Can You Hike Mt. Takao in Jeans?

Mt. Takao is known as the most climbed mountain in the world.
But can you actually hike Mt. Takao wearing jeans?
The answer is: yes, you can!

In this article, we’ll explain whether people actually hike Mt. Takao in jeans, and what you should be careful about if you choose to do so.

■You Can Hike Mt. Takao in Jeans

To put it simply: yes, it’s possible to hike Mt. Takao in jeans.

However, there are a few important things to keep in mind, and there are situations where we wouldn’t recommend it — we’ll cover those below.

■Do People Actually Hike Mt. Takao in Jeans?

Mt. Takao attracts about 2.7 million hikers a year, making it the busiest mountain in the world.
When I visited during the autumn foliage season, I saw quite a few people hiking in jeans, especially middle-aged men.

Mt. Takao offers several trails. If you choose the most popular route, Trail 1, the path is mostly paved and easy to walk on.

Here’s a photo showing what Trail 1 looks like along the way.

■Important Tips for Hiking in Jeans

If you plan to hike in the summer, jeans are not a good idea.
Denim and other cotton fabrics tend to absorb sweat and dry very slowly.
As a result, you might end up feeling damp and uncomfortable during your hike.

Also, if you plan to hike one of the non-paved trails — like Trail 6 or the Inariyama Trail — it’s better to avoid jeans.
These trails are more rugged mountain paths where jeans can restrict your movement and easily get caught on branches.

If you want a smoother hiking experience, it's best to wear lightweight hiking pants or sportswear instead.

We also have a detailed article about hiking Mt. Takao here.

If you’re looking for good hiking clothes, outdoor specialty shops are a great place to find quality gear.
L-Breath is a specialty outdoor store operated by Japan's major sports retailer, Xebio.
They have physical stores like the one in Jimbocho (Tokyo’s outdoor gear district) and also sell online with occasional discounts.

If you want to shop with confidence and invest in high-quality hiking gear, L-Breath is highly recommended.

■Summary