Mt. Takao Cable Car

Mount Takao is a popular tourist attraction and hiking spot an hour by train from Tokyo. There are two ways to get to the top of the 599 meter tall mountain. You can choose to hike all the way from the bottom or you can take the easy route and hop on the historical funicular for a ride at least part way.

Called the Takaotzan Railway, these brightly painted cable cars operate every 15 minutes and take only 5 minutes to transport visitors halfway up the mountain. The cars are counterbalanced- so as one goes up the other is lowered back down. This is actually the steepest railway line in all of Japan with a 31 degree tilt so on your way up hold on tight!

Practical Info

Mt Takao is accessed by either car or train. If you're driving, there is a parking lot that you can use for the day for a fee. If you're taking the train, both the Chuo Line and the Keio Line access the Takao Station.