Misty Mount Fuji from Mount Takao

Just an hour from Tokyo, Mount Takao offers forest trails, ancient temples, and - on a clear day - a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. In late May, I hiked its most popular route and found more than just great scenery; I discovered a moment of clarity I’ll never forget.

In May 2024, I was in Japan for work and managed to sneak in a day of hiking before flying home. I’d thought about a mad dash to Mount Fuji, but staying within an hour of Tokyo felt wiser. Mount Takao, in Hachioji, was the perfect choice.

The train ride out was everything I love about Japan - quiet, clean, and peaceful. Mount Takao, part of the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park, rises to 599 metres and attracts over 2.5 million visitors a year. With eight trails to choose from, I locked up my bags at Takaosanguchi Station and set off on foot along the most popular, Trail 1 - a 7.7 km route lined with ancient cedars and dotted with Shinto shrines.

The busy funicular to the top of Mount Takao

One highlight is Yakuoin Temple, founded in 744, home to the tengu - mythical creatures believed to be messengers of the gods. Another is Takosugi, the “octopus cedar,” a 500-year-old giant twisting skywards. The trail follows a forest stream, and it was here I had my most memorable moment: spotting pieces of broken, brightly coloured crockery resting in the water. At the time, I was between jobs after a redundancy, and something clicked — you’re not broken, you just need to find all the pieces. I kept them and still look at them when I need perspective.

Broken - but not beat!

At the summit, the view of a mist-shrouded Mount Fuji in the distance made every step worth it.

Back at the base, I stopped at the Takao 599 Museum - a small but beautiful space showcasing the mountain’s wildlife, with seasonal projection displays, preserved flowers and insects, and a cosy café.

Rating: 🎒🎒🎒🎒☆ — only losing a star for the busy trails. If you’re in Tokyo and want a hike that’s easy to get to, rich in culture, and topped off with a Fuji view, Mount Takao is hard to beat.

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