Local Expert
Shane Sakata
I have had the urge to travel for as long as I can remember and have lived in Canada, the United States and Japan. Traveling is food for my soul, I learn something new everyday, and I try to…
I have had the urge to travel for as long as I can remember and have lived in Canada, the United States and Japan. Traveling is food for my soul, I learn something new everyday, and I try to take a childlike sense of wonder with me wherever I go...
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Mount Takao – Fabulous Vistas, Hiking and Beer
Mount Takao, located within the municipality of Hachioji City, about 50 km from the center of Tokyo, is a nice day trip offering a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. In recognition of its magnificent beauty, the 2007 edition of Michelin's Voyager Pratique Japon, the famous French travel guidebook, awarded Mt. Takao the maximum of three stars.
Mount Takao is part of the Forest Takao Quasi-National Park and is designated as one of the "100 Fuji Viewing Spots in Kanto". Whether you love nature, culture or both, you will enjoy a visit to Mount Takao. It is home to a number of scenic hiking trails and Takaosan Yakuoin Temple which was originally built in 744 and the repository for a number of important historical documents. Mount Takao can be reached via one of the hiking trails or via a cable car that started operations in 1929 and that boasts the steepest incline of any cable car system in Japan.
Either way you ascend Mount Takao, be sure to take a break and quench your thirst at Takao Beer Mount which offers an all you can eat and drink buffet to its visitors and at 500 meters is the highest beer garden in Tokyo.
Forest Takao Quasi-National Park & Mount Takao is located approximately forty-five minutes by train from Shinjuku Station via the Chuo or Keio Lines. (access information)