Mt. Takao is famous as the most climbed mountain in the world.
Takao is a very popular tourist spot, with nature, gourmet food, and hot springs.
For those who are climbing Mt. Takao for the first time, here are some recommendations on how to climb Mt. Takao, climbing routes, and mountaineering attire.
Knowledge of Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is a 599-meter-high mountain located in the western part of Tokyo, Japan.
The type of mountain is classified as a mountain formed by tectonic movement and is not volcanic in origin.
Climbing is possible in any season: spring, summer, fall, and winter. With 2.7 million climbers per year, it is the most visited mountain in the world. The number of climbers has increased even more since the mountain was included in the Michelin Guide.
There are many routes from the foot of the mountain to the summit, and the easiest route has well-maintained footpaths, so even beginners can easily climb the mountain.
So, what are some of the best things about Mt. Takao?
Recommendations for Mt.Takao
１．Easy access by one train from Shinjuku.
The nearest station to the trailhead of Mt. Takao is "Takaoyamaguchi" station on the Keio Line. It is only one train ride from Shinjuku, and takes about one hour.
One of the reasons for the popularity of Mt. Takao is its easy accessibility, only an hour from central Tokyo.
２．A wide variety of gourmet foods including the famous Tororo Soba
Takao is famous for "Tororo Soba" (buckwheat noodles with grated yam on top).
There are many other things to eat besides Tororo Soba, ramen, pizza, dango…etc. There are many food shops around the entrance to Mt. Takao.
３．Lots of climbing routes. Some routes for beginners.
There is more than one route from the trailhead to the summit of Mt. Takao.
There is also a loop route that goes around the mountain, and the abundance of variations in climbing routes makes it enjoyable to visit again and again.
The route recommended for beginners is the most main route called "1-Gouro(it means No. 1 trail)".
The path from the trailhead to the summit is paved and easy to walk on. A cable car or lift ride is also available from the trailhead to the midpoint of the mountain. For beginners, we recommend the No. 1 trail, which is easy to climb and passes through various popular spots.
※Climbing route and approximate time required
- 「１号路」1-Gouro(No. 1 trail)(for beginners): Ascent/100 min. Downward/90 min.
- 「６号路」6-Gouro(No. 6 trail)(slightly advanced): up/90 min. down/70 min.
４．Hot spring facilities to relieve fatigue
Takaoyamaguchi Station, the closest station to the trailhead for Mt. Takao, there is a hot spring facility directly connected to the station called "Gokurakuyu".
Opened in 2015, this relatively new facility is a great spa to relieve fatigue.
Because of its proximity to the station, it is a popular spot to stop by on your way home.
What should I wear to climb Mt. Takao?
Mt. Takao, clothing will vary depending on which climbing route you choose.
For example, if you are a beginner, you can climb the No. 1 trail in comfortable clothes appropriate for the season. Easy-to-move clothes are T-shirts, flannel shirts, hoodies, and so on.
Clothing that is easy to put on and take off is recommended for mountaineering so that body temperature can be easily regulated.
As for shoes, trekking shoes are easier to walk in because of the uphill and downhill walking. However, since there are many asphalt-maintained sections of the No. 1 trail, it is possible to climb the mountain with ordinary sneakers as well.
However, be careful with sneakers that do not have grooves on the soles of the shoes, as they can easily slip on the wet ground.
As for trousers, jeans are not at all difficult to climb in, but they do not absorb perspiration and are not stretchy, so chinos or trousers made of soft material are recommended in summer.
For the upper body, normal attire is sufficient, but it is advisable to prepare long sleeves in case of cold weather depending on the season.
If you want to go on No. 6 trail, shoes should be trekking shoes and pants should be mountaineering pants, as No. 6 trail is a complete mountain trail.
list of things to take
Since climbing Mt. Takao can be done in a day trip, luggage is standard.
- Rucksacks, Backpacks
- Water bottle (PET bottle)
- food
Packed lunches (or a local gourmet meal)
Snacks (food that can be eaten quickly as an action food) - towel for wiping sweat
- garbage bag
- hat
- Sunscreen (in summer and on sunny days in spring, fall, and winter)
- Rain gear, folding umbrella (weather permitting)
How to get to the foot of the mountain
Mt. Takao can be accessed by car or by train (the nearest station is on the Keio Line). Since Mt. Takao is very crowded during peak season, we recommend that you take the train rather than a car.
If you must drive, we recommend that you arrive early in the morning. If you are driving, instead of coming to Takaoyamaguchi, you can stay in the Takao area one stop before the Keio Line and come one stop by train.
A little disadvantage.
Mt. Takao is a very popular tourist spot, so it is very crowded on weekends during the holiday season, such as the season of fresh green leaves and autumn foliage. The crowds are described in the following article.
