Musashi-Mitake Shrine Tokyo
Historic Shinto shrine atop Mt. Mitake, offering spiritual tranquility and stunning city views, accessible via cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Musashi-Mitake Shrine Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Shinto shrine atop Mt. Mitake, offering spiritual tranquility and stunning city views, accessible via cable car.
"A refreshing escape from Tokyo, combining spiritual serenity with breathtaking natural beauty and city panoramas."
🚶♀️ Walk the Sides, Not the Middle
Always use the side paths when approaching the shrine; the center is reserved for deities.
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Save energy by taking the cable car up; it's a scenic ride and avoids a steep climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Musashi Mitake Shrine
Summit of Mt. Mitake
A historic Shinto shrine offering spiritual solace and panoramic views of Tokyo.
Rock Garden Trail
Base of Mt. Mitake
A scenic and accessible hiking path winding through moss-covered rocks and streams.
Mitake Cable Car
Base to mid-mountain
A convenient and scenic ride offering stunning forest vistas on your ascent.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hike & Respect the Sacred
Timing Your Mountain Retreat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Sides, Not the Middle
Always use the side paths when approaching the shrine; the center is reserved for deities.
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Save energy by taking the cable car up; it's a scenic ride and avoids a steep climb.
🥾 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for the trails, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main shrine path.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for longer hikes. Limited facilities are available on the mountain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Sides, Not the Middle
Always use the side paths when approaching the shrine; the center is reserved for deities.
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Save energy by taking the cable car up; it's a scenic ride and avoids a steep climb.
🥾 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for the trails, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main shrine path.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for longer hikes. Limited facilities are available on the mountain.
🙏 Respectful Conduct
Observe shrine etiquette: bow at the torii gate and maintain a quiet demeanor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Musashi Mitake Shrine for its serene atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and the rewarding panoramic views from the summit. The accessibility via cable car and the scenic hiking trails, especially the Rock Garden, are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some note that while generally not overcrowded, queues for the cable car can form during peak times.
"The cable car is 1200 yen round trip then a short hike to the shrine. The shrine is pretty big and there are stores and restaurants that are close to it on the mountain. Provides a beautiful view on a clear day. The path is nice and well maintained but be prepared for a steep hike."
Marc Zwillinger
"Magical mountain shrine with breathtaking views and a sacred wolf guardian 🐺
If you’re looking for a spiritual escape just outside of Tokyo, Musashi Mitake Shrine is a hidden gem. Located at the summit of Mt. Mitake, this ancient Shinto shrine is known for its guardian deity — the wolf, revered as a protector against evil and disasters. It’s a rare and powerful symbol in Japanese mythology.
The shrine is reachable by the Mitake Cable Car, which boasts the steepest incline in the Tokyo area — a fun and scenic ride up the mountain. From the cable car station, there’s a moderate hike of about 30–40 minutes, with some steep paths, but it’s a great workout surrounded by lush forest and fresh mountain air.
The atmosphere at the top is peaceful, energizing, and spiritually refreshing. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or nature, this place offers a bit of everything. You’ll also find some beautiful torii gates, stone lanterns, and panoramic views along the way.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and try to go on a clear day to enjoy the views!
Highly recommended for a day trip that connects culture, nature, and spiritual calm."
とっとこハム太郎
"This place is worth visiting. Really beautiful temple in top of the mountain. You can also experience the Cable car service on the ways. Allocate at least half of your days."
Sandesh Paudel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station, then transfer to the JR Ome Line to Mitake Station. From Mitake Station, you can take a bus to the Mitake Cable Car base. The entire journey takes about 2 hours.
Yes, it's a popular day trip from Tokyo, accessible by train and then a bus and cable car. The journey is well-documented and manageable for most travelers.
After reaching the top of the Mitake Cable Car, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk to the Musashi Mitake Shrine.
Yes, there are parking lots available near the Mitake Cable Car station, but they can fill up during peak times.
Absolutely! The most common route involves trains and a bus, making it very accessible for those without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the shrine grounds is generally free. However, there is a fee for the Mitake Cable Car.
The cable car typically operates from around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official schedule before your visit.
The Rock Garden trail itself is free to access, but you'll need to pay for the Mitake Cable Car to get closer to the trailhead.
Tickets for the Mitake Cable Car are usually purchased on-site. Arriving early can help avoid longer queues.
The shrine hosts various traditional Shinto festivals throughout the year. Checking their official website or local event listings is recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Besides visiting the shrine itself, you can enjoy the scenic hike, explore the Rock Garden, and take in the panoramic views of Tokyo from the summit.
A day trip can easily accommodate a hike to the shrine and back, including time for exploration. If you plan to explore more trails, consider an overnight stay.
Yes, Mt. Mitake is part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park and offers several well-maintained hiking trails, including the popular Rock Garden.
From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Tokyo metropolitan area, especially on clear days.
The main path to the shrine via the cable car and a short walk is suitable for most fitness levels. More challenging trails are available for experienced hikers.
📸 📸 Photography
The shrine itself, with its traditional architecture, and the panoramic views from the summit are prime photography locations. The Rock Garden also offers beautiful natural shots.
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of the shrine, but be mindful of any specific restrictions within sacred buildings.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the shrine and surrounding nature. Clear afternoons offer the best chance for distant city views.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and around religious sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile lens for landscapes and architecture, along with a sturdy tripod for low-light or panoramic shots, would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the top, the walk to the Musashi Mitake Shrine is short and manageable. The Rock Garden trail is particularly appealing to kids, with its stream and interesting rock formations providing a natural playground. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be limited. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes suitable for light hiking. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Consider staying overnight at one of the mountain lodges, like Komadori Sanso, for a more immersive experience and to witness the mountain at different times of day. 🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
The diverse flora and fauna provide a rich experience for nature lovers. The panoramic views from the summit are also a significant draw, offering a different perspective of the region. Visiting during autumn provides the added spectacle of vibrant fall foliage. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Shrine Etiquette
When making an offering, you'll typically toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap your hands twice, offer your prayer, and then bow once more.
Hiking Mt. Mitake: Trails and Views
For a more immersive nature experience, the Rock Garden trail is highly recommended. This path winds through a beautiful forest alongside a clear stream, featuring numerous moss-covered rocks that give it its name.
It's a relatively easy hike, perfect for families or those seeking a peaceful walk. Other trails branch off from the main paths, offering more challenging routes for experienced hikers looking to explore deeper into the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. The summit of Mt. Mitake provides rewarding panoramic views. On clear days, you can see the sprawling Tokyo skyline, including landmarks like Tokyo Skytree, and even Yokohama in the distance.
This makes the hike and the visit to the shrine a perfect combination of spiritual exploration and natural beauty, offering a welcome respite from the urban environment of Tokyo. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit