Mesmerized by the autumn leaves at Mount Takao: lucky spot is also popular THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
December 25, 2025 PR by The Asahi Shimbun
(Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau grant project)

Near the summit of Mount Takao in Hachioji, elementary school students were climbing the mountain on a field trip.
Near the summit of Mount Takao in Hachioji, elementary school students were climbing the mountain on a field trip.

Though Tokyo is strongly associated with an urban image, it is actually home to many mountains rich in nature and islands surrounded by the sea. One of these, Mount Takao, is just over an hour by train from Shinjuku Station. At an elevation of 599 meters, it features a cable car and gentle hiking trails, making it perfect for autumn hikes amid the colorful foliage. On clear days, Mount Fuji can also be seen from the summit. Drawn by the autumn leaves, we headed to Mount Takao, where the peak of the tourist season was in full swing.

By cable car through the autumn-colored mountain: just like a painting

Perhaps due to the temperature differences, Mount Takao reached its peak autumn foliage earlier than usual this year, in mid-November. When we headed to the cable car station at the base at 9:30 a.m., a huge line had formed despite it being a weekday.

The station building of Takao Tozan Railway at the foot of Mount Takao. On the left is Kiyotaki Station for the cable car, and on the right is Sanroku Station exclusively for the chairlift.
The station building of Takao Tozan Railway at the foot of Mount Takao. On the left is Kiyotaki Station for the cable car, and on the right is Sanroku Station exclusively for the chairlift.

There are multiple routes to the summit of Mount Takao, ranging from beginner-friendly courses with paved paths to more advanced courses that involve walking on relatively steep trails. This time, we chose the easiest route: taking the cable car from the foot of the mountain to the halfway point, then following Trail 1 to the summit. As an option, a two-person chairlift is also available to reach the halfway point.

The view from the Mount Takao cable car. The autumn leaves had turned red and yellow.
The view from the Mount Takao cable car. The autumn leaves had turned red and yellow.

The packed cable car slowly started moving. Standing by the front window gives the sensation of being drawn into a tunnel of autumn leaves. Past the midpoint of the track, the slope suddenly becomes steep. For a cable car, it is one of the steepest in Japan, with a maximum gradient of 31 degrees, 18 minutes. It felt as though your body might topple over unless the handrail is held.

Watching over the mountain for about 1,300 years; praying for good fortune at Takao-san Yakuo-in

“Tako Sugi” (Octopus Cedar) located along Trail 1 of Mount Takao
“Tako Sugi” (Octopus Cedar) located along Trail 1 of Mount Takao

Getting off at Takaosan Station located halfway up the mountain, we start walking toward the summit. Along the path, a single large cedar tree wrapped with a sacred rope appears. Its roots spread out like octopus legs, which is why it is called “Tako Sugi” (Octopus Cedar). It is said to be about 450 years old. This venerable tree is also designated as a natural monument of Hachioji city. *
（※）Source: the Hachioji city government
https://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kankobunka/003/003/002/002/p005242.html

The Shitenno-mon Gate at the entrance to Takao-san Yakuo-in
The Shitenno-mon Gate at the entrance to Takao-san Yakuo-in

After climbing farther from Tako Sugi, the temple gate appeared at the top of the stairs. This is Takao-san Yakuo-in, founded nearly 1,300 years ago by the order of Emperor Shomu. *
（※）Source: Takao-san Yakuo-in
https://www.takaosan.or.jp/sp/about/

The “Goma ritual” is performed inside the Main Hall of Takao-san Yakuo-in.
The “Goma ritual” is performed inside the Main Hall of Takao-san Yakuo-in.

In the Main Hall, the “Goma ritual,” a fire ceremony to pray for wishes to come true, is performed daily and the public can participate by applying.

The “Negai Kanau Wakuguri,” one of the power spots at Takao-san Yakuo-in
The “Negai Kanau Wakuguri,” one of the power spots at Takao-san Yakuo-in

We saw a line formed in front of a rectangular stone ring. Its center is hollowed out large enough for a person to pass through. Called the “Negai Kanau Wakuguri” (Wish-Granting Ring Passage), it is believed that passing through this hole will remove worldly desires and bestow wisdom. Furthermore, it is said that striking the large “shakujo” (monk’s staff) after passing through the hole will make your wish come true.

The reward at the summit: a breathtaking stage dyed in vivid red

People take commemorative photos with the autumn foliage at the summit of Mount Takao.
People take commemorative photos with the autumn foliage at the summit of Mount Takao.

Climbing the stairs that continue from Takao-san Yakuo-in, we headed for the summit while glancing at the energetic footsteps of elementary school students on a field trip. At the 599-meter peak, the air was clear and crisp, making us take a deep breath without thinking. Around the autumn-colored trees, many people were enjoying taking commemorative photos.

People take commemorative photos at the summit of Mount Takao.
People take commemorative photos at the summit of Mount Takao.

The summit is selected as one of the “100 Scenic Spots for Viewing Mount Fuji in the Kanto Region,” (*) and on clear days you can see Mount Fuji. It was a moment where the hustle and bustle of everyday life seemed to slip away, and our heart felt suddenly lighter. Leaving behind the noise of the city to savor such a moment is a true luxury. On your next day off, why not take a short trip to Mount Takao, an easy getaway?”
Source: Kanto Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
https://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/chiiki/fuji100.html

On this day, clouds covered Mount Takao, so Mount Fuji could not be seen.
On this day, clouds covered Mount Takao, so Mount Fuji could not be seen.

Information

English website of the Hachioji Visitors and Convention Association
https://www.hkc.or.jp/en/