some consider it more of a walk than a strenuous hike.
The hike to the summit can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your chosen trail and pace. Using the cable car or chairlift significantly reduces the time.
Yes, on clear days, Mount Fuji is visible from the summit of Mount Takao. However, it's not guaranteed, and the view might be distant.
At the summit, you can find observation decks with views, restaurants, souvenir shops, and the entrance to Yakuo-in Temple.
Yes, Mount Takao is very beginner-friendly. The paved trails and the option of using the cable car or chairlift make it accessible for most fitness levels and families with children.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and food stalls located near the summit and at the cable car/chairlift stations, offering various Japanese dishes and snacks.
You can find popular Japanese comfort foods like soba noodles, tempura, and various snacks like dango and ice cream.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is perfectly fine. Many visitors enjoy picnics on the mountain trails or at designated rest areas.
Options might be limited, but some restaurants may offer vegetable-based dishes like tempura or simple noodle soups. It's advisable to inquire directly at the restaurants.
While not a specific dish, 'Tengu-yaki' (a sweet bean paste-filled pastry) is a popular local treat associated with the temple.
📸 📸 Photography
The Yakuo-in Temple grounds, the summit observation decks, and scenic points along the hiking trails offer great photo opportunities. The azalea garden is also picturesque.
Yes, on clear days, Mount Fuji can be photographed from the summit. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour (late afternoon) can also provide beautiful lighting for the temple and surrounding nature.
Generally, photography is allowed on the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to avoid intrusive photography during ceremonies or in restricted areas.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for landscapes and temple details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views, and a telephoto lens can be good for distant Fuji shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers Seeking a Challenge
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Mount Takao's Trails
Many visitors opt to use the Takaosan Cable Car or the Takaosan Chairlift to ascend part of the mountain, significantly reducing hiking time and effort. The cable car is enclosed and travels at a steeper incline, while the chairlift is an open-air experience offering more expansive views. Both are excellent options for those who want to conserve energy or have limited time.
It's important to note that while Mount Takao is a popular destination, some Redditors feel it's more of a 'walk' or 'stroll' rather than a challenging hike, especially on the main trails. If you're looking for a strenuous trek, you might consider exploring other trails or nearby mountains.
The Spiritual Heart: Yakuo-in Temple
Visitors often describe the temple as a place of peace and spiritual energy. The main hall, along with various sub-temples and pagodas, creates a picturesque and serene environment. During certain times, you might witness monks in procession or experience traditional rituals, adding to the immersive cultural experience.
While exploring Yakuo-in, take time to appreciate the intricate architecture and the surrounding natural beauty. The temple is an integral part of the Mount Takao experience, offering a blend of nature, culture, and spirituality that draws many visitors seeking a tranquil escape from the city.
Seasonal Beauty of Mount Takao
Summer offers lush greenery and a refreshing escape from Tokyo's heat, with the mountain providing cooler temperatures and shaded trails. Autumn is arguably the most popular season, as the leaves change to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning natural spectacle. This is when the mountain is at its most crowded.
Winter offers a different kind of beauty, with crisp air and the possibility of snow dusting the landscape, providing a serene and quiet experience. Regardless of the season, Mount Takao provides a beautiful natural backdrop for a day trip from Tokyo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit