Takaosanguchi Station — Local services in Tokyo

If you're looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Mount Takao (Takaosan) is the perfect destination. Located just about an hour by train from central Tokyo, this scenic mountain offers a refreshing retreat into nature without needing to travel far.

What I Loved:

Beautiful Hiking Trails: There are several well-maintained trails with varying difficulty levels. Trail 1 is the most popular and suitable for beginners, while others offer a more rugged and quiet experience for seasoned hikers.

Stunning Views: On clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Fuji from the summit – a breathtaking reward after the hike.

Rich Culture: Along the way, you’ll find the ancient Yakuo-in Temple, where you can learn about traditional mountain worship and spot statues of tengu (mythical mountain creatures).

Nature & Wildlife: Especially during spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (vibrant foliage), the mountain becomes a canvas of color. You may even encounter wild monkeys or beautiful birds.

Accessibility: You can choose to hike or take the cable car or chairlift part of the way up, making it suitable for all ages and...

Journey's end where pilgrimage begins—architect Kengo Kuma rebuilt this terminus in 2015 using local cedar, honoring mountain that rises immediately above. Cable cars and chair lifts wait to carry leg-weary souls partway up; purists begin climbing directly. Onsen waters steam beside the station, offering post-hike comfort. On weekends, thousands arrive seeking sacred mountaintop temples, autumn foliage, or simply escape from concrete density. The station knows its purpose: gateway to transcendence, threshold between rail time and mountain time.

Tourist Tip: Terminal station—all trains end here. Mt. Takao trailhead begins immediately. Cable car and chair lift nearby. Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu onsen adjacent for post-hike relaxation. Avoid weekends if possible—crowds intense. Buy provisions...

No trash bins totally irresponsible there are shops and wending machines but no trash bins. They just want money but don’t want to accept responsibility for their trash! They’re shifting the responsibility to other station passengers needs to bring their trash all the way to Hachioji or...