Escape Tokyo Private Nature Hike at Mt Takao with Local Guide
Active
4h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Escape the busy city and enjoy a peaceful hike on Mt. Takao — just one hour from central Tokyo!
This private tour is perfect for nature lovers, casual photographers, and travelers who want to enjoy Japan’s beauty at a relaxed pace.
We’ll hike a forest trail to the 599m summit, enjoy scenic views, and have a local lunch. I’ll share simple stories about the mountain’s nature, animals, and history in easy English.
After lunch, we’ll walk down Trail No.1 (the traditional path), visit the 1,000-year-old Yakuo-in Temple, and explore the Takao 599 Museum.
You can descend by chairlift or cable car — the ticket is included.
This is a slow and personal hike, not a hard or fast one.
As a former Tokyo Park Ranger, I know the best seasonal spots and will guide you at your pace.
I’ll also take photos for you during the hike.
Let’s enjoy nature, culture, and the peaceful mountain together!
Available options
+ Takao Onsen Experience
Takao Onsen Experience: Relax at Takao Onsen after the hike! Includes entrance and a quick guide on how to enjoy Japanese-style bathing.
Escape Tokyo Private Nature Hike at Mt Takao with Local Guide
+ Hotel Pickup in Tokyo Area
Hotel Pickup in Tokyo Area: Meet at your hotel and travel together to the tour start. Pickup available in Tokyo and nearby cities.<br/>Pickup included
+ Onsen & Hotel Pickup
Takao Onsen Experience: Relax at Takao Onsen after the hike! Includes entrance and a quick guide on how to enjoy Japanese-style bathing.<br/>Hotel Pickup in Tokyo Area: Meet at your hotel and travel together to the tour start. Pickup available in Tokyo and nearby cities.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Nature and culture interpretation throughout the tour
Visit to Yakuo-in Temple
Mt. Takao summit viewpoint
Entry to Takao 599 Museum
Private guide
One-way ticket for cable car or chairlift
Custom hiking route based on season and your pace
Hotel Pickup in Tokyo Area (if option selected)
Takao Onsen Entry Fees (if option selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
We’ll start hiking through one of the beautiful trails of Mt. Takao.
I’ll choose the best route for the season and your pace.
Along the way, I’ll introduce the plants, animals, and local history of the mountain.
We’ll walk through forests, pass small shrines and statues, and take relaxing breaks when needed.
This is not a race — just a peaceful walk in nature.
2
After reaching the summit (599m), we’ll take a break to enjoy the amazing view.
You can see the Tokyo skyline — and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day!
We’ll also visit the small Takao Visitor Center, where you can learn about the wildlife and plants of the mountain.
After that, let’s enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the summit.
There are many options — soba noodles, curry rice, or even Buddhist vegetarian meals.
It’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
3
Located at the summit, this small center has displays about the nature and wildlife of Mt. Takao.
You can learn about the four seasons, local animals, and forest life.
It’s a great place to ask questions and discover more about what you just hiked through!
4
After lunch at the summit, we’ll begin our descent along Trail No.1, the main and most popular route on Mt. Takao.
This path is also known as the Omotesando trail, and is filled with beautiful trees, small shrines, and spiritual energy.
We’ll take a peaceful 45-minute walk toward the cable car or chairlift station.
Along the way, we’ll visit the historic Yakuo-in Temple.
5
Along Trail No.1, we’ll stop at Yakuo-in Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in the Tokyo area.
This temple is over 1,000 years old and has deep roots in both Shinto and Buddhism.
You can see statues of Tengu (long-nosed mountain spirits), pass through temple gates, and ring the sacred bell.
I’ll explain the stories behind the temple’s gods and rituals.
6
Our final stop is the Takao 599 Museum, located at the base of the mountain.
This modern, relaxing space shows the nature and wildlife of Mt. Takao.
You can learn about local animals, plants, and the four seasons through beautiful displays and videos.
It’s the perfect way to end our day with nature and knowledge.
What's not included
Lunch
Snacks
Uphill cable car or chairlift ticket (if you prefer not to hike)
Travel insurance
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for mountain hiking
This tour includes walking up the mountain and descending via Trail No.1 (paved path)
Tattoos may not be allowed in the hot spring facilities
This is a private tour — only your group will participate
This tour will go ahead even in light rain. However, if severe weather (e.g. heavy rain, typhoon, or thunderstorms) is expected and hiking is not safe, I will contact you in advance to offer an alternative experience or a free cancellation.
Meeting point
I’ll be wearing outdoor clothes and holding a small sign that says “JP Hiking Tour.
Important notes
Show the voucher on your phone to the guide at the meeting point. No need to print.
About Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with cutting-edge technology. Known for its vibrant districts, world-class dining, and rich cultural heritage, Tokyo offers an unparalleled urban experience.
Top Attractions
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, known for its impressive Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for some areas)
Shibuya Crossing
The world's busiest pedestrian crossing, surrounded by neon lights, shops, and restaurants.
Cultural/Entertainment
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)
Meiji Shrine
A serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Historical/Religious
1 hour
Free
Tokyo Skytree
The tallest tower in Japan, offering stunning views of the city from its observation decks.
Architecture/Entertainment
2-3 hours
¥2,100-¥3,100
Ueno Park
A large public park with museums, temples, and beautiful cherry blossom trees in spring.
Nature/Cultural
2-3 hours
Free (fees for attractions within the park)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sushi
Fresh raw fish served over vinegared rice, a must-try in Tokyo.
Dinner
Contains fish and seafood, may contain allergens.
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be vegetarian/vegan-friendly with modifications.
Tempura
Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, may contain allergens.
Sukiyaki
Hot pot dish with thinly sliced beef and vegetables cooked in a sweet soy-based broth.
Dinner
Contains beef, can be made vegetarian with tofu.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby mountains
Biking along the Sumida River
Zorbing at Odaiba Seaside Park
Onsen (hot spring) bathing in Hakone
Tea ceremonies in traditional tea houses
Meditation at temples and shrines
Traditional tea ceremonies
Calligraphy and ikebana (flower arranging) workshops
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times with higher tourist volumes.
10°C to 25°C
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Tokyo is one of the safest major cities in the world, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis and official guides
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Narita International Airport • 57.5 km from city center
- Haneda Airport • 14.3 km from city center
By train
Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station
By bus
Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station
Getting around
Public transport
The subway system is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city. It is the best way to get around Tokyo.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Shibuya
Shinjuku
Asakusa
Ginza
Akihabara
Day trips
Nikko
120 km from Tokyo • Full day
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning shrines, temples, and natural beauty.
Kamakura
50 km from Tokyo • Full day
A coastal town known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha.
Hakone
90 km from Tokyo • Full day or overnight
A hot spring resort town known for its scenic views of Mount Fuji and traditional ryokan (inns).
Festivals
Sanno Matsuri • June (dates vary)
Sanja Matsuri • May (third weekend)
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival • July (last Saturday)
Pro tips
- Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for easy payments on public transportation and in convenience stores
- Learn basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Use Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner for navigation and real-time train schedules
- Carry cash for small shops, markets, and rural areas, as some places may not accept credit cards
- Respect local customs and etiquette, such as removing your shoes when entering a home or traditional restaurant
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
