Mt. Takao Hiking Trail Guide: Difficulty, Duration, and Highlights Covered!

Mt. Takao mainly offers the following eight hiking trails.
Each route varies in difficulty, distance, and highlights, with some courses suitable for casual walks in everyday clothes, while others require more serious preparation.
The table below outlines the duration of each trail for your reference.
Beginners or those looking for an easy hike should opt for Trail 1, while experienced hikers seeking a challenge will enjoy Trail 6 or the Inariyama Course.

Trail 1 is the main route to Takao-san Yakuo-in, making it the most popular course on Mt. Takao.
Compared to other trails, Trail 1 is paved throughout, allowing even beginners to hike safely.
As long as you wear comfortable clothing and sneakers, you can enjoy this route without any issues.
There are five restrooms along the way, some even equipped with baby changing tables.
The route is dotted with teahouses, souvenir shops, and attractions like Joshinmon Gate and Konpiradai, making it a fun and engaging hike.
Don’t miss the famous local snack, Tenguyaki, a bean-paste-filled pastry that’s perfect for a quick energy boost.
Here’s an overview of the trail, which we’ll break down into three segments for a more detailed explanation.

Trail 2 is a loop trail that starts at Kasumidai lookout point, located just past the Takao-san Cable Car Station, and circles around the midsection of Mt. Takao.
This route is split into a southern route and a northern route, offering a chance to observe the different plant life on each side, as the climate varies between the two slopes.
It’s the shortest course out of all the trails and features mostly gentle paths, making it perfect for those seeking a leisurely hike.
However, there are some steep slopes, so be cautious.
Rather than a strenuous hike, think of it as a relaxing nature walk, where you can enjoy the rich greenery of Mt. Takao up close.
Because this route is less frequented, it’s ideal for those looking for a quiet, peaceful hike.
Be aware, though, that there are no rest stops or restrooms, and the stairs can be steep, so come prepared.

Trail 3 begins from the left side just before Joshinmon Gate on Trail 1 and continues toward the summit.
It’s a quieter path with fewer people, making it ideal for those who prefer a peaceful hike away from the crowds.
While the trail is generally gentle, there are narrow, zigzag sections and unpaved, slippery areas that might make the hike feel longer than expected.
The difficulty level isn’t too high, but it’s recommended to wear proper hiking shoes for safety.

This trail runs along the southern slope, dominated by warm-temperate evergreen broad-leaved trees like cedar and fir, offering lush green scenery year-round.
Along the way, you’ll cross wooden bridges and walk through areas surrounded by trees, giving the hike a sense of adventure.
It’s also a great course for observing various plants, wildflowers, birds, and insects.
After a steady climb, you’ll reach Kashiki Valley Rest Area, where you can take a break on the benches.
Soon after, the trail merges with the path leading from Takao-san Yakuo-in toward the summit.
Trail 3 is also known as the Katsura Grove Course, as it features beautiful katsura trees near the summit.
During autumn, the vibrant colors of the foliage and the sweet scent of fallen leaves make it especially charming, so if you can plan your visit for the fall season, it’s highly recommended.

Trail 4 branches off from the right side just before Joshinmon Gate (opposite Trail 3), merges with Trail 1 near the summit, and continues to the top.
In 2024, a renovation project made this trail even safer and more enjoyable for trekking.
Though the elevation gain is not significant, the path is narrow with many stairs, so it’s important to watch your step.

This popular trail takes you through a forest of deciduous trees like beech, maple, and fir.
After about 15 minutes, you’ll come across Miyama Bridge, the only suspension bridge on Mt. Takao.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the scenery is stunning year-round, from fresh green leaves to autumn colors.
The 36-meter-long bridge sways gently as you cross, adding a touch of excitement and adventure to the hike.

With refreshing dappled sunlight and cool, fresh air, this trail offers the perfect atmosphere for a mountain walk.
It’s also a fantastic spot for photography, so it tends to be a lively, popular route.

Trail 5 is a circular path just below the summit, offering views of both the northern and southern sides of Mt. Takao.
It intersects with Trails 1, 3, 4, and 6, as well as the Inariyama Course, making it a useful connector for those looking to explore different routes.
Despite being over 500 meters above sea level, this trail has minimal elevation change and wide paths, making it accessible for beginners to enjoy a leisurely walk.

In spring, you can see a variety of flowers, while autumn brings brilliant foliage, and winter unveils the Shimo-bashira (frost flowers).
If you’re short on time but still want to experience Mt. Takao’s rich nature, this course is ideal.
A highlight of this trail is the Egawa Cedars, a forest planted in the late Edo period (1603-1868) by magistrate Egawa Tarozaemon.
This is Mt. Takao’s oldest artificial forest, with over 50 towering cedars, some with a diameter of nearly 1 meter and a height of almost 39 meters.
The historical charm of this forest gives the trail a unique appeal compared to the other routes.

Trail 6 starts at Kiyotaki Station and follows the Mae-no-sawa Stream, one of the headwaters of the Tama River, all the way to the summit.
Also known as the Water Course, it passes by Biwa-taki Waterfall, where winter waterfall meditation is practiced, and includes several sections where you’ll climb along the stream.
The soothing sound of running water and the abundant greenery provide a calming atmosphere, allowing you to feel the refreshing energy of negative ions.

The trail also features unpaved natural paths, exposed tree roots, and multiple bridges, offering a real hiking experience.

Before reaching Biwa-taki Waterfall, you’ll come across several historical spots like the Senshin Seven Lucky Gods and Iwaya Daishi. These sites offer a chance to experience not only the natural beauty of the area but also its rich cultural heritage.

While the course has many scenic highlights, its difficulty level is slightly higher, making it suitable for experienced hikers familiar with steep mountain paths and cliffs.
Even in summer, the trail remains relatively cool, making it a great option for avoiding the heat.
Be aware that the only restrooms are at the base and the summit, so make sure to use them before starting.

The Inariyama Course starts from the base of Kiyotaki Station and follows the ridgeline along Mt. Takao’s southern side to the summit.
This course is one of the more serious routes, as it doesn’t intersect with any of the easier trails along the way, and you’ll need to be careful of the up-and-down sections and uneven terrain.
Despite its challenges, the wide, pleasant path is often used for school excursions, and a 2023 renovation has improved its safety.

Though the course is difficult, it offers a full-fledged hiking experience with unpaved paths, steep slopes, and continuous stairs.
It’s recommended for beginners who want to challenge themselves or novice hikers looking to gain more experience.
One of the key highlights is Inariyama’s summit, which offers fantastic views of Tokyo’s skyscrapers.
There are also benches at the summit, making it a great spot to rest and enjoy the scenery.

The Mt. Takao – Mt. Jinba Traverse Course is a 15.3 km route that connects the summit of Mt. Takao with Shiroyama (Mt. Shiro) and Kagenobuyama (Mt. Kagenobu), eventually reaching the summit of Mt. Jinba.
Though there aren’t many dangerous spots, the long distance and slippery sections make it suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers.
Ensure you’re well-prepared with the right equipment and in good physical condition before attempting this hike.
The word traverse refers to hiking multiple peaks without descending, and this course connects four mountains, making it a popular option for those looking to try a traverse hike.
You can also hike the course starting from Mt. Jinba and descend from Mt. Takao using the cable car.
The highlight of the trail is the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, selected as one of the 100 Best Fuji Views in Kanto, as well as other stunning scenery along the way.
The sense of achievement you’ll feel after completing the hike is sure to be memorable.

We’ve covered the highlights, features, and estimated times for Mt. Takao’s eight main hiking trails.
Each trail offers its own unique appeal, so no matter which route you choose, you’re sure to have a fantastic experience.
Select the course that best matches your goals, physical ability, and schedule, and enjoy everything Mt. Takao has to offer.
For more information on how to fully enjoy your visit to Mt. Takao, check out our comprehensive guide: