The Ultimate Mountain (And Monkeys)

How to be a Native - Step Two

Head for the mountains.

What is the most visited mountain in Japan?  Not Mt. Fuji.  It’s Mt. Takao (高尾山) located in Hachioji (八王子市). There you can climb a mountain and do fun things, like see monkeys and eat strange food. 

Canadian synchronized skating coach
Marilyn Langlois and members of the
Japanese synchronized skating team
reach the top of Takao. 

The reasons why Mt. Takao is the native’s (and my) mountain of choice:

Easy access.  It’s the only mountain in Japan with a train station at the bottom of it.  Take either the Chuo or Keio Line to Takaosan-guchi Station.  Just walk out of the station, turn right and start climbing.

It’s the only mountain in Japan with its own chair lift and funicular railway (a mini train) that goes halfway up it.  Perfect for getting an aerial view of the mountain.

Langlois and her friend ride the chair
lift.

If you decide to walk then you can visit one of the small shops along the way and treat (or challenge) yourself to sweet potato ice cream.  It’s really made from sweet potatoes and may take some getting used to, but it’s definitely worth trying.    

Takao has the Monkey Park.  This is just up the path from the railway and lift.  There is an entrance fee but it’s worth it.  An attendant will talk about the monkeys and perform jumping and rope walking tricks with them.     

Here is a video showing Monkey Park by crystyra.

There are eight hiking trails, three of which lead straight to the top.  Trail 1 will take you to the Monkey Park and Yakuoin Temple.  From there you can take Trail 4 and see the suspension bridge.  Trail 6 leads to a cave and beautiful waterfall.  There are also several small shrines throughout the trails.

There is a restaurant at the top called Beer Mount.  It’s all you can eat and drink for two hours with a stunning view of the valley below.

Langlois and her friends enjoy the
view of Tokyo from the top of Takao.

From the top of the mountain on the winter solstice you can see Diamond Fuji, which is the sun setting directly over the top of Mt. Fuji.  You can also see the whole of Tokyo spread out before you.

Special Event:                    

During November, there is the Momiji Festival (maple tree).  It’s held at Yakuoin Temple.