Mount Takao rises to a modest height of 599 metres. It is within its own designated national park, an hour from central Tokyo. A Mount Takao day hike is one of the most popular day hikes in the whole Kanto region. It attracts millions of visitors a year and is, by some estimates, one of the world’s most climbed mountains.
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Attracting Visitors
A Mount Takao day hike is so popular because of its convenience. It is possible to board trains directly from Shinjuku Station, and the ride should take less than an hour. This attracts a significant number of hikers and people on day trips to the mountain, particularly on weekends.
Timing of Visit
However, a Mount Takao day hike can be done in most winters year-round. Cherry blossoms appear in spring close to the base. During summer, the site is covered in dense vegetation, but may have high humidity on the way up.
Autumn is considered to be the best season. Most of the mountain is covered with colourful foliage by mid to late November. While it may be cold, winter is also known for clear skies, and on particularly clear days. It is common to report seeing distant views of Mount Fuji.
Step-By-Step Procedure
Step 1: Choose a Trail Route
There are several numbered trails at Mount Takao. The one that is right for each person is determined by their preference and time.
Trail 1: This is the most used trail and is frequently chosen for a first mountain day hike on Takao. There is also a paved section that can be taken at the beginning. A cable car or chairlift can be used to avoid going part of the way up.
Trail 2: This path runs along a stream in more wooded areas. It tends to be more picturesque, but is a little trickier in places to get a footing.
Inariyama Trail: This route is considered to be the toughest one, with fewer amenities and steeper portions on the trail. Often hikers opt for it for solitude and exercise.
Regardless of the trail chosen, weather conditions will be a factor; parts of the trail are sometimes closed due to maintenance or stormy weather.
Step 2: Use a cable car or chairlift
There is also a cable car as well as a chairlift near the base, and either of these can get the rider to the summit of Takao in a fraction of the time of a day hike. It is an ideal option for the family, for the old, and the busy.
On the ascent, it is suggested that the cable car be used to preserve energy for exploring the trails of the summit, and on the descent, the walking route be taken for added exercise.
Step 3: Physically set up for the climb
This mountain is not as steep as the other mountains, but it would still be good to prepare yourself a bit. Shoes or boots that are comfortable to walk or hike in are advised, as some parts of the trail can be slippery in wet weather. There is also a suggestion to stretch out the light in front as well, especially for those who intend to hike any of the trails for a longer day hike at Takao.
It is also recommended that a reasonable speed be established from the beginning, as steps and inclines can be encountered on many of the routes – including the easier ones!
Step 4: The final touches for the Day
Most visitors will require a relatively light kit, but a few items are not to be overlooked:
- Good shoes for walking that have sufficient traction.
- A light jacket, as the weather is likely to get cold close to the top.
- Sunscreen and a hat, especially in the summer months
- A reusable water bottle.
- A small snack or a packed lunch
- A camera (the views are pretty along the way)
- Cash, as some vendors or places might not accept cards
- A trail map is available at the base station
- Food and beverages can be easily purchased along the mountain, and while it is not always necessary to have extra food or water, it is still advised for long hikes.
Step 5: Start the Ascent
Most visitors start their hike from the base along Trail 1, which takes visitors through forested lower slopes on a paved path. The early part of the path passes shrines and little temples, and the mountain has had a long spiritual history. One of the more prominent places to visit along the route towards a day hike of Mount Takao is the Yakuoin Temple, which is about halfway up.
There are occasional steep staircases as you continue along, and a slow pace is suggested through these. Most places have handrails, so it is not too difficult to climb even for the less experienced hikers.
Step 6: Choose a Midway Attraction
There are some interesting features partway up the mountain, and often time is spent here before the final push to the top. There is a monkey park and botanical garden close to the cable car station, which are often visited with children on a Mount Takao day hike.
One of the highlights is Yakuoin Temple, featuring impressive statues and a tranquil ambience. Numerous visitors stop here for a brief respite before ascending back up the trail.
Step 7: Reaching the Summit
After reaching the summit, wide viewing platforms are available, and there is a view across the Kanto Plain. Despite the comparatively low height of Mount Takao, on particularly sunny days, Mount Fuji can be glimpsed in the distance, an added reward of Mount Takao day hikes.
There are also food stalls at the top, and a light meal or snack is usually consumed here before attempting to descend. The suggestion is that you should be allowed to simply relax, as this summit is less strenuous than others in the area.
Step 8: Going Down the Mountain
Another trail is usually selected for the descent to allow exploration of more of the mountain on a day hike in Mount Takao. Trail 6 is a popular route for this leg of the trip, as it is along the stream.
Don’t slow down too much, as steps and rough patches can be encountered even on a less steep trail. The cable car or chairlift may also be employed for descent, especially if the athlete is tired or time is limited.
Safety Measures
This mountain is part of the low-risk classification, but there are still a few tips to take to enjoy your day hike on mountain Takao:
- Check the weather first – some areas of the trails may be slippery if it rains.
- Although paved paths are in place, it is always important to wear proper footwear.
- There should be enough water, especially in the summer months.
- Bush is likely to be quite crowded during certain periods, particularly in the Fall foliage season.
Please check the closing time of the cable car and chair lift in advance. As several routes can be confusing for first-time visitors, it is advisable for them to review maps of the trail before their visit. If these simple steps are followed, most visitors will have a good and safe time.
A Perfect Introduction to Japanese Hiking
The reason Mount Takao day hikes are so popular is that they’re both accessible and quite natural. The trip includes in its route the ancient temples, the forest trails, and the rewarding sightings of the summits; it’s an easy half-day hike.
The mountain combines convenience with charm and is one of the most rewarding short hikes near Tokyo for anyone, whether they’re a seasoned hiker or virtually new to the game. For similar blogs, check More Mount Gassen.
