Mount Takao (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Mount Takao?
What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Kids can ride cable car, watch monkeys, eat tengu-yaki, and walk paved Trail 1 with toilets every 15 min, yet steep stretches and three-hour round trip demand close supervision and stamina.
![Day Trip from Tokyo to Mt Takao [Japan Elective - Part 21]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K-f0ieWxo_8/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Easy access: 40-minute train ride from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station.
- Family-friendly trails: Well-maintained paths with frequent benches and clear signage.
- Cultural insights: Kids can watch monks’ rituals and touch the Lucky Octopus for fun.
Challenges:
- Weekend crowds: Cable car lines and trails fill up; consider arriving before 9 AM.
- Steep sections: Men’s Slope stairs can tire younger kids—plan rest stops.
- Limited shade: Some trail parts have little canopy; bring hats and sunscreen.
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 with kids?
- Ride the cable car for forest views with minimal effort.
- Hike the paved Trail 1 with easy rest spots for kids.
- Explore Yakuō-in Temple’s rituals and statues.
- Feed monkeys at the Wildflower Garden for a hands-on thrill.
- Try Tengu-yaki waffles for a fun, local snack.
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the cable car, gentle hike, temple visit, monkey park and a snack break without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Mount Takao
Cable car ride:
Ascend to the mountainside in a stroller-friendly car with forest views.
Tip: Go early to avoid queues; preschooler (under 6) rides free with each adult.
Trail 1 gentle hike:
Paved route with rest benches every 15 minutes and English-Japanese maps.
Tip: Carry water and let kids rest at the waterfalls and mossy rocks.
Yakuō-in Temple visit:
Watch the fire ritual and ring the prayer bells by the Tengu statues.
Tip: Teach kids to wash hands at the purification fountain before praying.
Monkey Park & Wildflower Garden:
Feed wild monkeys and stroll a short forest trail.
Tip: Buy feed cups (¥100) at the entrance; hold cups low so monkeys jump up to you.
Tengu-yaki snack:
Sweet bean-paste waffles shaped like the Tengu mask.
Tip: Buy at the mountainside stand; share four between kids and adults.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mount Takao
- Pack light: Use a small backpack with water, light snacks and a first-aid kit.
- Use lockers: Store heavy items at Takaosanguchi Station lockers (¥300/day).
- Check weather: Mountain can be 5°C cooler than Tokyo – bring a light jacket.
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 offers peak red maples but heavy crowds; spring (April) has fresh greenery and temple festivals; avoid weekends year-round.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cable car tickets (2 adults + 1 child) | JPY 2,380 |
| Monkey Park admission (2 adults + 1 child) | JPY 1,250 |
| Tengu-yaki waffles (4 pieces) | JPY 560 |
| Lunch at soba restaurant | JPY 3,000 |
| Water and extra snacks | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,990 |
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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