Mount Takao, a beloved hiking destination just an hour from Tokyo, transforms into a breathtaking spectacle during cherry blossom season, typically from early to mid-April. Offering a harmonious blend of rural landscapes and easy accessibility, this mountain provides a unique hanami experience for both hikers and casual visitors. The iconic “One Thousand Cherry Trees Trail” and diverse sakura varieties create a pink-hued paradise, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Why Mt. Takao is Worth Visiting

• One Thousand Cherry Trees Trail – A scenic, sakura-lined hiking path that stretches from Momijidai towards Kobotoke Shiroyama, offering stunning views and teahouses along the way.
• Diverse Cherry Blossom Varieties – In addition to Somei Yoshino, visitors can admire Yamazakura, Shidarezakura, Yaezakura, and Edohigan, ensuring a prolonged viewing season.
• Chigo Parade at the Spring Festival – A vibrant procession of children in ceremonial attire, accompanied by Shugendo monks, showcasing cultural heritage.
• Panoramic Viewing Points – The summit observation deck provides breathtaking views of cherry-covered slopes and, on clear days, Mount Fuji in the background.
• Easy Accessibility from Tokyo – A short train ride from Shinjuku makes Mount Takao a convenient day-trip destination.

Mt. Takao Cherry Blossoms

Mount Takao boasts a spectacular range of cherry blossom trees, creating a stunning hanami experience. The highlight of the season is the “One Thousand Cherry Trees Trail”, (Senbonzakura) beginning at Momijidai, where 80-year-old Japanese maples provide a striking contrast to the soft pink sakura. This trail extends towards Kobotoke Shiroyama, immersing visitors in a continuous floral canopy.

Apart from the renowned Somei Yoshino cherry trees, the mountain is home to:

• Yamazakura (Mountain Cherry): These wild trees bloom alongside their leaves from March to April, creating a subtle yet picturesque scene.
• Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry): Graceful trees with drooping branches that bloom slightly earlier than Somei Yoshino.
• Yaezakura: Known for their multi-layered petals, these late bloomers extend the cherry blossom season into mid-April and May.
• Edohigan: One of the earliest bloomers, adding color to the mountain before the main season begins.

For the best hanami experience, visitors should plan their trip for early to mid-April, when most cherry varieties reach peak bloom. Due to the mountain’s elevation, blossoms tend to appear slightly later than in central Tokyo, providing an extended season for sakura enthusiasts.

Mt. Takao Facilities & Amenities

Mount Takao is well-equipped to accommodate visitors. At the summit, a spacious resting area with a traditional tea house offers a relaxing spot to enjoy the view. Facilities such as clean restrooms, convenience stores, and an information center at the Takao Visitor Center ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors. For those interested in additional attractions, the Monkey Park and Botanical Garden add a fun and educational element to the trip, while the Mt. Takao Beer Garden provides a perfect spot to unwind after a hike.

Dining Options

Mount Takao is known for its selection of traditional mountain cuisine. The summit tea house serves specialties like tororo soba (buckwheat noodles with grated yam) and curry rice, perfect for a warm meal amidst the cool mountain air. Along the trails, visitors can stop at various teahouses offering local delicacies such as nameko mushroom soup and dango (sweet rice dumplings). Near the base, the area around Takaosanguchi Station features restaurants serving hearty Japanese meals, including grilled fish and tempura.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-April for peak cherry blossom viewing.
• Avoiding Crowds: Arrive early in the morning or visit on a weekday.
• Cable Car or Lift: Save energy for the scenic cherry blossom trails by taking the cable car or chair lift.
• Hydration: Bring water. While vending machines are available at Mt. Takao, the prices are much higher.
• Hiking Essentials: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many viewing spots require moderate hiking.
• Weather Preparedness: Dress in layers as temperatures can vary at higher elevations.

How to Get to Mt. Takao

Mount Takao is easily accessible from central Tokyo. The Keio Line from Shinjuku Station takes about 50 minutes to Takaosanguchi Station (390 yen one way). From there, it’s a short 5-minute walk to the cable car station and hiking trails.

For JR Pass holders, take the JR Chuo Line to Takao Station, then transfer to the Keio Line for one stop to Takaosanguchi. Visitors can also purchase the Mt. Takao Discount Ticket, which offers round-trip train fare and cable car discounts for approximately 20% savings.

Nearby Attractions

Yakuo-in Temple – A historic Buddhist temple along Trail 1, blending mountain spirituality with cultural heritage.

Kobotoke Shiroyama – A scenic ridge offering expansive views of the surrounding landscapes and cherry blossoms.

Takao 599 Museum – A nature-focused museum near the base, providing insights into the mountain’s biodiversity and ecology.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

Takao Baigo Plum Groves – A hidden gem featuring eight plum groves with over 10,000 trees, offering a vibrant pink and white display from mid-February to mid-March.

Tama Forest Science Garden – A research garden near Takao with a wide variety of cherry trees, providing a tranquil hanami experience away from crowds.

Showa Memorial Park – Located further east, this vast park boasts expansive cherry blossom fields and seasonal flower displays, making it a great alternative for sakura viewing.