(Image by Dick Thomas Johnson via https://www.flickr.com/photos/31029865@N06/8283321851/)
With its lush nature, varied activities and extremely easy access from Shinjuku, Mount Takao in Tokyo is a hugely popular destination for weekend outings and hikes. Its popularity spiked even further with its achievement of 3 Michelin stars in 2007, and Mount Takao now attracts nearly 3 million people annually.
Mount Takao has 8 hiking courses catered to hikers of all levels, and nearby venues including a hot spring and museum, make the Mount Takao a great destination for any fun-seeking traveller.
To keep it short, this article will only introduce Mount Takao’s 6 must-see spots hidden within it!
6 Spots to Visit during your Mount Takao Trek
The Monkey Park & Wild Plant Garden
Just 5 minutes from Takaosanguchi station (the nearest station to Mount Takao), there is the Monkey Park and the Wild Plant Garden.
The Monkey Park is home to 70 monkeys, and the monkeys run around and roam freely in the park.
In the Wild Plant Garden, there are over 300 types of flowers and plants. The climate of the Mount Takao is a wide mixture of warm temperate and frigid climates, making it possible for many different types of flowers and plants to blossom throughout the year.
One ticket allows entry for both parks, and is ¥420 for adults and ¥210 for children.
The Joshin-mon Gate Greets Hikers
The large, divine gate you pass through as you begin your Mount Takao hike is the Joshin-mon (literally translating to “soul-cleansing gate”). This gate is at the halfway point of the Omotesando route (the one continuing to Yakuo-in). There is only one road to the Joshin-mon, but it splits into four different courses after passing the gate.
Otoko-zaka & Onna-zaka
Just after starting the Route 1 hike, the course temporarily splits into 2 smaller roads – the Otoko-zaka (man hill) and Onna-zaka (woman hill). The “man hill” on the left side is composed of 108 stone steps, symbolizing the 108 earthly desires in Buddhist teachings. Going up each of the steps is supposed to rid the earthly desires one at a time. The hill on the right, the “woman hill” is less steep but longer in length, and is better for enjoying the nature that surrounds Mount Takao.
The 1,200-Year Yakuo-in Temple
(Image by Rob Young via https://www.flickr.com/photos/rob-young/9409445148/)
The Yakuo-in is a temple located in the middle of Route 1, and has a history of over 1200 years. This temple, built by a Buddhist priest, is one of the most significant buildings within Mount Takao grounds.
In Japan, Mount Takao is often associated with the Tengu, and this temple is the reason behind it. When this temple was going desolate, a priest brought over a statue of the god Izuna-daigongen, and along with it came a statue of the Tengu. The Izuna-daigongen is known as the god of military generals, and has ties with famous generals such as Tokugawa Ieyasu, Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. The Tengu, which holds the special power to help people out of confusion into enlightenment, served as an attendant of Izuna-daigongen, and ever since has been a fond figure at Mount Takao.
Miyama-bashi
(Image by Rob Young via https://www.flickr.com/photos/rob-young/9406726203/)
The Miyama-bashi is the suspension bridge found on Course 4. This bridge, which is the only suspension bridge on Mount Takao, will make you feel as if you are walking in mid-air and give you that extra jolt of adrenaline. Families and couples especially enjoy the thrilling experience, and it is also a great spot for photos.
The Sacred Waterfalls: Biwa-taki and Ja-taki
As a holy mountain, Mount Takao is famous for its takigyo, or waterfall training. This Buddhist training consists of standing under a waterfall and clearing your mind for enlightenment. Ever since the myth of a Buddhist priest achieving enlightenment while practicing takigyo at Biwa-taki, this has been a popular takigyo spot.
More Information
Mount Takao,
Takao-cho, Hachioji,
Tokyo
Access
5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line
Admission
Free
Opening Hours
24/7