Departure from Shinjuku: Journey to Mt. Takao After 22 years guiding passengers along the JR Chuo Line as a train conductor, Samurai Guide Sho now leads you on a journey to Mt. Takao. This experience begins not when you reach the mountain, but already at Shinjuku Station. The complexity of the station, buying a Green Car ticket, and making transfers all begin to fall into the rhythm of the journey when you are guided by a former train conductor. Leave the crowded center of Tokyo behind, avoid the busy train ride, and usually travel quietly and comfortably in a seat on the JR Chuo Line Green Car (premium seating). Enjoy the gradual shift from Tokyo’s cityscape to mountain scenery along the way.

Choose the Best Way Up Mt. Takao and Enjoy Local Food At Mt. Takao, the route is adjusted to your group’s fitness level, weather, crowds, and facility availability. For guests who are not confident in their fitness, first-time hikers, or families with children, we may combine the cable car or chairlift with an easier walking route. For intermediate or advanced hikers, or guests who want a more active climb, we can choose a more rewarding hiking route. No special hiking gear is required, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended. During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the cable car and chairlift can be crowded. In that case, we may take a beginner-friendly hiking route with a traditional training waterfall, reaching the summit in about 1.5 hours. Depending on the weather and shop availability, you can enjoy local food such as sweets, ramen, or soba along the way or near the summit. In rain or poor trail conditions, we may use the cable car or another easier option.

Reach the Summit Reach the summit of Mt. Takao by a route adjusted to your group. If we hike to the top, there is a special sense of reward that comes from reaching the summit under your own power. On clear days, you may even see Mt. Fuji. A view that feels far removed from central Tokyo awaits at the top.

Visit Yakuoin Temple and Goma Fire Ritual Visit Yakuoin Temple, a historic temple on Mt. Takao. Rather than simply seeing a sightseeing spot, this is time to place yourself within its atmosphere. Let’s spend a moment resetting the mind. If timing allows, you may also see the Goma fire ritual at Yakuoin Temple. It is a memorable temple experience where prayers are offered in front of sacred fire. The Goma fire ritual is available only if the timing works.

Monkey Park Depending on opening conditions, crowd levels, and your group’s interests, we may also stop at the Monkey Park. This is especially enjoyable for families with children. It adds a light and fun moment to the day, different from the mountain nature and temple atmosphere.

Descend from the Mountain After the temple visit and optional Monkey Park stop, we descend by chairlift, cable car, or on foot depending on the weather, crowd conditions, and your group’s fitness level. During busy periods, we may walk down instead of using the chairlift or cable car. The downhill walk takes about 30 to 40 minutes. In case of rain or poor trail conditions, this may be changed to the cable car or another easier option.

Onsen / Sauna / Craft Beer After the hike, Yakuoin Temple, and optional stops adjusted to your group, you can choose a bathing option to finish the day. The standard option is a natural hot spring at the foot of Mt. Takao. Please note that guests with tattoos cannot use this facility. If you have tattoos and are 20 or older, you can choose a tattoo-friendly bathing and sauna facility, where you can also enjoy craft beer brewed inside the facility. If you have tattoos and are traveling with children, a tattoo-friendly local public bath with an open-air bath can be arranged. A short taxi or bus ride may be used if needed. Towels can be arranged at all bathing facilities. You can also skip the spa entirely and end the tour with food, drinks, or a relaxed return to Shinjuku. This private tour will not leave you confused by Japan’s hot spring rules. You can end the day in a way that fits your group.

Return to Shinjuku Usually, we return comfortably to Shinjuku by JR Chuo Line Green Car (premium seating). Whether you enjoyed a hot spring or sauna, or chose to skip the spa, the final ride stays relaxed and unhurried. After the hike, Yakuoin Temple, and a finish that fits your group, enjoy the lingering feeling of the mountain as you return to Shinjuku.