Temple on the top of Mt. Takao
Those familiar with the sprawling glass and concrete metropolis of Tokyo might be surprised that there is a mountain with natural forests and hiking trails less than an hour from Shinjuku Station by train. Mt. Takao is known for its diversity of species and its incredible beauty. It is covered by hiking trails, and there are also a cable car and lift for those wanting to enjoy the area with less physical activity. The nighttime view of Tokyo from the top is magical. Keep your eyes open for interesting animals such as the Japanese raccoon and flying squirrel.
高尾山ケーブルカー(高尾山ハイキング Mt.Takao Hiking)
Trees vary greatly from oaks to beeches to maples, and the autumn colors are particularly spectacular at their peak in mid to late November. In the branches of the cedar trees you might be lucky enough to see one of the beautiful native orchids in bloom.
View of Tokyo from Mt.Takao
The cable car runs to 400 meters (about 1312 feet) half way up Mt. Takao. Beginning at 8 am, it runs every 15 minutes and takes about 6 minutes to the end. The last departure varies from 5:15 to 6 pm depending upon the season, and runs to 9:15 pm during the beer festival in the summer. It costs 470 yen one way for adults or 230 yen for children under junior high school age; under 3 years old is free. The round trip rates are 900 yen for adults and 450 yen for children.
Mt.Takao bridge
You can reach Mt. Takao by taking the Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Takao Station in Hachioki City, then transferring for a 3 minute ride to Takaosanguchi Station. There is also a Keio Line Semi-Special Express that runs directly to Takaosanguchi Station from Shinjuku Station. Both rides take under one hour, excluding transfer times.
The official English website has extensive information about the plants that can be found on each of the hiking trails as well as that about access and special events: http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/index.htm
ケーブルカー高尾山駅 Mt.Takaosan Hiking
高尾山の山頂 Mountain top of Takaosan
Excursión a Mt. Takao
Mt. Shiroyama & Mt. Takaosan Trekking
高尾山の山頂 Takaosan (Mt.Takao)
Mt. Takao in autumn
photos by: Olis Olois & jetalone, ume-y, trinidad sky, jetalone, jetalone, Zopokx, jetalone, jetalone, ajari
