Hiking Mt. Takao
2006-02-20
Scenery at Mt. Takao
Why spend a fortune on anti-stress clinics or other expensive getaways? Mt. Takao is situated just 40 kilometers from central Tokyo. Peaking at just 599 meters, it makes an excellent escape from the hectic environment of a major metropolis. Hiking Takao-san is suitable for any level of fitness and endurance, offering possibilities for almost everyone.
Mt. Takao is a sacred mountain designated as the Meiji-no-mori Takao National Park. In 744, Yakuoin Temple was built there by order of Emperor Shomu. Every year, about 2.5 million people visit this head temple of the Shingon sect Chizan. It is considered to be a symbol of Mt. Takao.
There are various routes to hike up, down and even across the mountain, making it possible for you to control the level of difficulty. Plenty of signs make it easy to navigate even if you don't read Japanese. Upon arriving at Takao-san-guchi, follow the signs to the cable-car station. Though scenic views can be enjoyed from the cable car, I recommend walking the 45 minutes it takes to get to the top in order to reap all the benefits this area has to offer.
I highly recommend Takao-san to anyone looking to see natural beauty that's readily accessible just outside Tokyo. There are a myriad of vending machines and little shops where you can stop and rest on the way up, and he forest will protect you from the sun on hot summer days. In any season, Takao will soothe the mind with its tranquil atmosphere.
To get there take the Keio line. Direct semi-limited express trains from Shinjuku to Takao-san-guchi depart every 20 minutes from track No. 3. With a ticket price of only 370 yen, heading out to Takao-san may be the cheapest option for escaping the busy city life.
To find out more about Mt. Takao refer to http://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/HP-english/sightseeing/sight/takao.html and http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/RTG/RI/kanto/tokyo/takaosan/takaosan.html.
