Mount Takao day trip from Tokyo: hiking, lifts and autumn colours

Plan a Mount Takao day trip by train from Shinjuku, with the two official journey estimates of 50 and 55 minutes, hiking options, cable car, chairlift and autumn foliage.

Last checked:

  • Tokyo
  • Day trips
  • Autumn leaves

Mount Takao () in western Tokyo is easy to reach by train. This article uses two Tokyo official tourism pages (checked on 2026-10-28) to summarise transport and seasonal information. The two pages give different journey times, so both are presented. Cable-car fares and hiking-route times not listed officially are omitted; check Mount Takao’s official information. For an overview of trips from Tokyo, see the Tokyo day trip guide.

Key points

  • Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station: The “Mount Takao and Around” page says about 55 minutes by Keio semi-express, while the “Mount Takao” attraction page says about 50 minutes.
  • The summit is at 599 metres. There are numbered hiking trails, a cable car and a chairlift; the chairlift takes you halfway up.
  • Official information says entry to the mountain is free, with no fixed opening or closing hours. Check updated information.
  • Autumn foliage peaks from early to late November according to the official page; cherry blossoms appear about two weeks later than in central Tokyo.

Transport

Item Official information
Route Keio Line (semi-express) to Takaosanguchi Station, the gateway to Mount Takao and the surrounding area
Journey time About 55 minutes (area page); about 50 minutes (attraction page); varies by service and departure station
Fare Not listed on the official pages

Ways up the mountain

Option Official information
Hiking trails Several numbered routes of differing difficulty lead to the 599-metre summit; the official pages do not state the total number or journey times
Cable car Listed as an option on the official pages, without fares or operating details
Chairlift Takes visitors halfway up; no fare is listed officially

At the summit and base

  • Summit: A restaurant at the top; Tokyo’s highest beer garden operates from June to October.
  • Mount Takao Yakuoin Temple: Near the summit, with tengu statues on the grounds.
  • TAKAO 599 MUSEUM: About a 4-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station. Free admission; presents mountain wildlife and plants, with an indoor café and outdoor lawn.
  • Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu: At the foot of the mountain, with indoor and outdoor baths, saunas and soba noodles.

Seasons and crowds

Item Official information
Spring Cherry blossoms bloom about two weeks later than in central Tokyo
Autumn Peak autumn leaves are approximately early to late November
Avoiding crowds Weekdays are preferable to weekends, especially in autumn
Seeing Mount Fuji Views from the summit are more likely on clear mornings

Two ways to visit

Plan Details
Easy option Take the cable car or chairlift up and walk a short distance, then visit TAKAO 599 MUSEUM or the onsen after descending
Hiking option Choose a hiking trail up; the official pages do not list route times, so check maps and official trail details before departure

Further reading: Getting around Tokyo.

Sources