Mt. Takao is one of the best day trips from Tokyo if you want to experience the Japanese countryside. Only 45 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station, Mt. Takao is a great escape in to nature and even has views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Come to Mt. Takao for hiking, admiring old mountain temples, and enjoying a meal with a view at the summit.
From the train station, there are a few different ways to get to the top of Mt. Takao: hike for 40-60 minutes (free), take the cable car (¥470 one-way), or take the chair lift (¥470 one-way).
Things to do on Mt. Takao include:
- Wander through the many temples and shrines near the summit
- Try and spot some wild monkeys in the trees (don’t feed them!)
- Hike to Momijidai, one of the best Mt. Fuji viewpoints near Mt. Takao (20-30 minutes)
- Enjoy a meal of soba or udon at the summit
- Learn about Japanese mountains and nature at the Mt. Takao Information Center