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. Travel quietly and comfortably by Chuo Line Green Car, and enjoy the gradual shift from Tokyo’s cityscape to mountain scenery along the way.

Choose the Best Way Up Mt. Takao and Enjoy Mountain Food The route is adjusted to your group’s fitness level, the weather, and crowd conditions. Depending on the day, we may combine a hiking route, the cable car, the chairlift, and local mountain food. The tour is suitable for first-time hikers, and sneakers are fine. 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 become very crowded. In that case, we may take a beginner-friendly hiking route where you can see a traditional training waterfall, reaching the summit in about 1.5 hours. Enjoy a relaxed climb at a comfortable pace while taking in the calm mountain air. In case of rain or poor trail conditions, the route may be changed to 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 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. After visiting the temple, we will descend by chairlift, cable car, or on foot, depending on the weather and crowd conditions. During busy periods, the descent may be on foot and take about 30 to 40 minutes. In case of rain, this may be changed to the cable car or another easier option.

Onsen/ Sauna / Craft Beer After the hike and Yakuoin Temple, we descend by scenic chairlift. To finish the day, you can choose the spa option that fits your group. The standard plan is a natural hot spring at the foot of Mt. Takao. Please note that tattoos are not allowed there. If you have tattoos and are 20 or older, you can visit a tattoo-friendly sauna and bathing facility, where you can also enjoy fresh craft beer brewed inside the facility. If you have tattoos and are traveling with children, I will guide you to a tattoo-friendly local public bath with an open-air bath. Towels can be arranged at all 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 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.