Machida / Takao / Hachioji

Top Things to do

• Mt. Takao

  Tokyo Hachioujishi Takaomachi

  This is popular as a mountain that can be reached from the city in just one hour. Having received three stars as a sightseeing location from the Michelin Guide, it is visited by approximately 3 million people each year who come primarily for viewing colorful fall foliage or to hike in the warmer months. It’s an easy mountain to access for both children and inexperienced visitors with a cable car in addition to the various well-maintained hiking paths. It’s famous for tororo soba and shops also sell souvenirs associated with tengu (a long-nosed goblin in Japanese folklore). There is also a monkey park, wildflower garden, and observatory, and in the summer season the beer garden near the summit is popular. An onsen (hot springs) lies just in front of Takaosanguchi Station.

• Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple

  Tokyo Hachioujishi Takaomachi 2177

  This is a temple located on Mt. Takao in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. It is reported to have been established in 744 under the direction of Emperor Shomu, and was founded by the priest Gyoki. It is known for being one of the big three head temples of the Chisan School of the Shingon sect in the Kanto region, along with Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple. As of 1375 the principal image of the temple has been Izuna Daigongen, a form of the Buddhist deity Fudo Myo-o, and he was revered as the guardian deity of the samurai commanders in the Sengoku (Warring States) period. The temple is the site of many legends about tengu (long-nosed demon-like imaginary creatures) and the temple is considered to be a place that answers prayer for better fortune and offers talisman to ward off evil spirits. Visitors can also make reservations to try shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) on the temple grounds that are full of nature.

• KODOMONOKUNI (Children’s Land) Theme Park

  Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Aoba-ku Narachou 700

  This is a vast playground covering an area of about 100,000 square meters which is located in Aoba Ward in Yokohama City. It was used as an ammunition warehouse for the period of the wartime through to the post-war period, but was opened as a garden on the 5th May 1965 in commemoration of the marriage of the Crown Prince (the current Emperor) and Michiko. There is a zoo, a pool and leisure facilities with a lot of playground equipment, and a lot of children visit with their parents. There is also a livestock farm managed by Snow Brand—the special Sungreen milk and icecream are specialty products.

• Sanrio Puroland

  Tokyo Tamashi Ochiai 1-31

  This is a theme park in Tama City, Tokyo where you can meet Hello Kitty and other popular Sanrio characters. It is an all-weather type facility, and is a unique spot where you can have a good time even on rainy days. Full-fledged musicals and parades performed at the three theaters are popular. The park includes recreations of the worlds of each character such as My Melody, Kiki & Lara, Gudetama and so on as well as ride type attractions, which can be enjoyed all day by children and adults alike.

• Trick Art Museum

  Tokyo Hachioujishi Takaomachi 1786

  Located just a one minute walk away from Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Takao Line. Established in 1996, this museum is dedicated to trick art. A popular tourist destination, the museum has been featured on TV, in newspapers, and via a variety of other media. The museum is filled with every kind of trick art imaginable, and not only are you allowed to take photos and videos, but many of the exhibits can be touched as well. With special approval from the Egyptian embassy, the museum also has ancient Egypt-themed exhibits featuring the Sphinx and mummies, and the museum shop offers goods imported directly from Egypt.

• Yomiuri Land

  Tokyo Inagishi Yanokuchi 4015-1

  An amusement park first opened in 1964 whose grounds straddle the city of Inagi in Tokyo and Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture. In addition to amusement park staples such as roller coasters and other thrilling rides, a Ferris wheel, and go-carts; Yomiuri Land also hosts more unusual attractions, like ride’s modeled after a car factory and Nissin’s U.F.O. instant yakisoba noodles. The park is filled with other fun and interesting things to see and do, as well, including a barbecue area, summer pool, seal show, character show, and winter park illumination.

• Good Job Attractions

  Tokyo Inagishi Yanokuchi 4015-1 Yomiuri Land inside an amusement park

  This is an area of the amusement park “Yomiuri Land” that borders Inagi City, Tokyo and Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture with the theme of “manufacturing,” which opened in 2016. You can enjoy 15 kinds of attractions where you can learn about the manufacturing process and knowledge in four kinds of factories including automobile, food, fashion, and stationery. There are a variety of workshops, including making your own original “Nisshin-yaki soba U.F.O.” instant noodle pack. It is a new sensation entertainment area that is enjoyable for both from children and adults.

• Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

  Tokyo Hachioujishi Takaomachi 2229-7

  A day trip hot spring bathing facility with a low-key Japanese atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty located right next to Keio Takaosanguchi Station. Situated at the foot of Mt. Takao and close to the mountain cable car, this popular bathhouse is also perfect for climbers coming down from the mountain. The facility’s natural hot spring waters come direct from the KeioTakaosan Onsen hot spring and are said to soothe muscle and joint pain, ease sensitivity to cold, and beautify the skin. Visitors can enjoy stunning scenery from the facility’s five outdoor baths. The bathhouse’s restaurant serves a signature tororo soba (buckwheat noodles with grated yam) as well as a variety of seasonal dishes.

• Michinoeki Hachioji Takiyama

  Tokyo Hachioujishi Takiyamamachi 1-592-2

  Located in the Takiyamamachi district of Tokyo’s Hachioji City, this is the only Michi-no-Eiki roadside station in the metropolis. Inside the facility are shops selling side dishes and a farmers’ market where customers can purchase fresh foodstuffs produced by local farmers, as well as cafes and a food court where visitors can taste items on the menu using plenty of locally produced vegetables and dairy products. The Hachioji ramen using onions as a topping is popular. In addition to the provision of traffic updates and sightseeing information in the break area, there is also a kids corner.