Your Ultimate Guide to Mt. Takao in Summer: Highlights and Key Tips

When hiking in summer, it’s crucial to regularly replenish both water and electrolytes.
During physical activity in high heat and humidity for over 30 minutes, your body loses not only water but also essential salts and minerals.
If you only drink water, the salt and mineral levels in your body can become too low, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
For this reason, it’s recommended to bring oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks that provide a balanced mix of water, electrolytes, and sugar, instead of just water.
Also, remember to drink small amounts frequently rather than large amounts all at once.
While there are places to buy drinks at the base and the summit of Mt. Takao, you won’t find many drink stands along the trail except on Trail 1, so it’s best to bring your own supply.
For a hike lasting 3 to 4 hours, you’ll need at least 500ml of water, but in summer, prepare at least 1 liter.
Carrying salt candies is also a good idea for a quick and easy way to replenish your salt levels.

While Mt. Takao’s elevation of 599 meters isn’t particularly high, the sun gets stronger as you ascend, and you’ll be exposed to sunlight for longer periods.
Protecting your skin from UV rays is crucial, not only to prevent sunburn but also to reduce fatigue.
Below are some recommended clothing tips for proper UV protection during your hike.

Even with all these precautions, it’s important to take frequent breaks in the shade.
Depending on the trail, you’ll find restaurants and rest areas along the way, so take breaks before you start feeling fatigued.
Overexerting yourself and risking heatstroke can ruin what should be a fun and enjoyable hike.

Trail 1 is the main route of Mt. Takao, with paved paths throughout and various facilities along the way, making it an easy hike for beginners.
You can hike comfortably in casual clothing and sneakers.
Along the route, there are many places to enjoy food, such as Takaosan Sumika, a multi-purpose facility with restaurants and souvenir shops, Gomadokoro Gongen Chaya, where you can enjoy snacks like dango, and Juichome Chaya, where you can savor chilled soba.
The route is also filled with sightseeing spots like the famous Takao-san Yakuo-in and the Tako-sugi (octopus cedar), both well-known power spots.
With five restrooms located along the path, it’s convenient for hikers.
Trail 1 also has a lift and cable car that go back and forth between the trailhead and the mountainside.
If you're not confident in your stamina, you can use the lift or cable car for the journey, making it an excellent option for conserving energy in the summer heat.

Trail 4 branches off from the right side of the path just before Joshinmon Gate, which is located partway along Trail 1. This route merges with Trail 1 again near the summit. Since the Joshin-mon Gate is located a short climb from Takaosan Station on the cable car, you can take the cable car or lift partway up the mountain.
Although the slope isn't too steep, the path is narrow with many stairs, so be careful as you hike.
The highlight of Trail 4 is the Miyama Bridge, the only suspension bridge on Mt. Takao.
Surrounded by summer greenery, the beautiful bridge is a popular photo spot.
The trail also crosses a stream at several points, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing cool breeze.

Trail 6 starts from Kiyotaki Station at the trailhead, following the Mae-no-sawa stream, one of the sources of the Tama River, all the way to the summit.
This trail is perfect for those who want to enjoy the hike while feeling the cool air.
The path is narrow, and the terrain is uneven, making it more advanced compared to Trails 1 and 4, so make sure to bring the right gear and prepare thoroughly before hiking.
Known as the "Water Course," it’s filled with spots where you can experience the refreshing coolness, including the famous Biwa-taki Waterfall, where visitors practice waterfall meditation.

If you're hiking before the rainy season in June, be sure to enjoy the hydrangeas blooming along the trail.
You’ll find them around Kiyotaki Station on the cable car, Takao-san Yakuo-in, and near Biwa-taki Waterfall along Trail 6, offering a touch of early summer beauty.
Additionally, from August to September, the Tama Hydrangea (a specific variety of hydrangea) will bloom.
You can also spot these along Trail 6, so keep an eye out!

From June to October, a limited-time beer garden opens at an observation facility on Mt. Takao.
Located 488 meters above sea level, you can enjoy stunning views that stretch as far as the Tokyo Skytree on clear days.
The dining experience offers a two-hour all-you-can-eat and drink buffet, featuring more than 30 dishes such as salads made with local Hachioji vegetables, Hachioji ramen, oden, gyoza, and stone-baked pizza.
Don’t miss the "Ichiban Shibori Frozen," a beer topped with frozen foam, or the "Frozen Beer Cocktail," which combines beer with different seasonal liqueurs and is topped with frozen foam as well.
The beer garden offers both outdoor and indoor seating with air conditioning, so even on hot days, you can comfortably enjoy gourmet food and beer while taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding area from indoors.

One of the must-try local specialties at Mt. Takao is tororo soba (buckwheat noodles topped with grated yam).
You can find soba restaurants along the route from Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line to the trailhead, along Trail 1, and even at the summit.
Not only does cold tororo soba help you cool down, but it also provides a great source of nutrition—making it a double win.
Enjoy cold soba to fuel up before your hike or to recharge during or after your climb.
For more information on soba shops and restaurants around Mt. Takao, check out this linked article.

Just like tororo soba, shaved ice and soft serve are also available along Trail 1 and at the summit.
The refreshing coolness of these treats is perfect for a summer hike.
You can find them at spots like Mitsufuku Dango and Tenguya at Takaosan Sumika near the Takaosan Cable Car Station (midway up the mountain), Juichome Chaya along Trail 1, and Omiharashi-tei at the summit. Be sure to stop by during your hike to cool off with these icy treats.