Weekend Refresh! Enjoy Nature and Gourmet on a Hike to Mount Takao

On a weekend morning, I took the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station. The train was a bit crowded with people heading for hiking or sightseeing, but the lively atmosphere added to the excitement of the journey. Mount Takao is a popular tourist spot, and there were already many people gathered around the station and the trailhead. This time, I chose the Omotesando Route (Trail No. 1). Along the way, there were spots like Yakuoin Temple and tea houses, making the trail vibrant and uplifting. Families with children, couples, and elderly hikers were all around, showing how beloved this mountain is across different age groups. The summit was slightly crowded, but the panoramic view of the Kanto Plain was breathtaking! I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji's silhouette in the distance. On the way back, I took the cable car down and stopped by a tea house to enjoy local specialties like "Tengu-yaki" and "Sanpuku Dango." The lively atmosphere of nature and people made for a pleasant and refreshing weekend, turning it into a fulfilling day. [Access Information] • Keio Line: From Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station, about 50 minutes (via express train) • Takaosanguchi Station is a short walk to the trailhead • Hiking Route: Trail No. 1 (Omotesando Course), approximately 90 minutes one way • Recommended to arrive early in the morning on weekends