Your Guide to Mt. Takao’s Seasonal Events: Nature, History, and Culture

Held annually on the second Sunday of March, the Hiwatari Matsuri is a grand event hosted by Takao-san Yakuo-in, located on the mountainside.
Visitors can witness the dynamic Goma fire ritual, a practice in Shugendo where sacred fire purifies misfortunes.
The ritual culminates in fire-walking, a practice where monks—and even the general public—walk barefoot over smoldering embers to cleanse their minds of worldly desires.
If you want to participate, make sure to get a numbered ticket distributed at the venue.

Did you know that Mt. Takao is surrounded by plum groves, with blossoms peaking between mid-February and mid-March?
Takao Baigo features seven groves along the Old Koshu Highway, with approximately 10,000 red and white plum trees painting the landscape in vibrant spring colors.
The Takao Baigo Ume Festival is held annually in March, and one of its highlights is the Kogesawa Plum Grove, which boasts around 1,400 trees.
This grove is specially opened during the event period, offering breathtaking views.
Before your hike, take time to stroll through these scenic groves.

Held annually on the third Sunday of April, the Spring Festival is a major event organized by Takao-san Yakuo-in on Mt. Takao.
The highlight of the festival is the Chigo Parade, where 100 children dressed in traditional ceremonial attire (chigo costumes) and Shugendo monks process along the path from Jujuchome Tea House to the main hall of Takao-san Yakuo-in.
This event prays for children’s healthy growth, as well as household safety and good health. Visitors can also enjoy performances such as taiko drumming and traditional lion dances at the temple grounds.
Cherished as a symbol of spring by both locals and tourists, this event is a must-see.
If you encounter the Chigo Parade during your hike, be sure to stop and take a closer look!

The Takao Wakaba Festival is held from early April to late May in various locations around Mt. Takao, including the grounds of Takao-san Yakuo-in, the area near Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line, and Kiyotaki Station Plaza.
Centered around weekends, the festival features a variety of events such as music concerts, traditional performances, street entertainment, and cultural displays, ensuring enjoyment for visitors of all ages, from children to adults.
One of the festival’s highlights is experiencing the transition from cherry blossoms to lush green foliage, paired with diverse programs that showcase the beauty of Japanese culture and the natural charm of Mt. Takao.

The “Summer Cool-Down Tour” is an annual event held from mid-July to the end of August.
The content changes each year, but it often includes discounts on chilled soba noodles with special coupons and stamp rallies where participants can collect stamps to earn limited-edition fans. These activities make summer at Mt. Takao both fun and budget-friendly.
During the event, Edo-style wind chimes are displayed in the shopping district at the mountain’s base, creating a soothing soundscape and evoking the charm of traditional Japan.

In mid-August, the grounds of Takao-san Yakuo-in and its Stupa are illuminated.
At night, the temple gates, tengu statues, flower-adorned purification basins, Nio Gates, and the main hall are all beautifully lit, creating an enchanting and otherworldly atmosphere.
Special events, including exclusive temple stamps, are also held during the light-up period. Don’t miss the stunningly illuminated stupa, a highlight of this event.

Every year from June to October, a beer garden opens at Mt. Takao’s observation facility.
Located 488 meters above sea level, the venue offers panoramic views that, on clear days, extend all the way to Tokyo Skytree.
The experience includes a two-hour all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet featuring over 30 dishes, including salads made with local Hachioji vegetables, Hachioji ramen, oden, gyoza, and wood-fired pizza—all kept warm in special heaters. The drink selection is equally impressive, with beers from Japan’s four major breweries and even special events featuring international beers.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold beer after a summer hike. If you’re visiting Mt. Takao during this season, make sure to check out Takao Beer Mount.

The Mt. Takao Festival of Autumn Leaves is held annually from late October to early December, coinciding with the peak autumn foliage season.
On weekends, the Kiyotaki Station Plaza becomes the main event venue, hosting various activities such as safety prayers conducted by Yakuo-in monks, traditional performances like the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo puppet show, and live musical concerts.

Conveniently located at the base of the mountain, the plaza is an easy stop to make before starting your hike.
Make sure to include this event in your autumn hiking plans to enjoy both the vibrant foliage and unique cultural experiences.

Held on October 17 each year, the Autumn Festival signals the arrival of fall at Mt. Takao.
Much like the Spring Festival, the highlight is the Chigo Parade.
This grand procession includes local children in a marching band, Hachioji geisha, and Shugendo monks, creating a colorful line stretching from Jujuchome Tea House to Takao-san Yakuo-in.
The parade is a lively spectacle, with energetic performances by the marching band and a celebration of Japanese culture.
At Takao-san Yakuo-in, rituals such as prayers for children’s growth and the goma fire ritual are held upon the parade’s arrival.

From mid-December to late December, Mt. Takao’s summit offers a chance to witness the “Diamond Fuji,” a phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the peak of Mt. Fuji.
The ideal viewing time is around 4 PM, so plan to leave the base by 2 PM to ensure you reach the summit in time.
During the Diamond Fuji season, cable car operations are extended until 6 PM.
While visibility depends on the weather, a winter visit to Mt. Takao isn’t complete without attempting to see the Diamond Fuji.

The Geko Festival is held at Takao-san Yakuo-in on New Year’s Day, where monks offer prayers for visitors’ health and societal peace as they welcome the first sunrise of the year.
Timed with the sunrise, the festival takes place on the temple grounds, which are bustling with people making their first shrine visits (hatsumode).
Visitors can also witness goma fire rituals and receive blessings with tengu fans. Participating in the Geko Festival offers a unique way to experience Japanese New Year culture and atmosphere.

On February 3, Takao-san Yakuo-in hosts the Takao Setsubun Ceremony, an event marking Setsubun, a traditional Japanese custom to drive away evil spirits and pray for health and good fortune in the coming year.
Visitors can participate in the iconic bean-throwing ritual, chanting, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Out with demons! In with good fortune!”). Afterward, eating the same number of beans as your age is believed to bring good health.
At Takao-san Yakuo-in, this tradition is accompanied by prayers for personal safety, business prosperity, and good luck, making it a perfect opportunity to experience Japan’s seasonal customs.