Walking Tour Mount Takao : Nature and Tradition in Tokyo

Tokyo , Japan

Walking Tour Mount Takao : Nature and Tradition in Tokyo

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About this experience

Please note that this tour does not use a private vehicle and uses public transport. This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors

Mount Takao is beloved by the residents of Tokyo as the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis full of nature and tranquility. Mount Takao is a sacred site in Japan which has a rich history spanning over 1,200 years, perfectly blending culture and religion together. If you love nature, hiking and want to get off the beaten tourist path on an easy day trip in Tokyo, then this tour is for you! Make your Tokyo trip unique by visiting this hidden gem!

Located in Hachioji in Tokyo prefecture, Mount Takao or Takaosan as it’s often referred to is a forgotten gem that won’t disappoint. Takao is just a stones throw away from the bustling centre of Tokyo where you can reach the town and base of the mountain within 60 minutes by train from Shinjuku station.

Available options

Walking Tour Mount Takao : Nature and Tradition in Tokyo

What's included

Local English speaking guide

Traditional Dango snack

Admission fees for Monkey Park and monkey food

Round Trip on Cable Car

Return Train Tickets from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station

Detailed itinerary

For our first destination, we will make a short stop at Takao’s 599 Museum and Nature Centre. Despite being small, the centre is an informative way to be introduced to the wildlife, plants and animals that live on Mount Takao. Your guide will paint a picture of the beauty and significance of Takao’s nature providing useful context before we begin our ascension up the mountain. Takao 599 is also home to its own great cafe, a perfect stop for a coffee, tea or light snack before we move onto our next destination!

Mount Takao’s Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden offers visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about the native Japanese Macaques or ’Snow Monkeys’ as they are also referred to. The park is home to around 70 monkeys living in a semi natural environment on the mountain, and you will learn about their social structures and playful behaviour! You will also have the chance to feed the monkeys during your visit! The wildflower garden features over 500 species of plants that grow naturally on Mount Takao, and the landscape changes depending on the season.

a beautiful Buddhist temple with a long and fascinating history. The temple was founded in 744 AD during the Nara period by Emperor Shomu. It is dedicated to Izuna Daigongen, a Deity associated with mountain protection and worship. The most famous of the temple’s features are the Tengu statues! These are mythical creatures which are believed to be protectors of the mountain and punish wrongdoers! The temple is also very popular for pilgrimages and visitors will often see people coming here to pray for safety, health and good fortune.

What's not included

Trains and transport before and after the tour

Food and drink

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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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

Meeting point

The store is located inside the Keio Department Store, so look for the store front signage to ensure you are in the correct location. The store is directly outside of the station entrance. Please look out for the tour guide with a ’Snow Monkey Resorts’ tag.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 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 generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.