Mitake Tozan Railway
Ride a steep funicular to Mount Mitake's summit for stunning views, a historic shrine, and challenging hikes into wild nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Mitake Tozan Railway
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a steep funicular to Mount Mitake's summit for stunning views, a historic shrine, and challenging hikes into wild nature.
"The funicular ride is fun with amazing views, but trails require serious hiking and respect for wilderness."
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be rough and unclear. Proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Especially in summer, hydration is key. There are limited services on the trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mitake Tozan Railway Funicular
Base to top of Mount Mitake
A steep, funicular ride offering amazing views as you ascend Mount Mitake. A unique experience celebrating 90 years of operation.
Musashi Mitake Shrine
Summit of Mount Mitake
A significant shrine nestled atop the mountain, offering a spiritual experience amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Ayahiro Falls & Rock Garden
Hiking trails from the summit
Challenging but rewarding hikes lead to beautiful waterfalls and unique rock formations, showcasing the wild beauty of the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Mountain Adventure
Consider Your Companions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be rough and unclear. Proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Especially in summer, hydration is key. There are limited services on the trails.
🗺️ Download offline maps
Cell reception is unreliable. An offline map will be your best friend on the trails.
🐕 Be mindful of dog policies
Dogs are allowed on the cable car, which may affect some visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be rough and unclear. Proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Especially in summer, hydration is key. There are limited services on the trails.
🗺️ Download offline maps
Cell reception is unreliable. An offline map will be your best friend on the trails.
🐕 Be mindful of dog policies
Dogs are allowed on the cable car, which may affect some visitors.
🚊 Purchase round-trip tickets
Save time and hassle by buying your return fare at the start.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Mitake Tozan Railway for its unique funicular ride and the stunning natural beauty accessible from Mount Mitake. The shrine and scenic views are highlights. However, some express concerns about the challenging and sometimes unclear hiking trails, lack of cell reception, and the policy allowing dogs on the cable car, which they feel could impact wildlife and other visitors.
"This cable car provides access to Mount Mitake, Ayahiro Falls, and Musashi Mitake Shrine from the Tokyo section of Tama Kai National Park. Remarkably, there’s an entire mountain village at the top with incredibly steep, narrow streets that somehow accommodate vehicles and parking - quite impressive engineering.
Reaching attractions like the waterfall and rock garden requires serious hiking through genuinely wild mountain terrain with unclear trails, rough paths, and no cell phone reception that can feel isolating and potentially dangerous. The natural beauty is stunning, but summer heat makes it particularly challenging. This isn’t a casual stroll - come with companions, thorough preparation, plenty of water, and respect for the wilderness environment. The scenery rewards the effort, but don’t underestimate the physical demands and isolation."
Minwoo Kim
"6th Sept 2025!
Arrived by JR Chou Line to Mitake Station then take the bus to Cable car station
This Cable car is about 6 minutes ride 1 way and its at a upward 20 degree slop
JPY1200 per person for 2 way trips
This station is celebration 90 years in operations"
maria wong
"Had the day off to visit Mt. Mirake and took the cable car. Well it’s not really a cable car like you would think of in the west. It’s a Funicular car up a very very steep incline. It was a really fun ride and the views were pretty amazing and it wasn’t too crowded. We took the train to the Kawasaki station on the One line. Then we left the station and turned left on the road to the bus stop. You can see the bus stop from the station. Took the shuttle to the top, well almost to the top still a little bit of a walk. You get on the cable car and there are lots of trails on top and the shrine. The views are fantastic, great way to spend the day"
M H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitake Station, then catch a bus to the cable car station. The bus stop is visible from the station.
Yes, there is parking available, and the mountain village at the top also accommodates vehicles and parking, showcasing impressive engineering.
The closest train station is Mitake Station on the JR Chuo Line. From there, you'll take a bus.
Absolutely! The combination of train and bus is a popular and convenient way to access the Mitake Tozan Railway.
Travel time will vary depending on your starting point in Tokyo, but expect a journey of at least 1.5-2 hours by train and bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip ticket for the cable car is approximately JPY 1200 per person.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates, especially during peak seasons.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking their official website for potential offers.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Mitake Tozan Railway website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
The Mitake Tozan Railway is a paid service, but access to Mount Mitake and its trails is generally free, though specific attractions might have separate fees.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
It's a funicular, not a typical cable car, that ascends a very steep incline (around 20 degrees) for about 6 minutes, offering pretty amazing views.
At the top, you'll find a mountain village, Musashi Mitake Shrine, and access to various hiking trails leading to attractions like Ayahiro Falls and rock gardens.
Trails can be unclear and rough, requiring careful navigation. It's recommended to have a map or GPS device.
While the cable car ride is easy, reaching attractions like the waterfall and rock garden involves serious hiking through wild terrain, which can be challenging.
No, there is no cell phone reception on many of the hiking trails, which can feel isolating.
🎫 🐾 Pet-Friendly Policies
Yes, dogs are allowed on the cable car, which has been a point of concern for some visitors regarding wildlife and allergies.
While dogs are allowed on the cable car, the impact of pets on the natural environment and wildlife is a concern for some visitors.
The primary concern raised is the allowance of dogs on the cable car and trails, with some visitors wishing for a ban to protect wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the mountain village at the top offers some amenities, the focus is on nature and hiking. The presence of dogs on the cable car might also be a consideration for families with allergies or young children who are fearful of animals. Planning for a shorter, more manageable hike near the summit might be a good strategy for families with younger kids.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
While the trails can be challenging, they also offer a sense of accomplishment. Embrace the solitude and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time before you set off. The stunning natural beauty is a significant reward for the self-reliant adventurer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails of Mount Mitake
For those seeking a more challenging experience, consider visiting during snowy conditions, which adds a beautiful but demanding element to the hike.
Key Takeaways for Hikers:
* Trail Conditions: Expect rough, potentially unclear paths.
* Navigation: No reliable cell service; bring maps or GPS.
* Safety: Hike with others and carry plenty of water.
* Seasonal Challenges: Snow can increase difficulty but offers unique beauty.
The Unique Mitake Tozan Railway Experience
The railway provides convenient access to the summit, where visitors can explore Musashi Mitake Shrine and the charming mountain village. It serves as the primary gateway for many to experience the natural beauty and spiritual sites of Mount Mitake. The ride is often described as fun and not too crowded, especially outside of peak times, making it an accessible way for many to reach higher elevations.
Funicular Facts:
* Type: Steep incline funicular.
* Duration: Approximately 6 minutes.
* Views: Offers scenic vistas during the ascent.
* Significance: Celebrates 90 years of operation.
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