Mount Takao (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Mount Takao?
What makes it 88% Couple-Friendly: Couples get panoramic summit views, autumn foliage, joint seats on cable car, Yakuo-in rituals, and Beer Mount date spot; limited privacy on busy days and early evening closure are minor downsides.
![Day Trip from Tokyo to Mt Takao [Japan Elective - Part 21]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K-f0ieWxo_8/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Easy access: Reach the trailhead in one hour from Shinjuku via Keio Line with no transfers.
- Well-marked trails: Route numbers and signs in English help you stay on course.
- Multiple ascent options: Choose cable car, chair lift or on-foot route to match your energy.
Challenges:
- Weekend crowds: Summit and lower trails fill up on weekends, slowing progress.
- Steep stair sections: Certain parts of Route 1 have steep steps that can tire legs quickly.
- Limited side-trail info: Secondary routes lack English maps and may confuse first-time hikers.
What is Mount Takao?
- A 599-meter peak rising at the eastern end of the Kanto Mountains, enveloped by the mixed forests of Meiji-no-Mori Takao Quasi-National Park
- A sacred mountain since the 8th century, anchored by the historic Takaosan Yakuo-in temple and steeped in Tengu folklore
- A biodiversity hotspot supporting temperate and subtropical flora, traversed by meticulously marked trails and served by a historic cable car system
What is so special about Mount Takao for couple trip?
- Cable car ascent offers shared seats and forest views.
- Omotesando Trail features waterfalls, mossy rocks and clear signage.
- Yakuo-in Temple adds a cultural stop with Tengu legends.
- Summit benches deliver panoramic Tokyo skyline and Mt Fuji views.
- Tengu-yaki snack breaks make the hike fun and tasty.
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can ride the cable car, visit the temple and reach the summit with time for snacks and views.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Mount Takao
Ride the Takaosan Cable Car:
Take a steep 6-minute ride from the base to midway station with forest views.
Tip: Reserve side-by-side seats early and dress in layers for open-window breezes.
Hike the Omotesando Trail (Route 1):
Follow a paved path past small waterfalls, mossy rocks and cedar groves.
Tip: Start at the observation deck for early city and Mt Fuji views on clear days.
Explore Yakuo-in Temple:
Walk through shrine gates, ring the prayer bells and admire Tengu statues.
Tip: Touch the ‘lucky octopus’ statue halfway up to share a good-luck moment.
Enjoy the Summit Panorama:
Relax on benches to view Tokyo’s skyline and, when clear, Mount Fuji.
Tip: Stay for sunset to see city lights sparkle below.
Sample Tengu-yaki Snack:
Try the sweet bean-paste waffle shaped like a Tengu mask.
Tip: Buy two and share one after the cable car ride down to fuel your descent.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mount Takao
- Cable Car Up, Hike Down: Ride up to save energy and descend on foot to enjoy changing scenery.
- Start Before 9 AM: Arrive early to secure cable car seats and avoid peak crowds at the temple.
- Use Route 5 on Descent: Descend via Route 5 for quieter forest paths and fewer hikers.
Reviews of Mount Takao
Rebecca Brett
Incredible walks. We took the chairlift up and the cable car down. Great fun!!! We walked to the temple but didn't make the visitor's centre. The monkey park was fun!
Francisco Sengia
A famous hiking destination for foreign and local tourists while in Takao. You can hike all the way from the train station to the summit or take the cable car then hike to the summit. On a clear day other surrounding mountains are visible from the top of Mt Takao.
テオフィルThéophile
One of the best hikes of my life. The flora here is beautiful ! With wild lilies and orchids growing on the trees. The stream which you must cross in order to reach the mountain is a good stop to cool down at ( perfectly placed: mid-way to the top!).. little shrines and even a temple to be seen on your way up !
Narutosheng
Lots of different paths to choose from with the main path being nice and wide. Not much to see at the top but it is a good hike if you want your legs to burn. The first half of the hike is much harder so taking the cable car would help
No_2 Blogger
Must visit place for tourist in Japan Can take cable car or chair lift up to one point after that u have to climb to the top with option 6 different trail . Had climb through trail 4 and down by trail 3 . Both is easy and had nice trekking path with nice view. If u are lucky as me then have best view of Fuji . Suggest to take some snack and water bottle with u . Have floor mate to sit when u r...
When is the best time to visit Mount Takao (Tokyo, Japan)?
Mid-November brings peak red maple colors but large crowds. For fewer people, visit in late spring for fresh greenery and early cherry blossoms near the trailhead.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cable car round-trip (per person) | JPY 950 |
| Lunch at Takahashi-ya Soba (per person) | JPY 1,200 |
| Tengu-yaki snack (per person) | JPY 140 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,580 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Mount Takao
Address: Mount Takao, Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan
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