Tokyo Fall Leaf Viewing Guide: Mount Takao

Only shopping when you visit Tokyo in the fall? You're missing out! Now is the best time to see the fall leaves. Why not escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go hiking in the mountains in the suburbs? 📍Address: Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan 🚗Transportation: Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station, then walk 3 minutes to the trailhead. 🕙Opening hours: All day 🌟Highlights: Mount Takao is located in Hachioji, Tokyo, and is less than 600 meters above sea level. It is said that nearly 3 million people visit here every year, making it the most visited mountain in the world. In 2007, it was rated as a three-star tourist attraction by the Michelin Guide. The hiking difficulty is low, so even beginners can easily reach the top. The restrooms in the mountain rest area are well-equipped, making it more convenient for tourists. The fall leaf viewing season on Mount Takao is from early November to late December, and visitors come in an endless stream. If you want to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery dyed by nature, come here now! 📌Tips: ✅There are a total of 8 hiking trails on Mount Takao. Trail 1 is suitable for beginners and passes by the main attractions of Mount Takao, such as the monkey park and cedar forest. ✅Hiking on Mount Takao takes at least 1 hour. If you don't want to walk, you can take the Mount Takao cable car to the top. You can take photos of the train passing through the maple forest. ✅If you are interested in animals, you can visit the monkey park, which has more than 90 monkeys. You can watch the monkeys grooming each other, and there is a live commentary. ✅If you climb to the top of Mount Takao this season, you can see the colorful scenery covered by maple leaves. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance. You can take great photos. ✅You must try the natural yam soba noodles on Mount Takao. They taste richer than ordinary soba noodles. The "Sakae Chaya" halfway up the mountain is especially popular with tourists, so you may have to wait in line if you arrive late!