Mt. Takao in One Day

Lose Yourself in Nature

The most obvious way to enjoy the mountain is by hiking it. Three main trails connect the base to the summit, though alternative routes splinter out into the rich greenery of Mt. Takao and offer a host of ways to reconnect with nature. Visit one of two waterfalls (Jiwa or Bataki), cross a lush gorge via a wooden suspension bridge or stop by Takao’s Monkey Park, home to approximately 40 Japanese macaques and a hillside garden boasting 500 types of plants.

Takao-san Yakuo-in

Take the Omotesando Trail (Trail 1) to reach Takao-san Yakuo-in, an ascetic Shingon Buddhist temple built in 744 and one of the mountain’s most famous destinations. Climbing the 108-step stairway of Otozo-zaka Hill serves as an appropriate transition to this spiritual space, where visitors can offer prayers to beaked mountain gods called Tengu. Despite translating to mean “heavenly dog,” Tengu possess both human and bird-like attributes, and visitors can spot their stern faces watching from stone statues placed throughout the temple grounds. Yakuo-in also hosts a purifying fire-walking festival called Hiwatari-sai each spring, which guests are free to join without advance reservation.

Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple

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Takao-San Beer Mount

If your idea of escape relies on intoxication, you might do well to visit Takao-san Beer Mount, a popular beer garden with spectacular mountain-top views of West Tokyo. Beer Mount opens annually from June 15 to October 15, and a timed-entry ticket entitles you to two hours of all you can eat and drink for around 3,500 yen (men pay more than women, with the assumption that they’ll be consuming more than their female counterparts). While you’re still seeing straight, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views that take on a magical quality as night falls (just don’t miss the last cable car or chairlift back down the mountain).

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東京都八王子市高尾町2205

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Follow the Stream

Take the Biwa Waterfall Trail (Trail 6) to descend the mountain alongside a tumbling stream, whose currents help to cool the air on the nearby trail. Traversing its rugged path requires concentration, which will help you stay in the moment instead of thinking ahead to the pile of work waiting for you on your desk back home. The added challenge also means it’s less appealing to many of Mt. Takao’s visitors, making it much more peaceful than paved Omotesando Trail.

Dinner at Gonsuke

Gonsuke offers guests the chance to grill their own selections of meat, fish, and vegetables over a private charcoal grill. It’s a great chance to share food with your friends and recall your favorite moments from your day at Takao. Depending on availability, you can choose to dine in the restaurant’s main building or enjoy the privacy of one of Gonsuke’s small cottages. Take note that it’s a little too far to walk to, so those without wheels can make use of the free roundtrip bus service from Takaosanguchi Station (call for availability).

高尾山名主 いろりの里 ごん助

東京都八王子市南浅川町4068

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Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

Nothing wipes the slate clean like a soak in one of Japan’s remarkable hot springs. Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu is located mere steps from the train station, making it the perfect final stop before heading back home. It features both closed- and open-air baths, a micro bubble cyprus bath, a sauna, and a feature bath infused with local and seasonal specialties. Entry is a mere 1000 yen (1200 yen during the high season and holidays)—a small price to pay to leave your worries in the natural spring waters of this remarkable mountain.

Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

Tokyo Hachioujishi Takaomachi 2229-7

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Mt.Takao Base Camp

高尾町1799-3 Hachioji