Best Winter Things to do on Mt. Takao – a Special Time away in Tranquility

Trail 1 is Mt. Takao’s main route and is ideal for first-time hikers or those visiting for sightseeing.
Most of the trail is paved and has gentle slopes, making it easy to walk.
The full route is 3.8 km long, but you can shorten both the distance and time by taking the cable car or lift—great for anyone not confident in their stamina.
Along the way, you'll find plenty to see, as well as a good number of shops and clean restrooms.
In winter, unique plants and serene natural beauty take center stage. The snow-dusted temple path and crisp, clear views offer a magical atmosphere you can only experience this time of year.
Trail 1 also passes by Yakuo-in Temple, where many visit for their first shrine visit of the year or to pray for good luck and protection—a peaceful and reflective stop in the heart of the mountains.
Don’t miss the food either—Mt. Takao’s specialties like grated yam soba, rice dumplings, and the famous tenguyaki are all must-tries.
Whether you’re at the summit or resting at a teahouse near the base, a freshly made hot meal will warm you right to the core.

Trail 5 is a circular route that loops around just below Mt. Takao’s summit, with a total length of about 900 meters.
Compared to other trails, it’s shorter, has minimal elevation changes, and features wide paths—making it a great option for families and casual hikers alike.
It intersects with nearly all the other major routes, including Trail 1, and often serves as a connector between trails.
One of its highlights is the peaceful atmosphere created by the surrounding forest, including towering trees like the 150-year-old Egawa Cedar.

In winter, the must-see attraction on Trail 5 is the delicate "ice flowers" formed by frost on the stems of certain plants, known as shimo-bashira.
These rare natural ice formations appear only in the early mornings—typically between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.—from mid-December to late January.
Each one is uniquely shaped, vanishing within hours, and their fleeting, mystical beauty is sure to captivate you.

Aside from a few busy periods, Mt. Takao is generally less crowded in winter compared to other seasons.
This means you can walk through its rich natural surroundings in peaceful silence.
While winter in Tokyo can be quite chilly—especially in the mountains—the cold, clear air offers some of the most stunning views from the observation decks, even surpassing those in other seasons.

A savvy tip from above, the crisp winter air brings incredible clarity to the views from Mt. Takao’s observation decks.
From the summit, you can enjoy an especially breathtaking view of snow-capped Mt. Fuji—often clearer and more striking than in other seasons.
With many of the trees bare in winter, there’s also less obstruction, giving you an even better panoramic view.

“Diamond Fuji” is a stunning natural event where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the peak of Mt. Fuji, creating the illusion of a glowing diamond.
As the sun appears to sink into the crater of Mt. Fuji, the view becomes a truly unforgettable and moving sight.
This rare moment can only be seen during a short window each year—from December 16 to 26, between 4:00 and 4:15 p.m.
The best viewing spots are at the summit and Momijidai, a scenic area just a five-minute walk from the top.
Whether you’ll catch the view depends on the weather, so be sure to arrive early and take your time enjoying the scene.
During this period, the cable car runs extended hours until 6:00 p.m. to accommodate evening visitors.

“Shimo-bashira” refers to delicate ice crystals that form along the stems of certain plants.
This rare natural phenomenon occurs when water drawn up from the roots seeps out of the stem and freezes upon contact with the cold morning air.
These frost flowers typically appear on a perennial plant also called Shimo-bashira and can only be seen on cold winter mornings.
The way the ice extends outward from the stems, forming shapes that resemble petals or ribbons, is breathtaking—like a natural work of art.
Each formation is unique, shaped entirely by chance, and their fragile, one-of-a-kind beauty fascinates all who see them.
Because they melt once the temperature rises, the best time to view them is in the morning, between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Their fleeting presence is part of the magic—reminding us of both the mystery of nature and the fragile power of life itself.
Mt. Takao is known as one of the best places to see frost flowers, with peak viewing from mid-December to late January.
Top spots include the area around the TAKAO 599 MUSEUM at the foot of the mountain, Trail 5, and the north-side bypass trail near Momijidai.

As mentioned earlier, average winter temperatures on Mt. Takao often fall below 10°C, and the summit can even dip below freezing.
You can expect these chillier times especially near early morning and evening hours, even if your body is warmed up from the hike.
This is where a warm and hearty meal steps in.
One of the top winter food recommendations is Mt. Takao’s signature dish: warm tororo soba (buckwheat noodles topped with grated yam).
It’s widely available—not just at the foot of the mountain, but also along Trail 1 and at the summit.
Other must-try treats include grilled dango (rice dumplings) served hot right off the charcoal grill, and freshly baked tenguyaki—a local specialty you can enjoy at Mt. Takao Sumika, located next to the cable car’s Takao Station.