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Mt. Takao: temples, monkeys & waterfall
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Joined 2025
Get the Tengu's protection with an easy forest trail just 1h from Tokyo!
The temple devoted to those deities, is surrounded by centuries-old trees, home of flying squirrels and monkeys.
With along the way waterfalls still in use by monks for meditation.
Mt. Takao hiking is relatively easy and only requires comfortable shoes,
and if the weather is favorable, Mt. Fuji can be seen at the submit!
And in the old town, restaurants and snacks offer a different taste than the capital.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Tokyo
Arrival at the base of Mt. Takao (TakaoSanGuchi Station)
We walk along the historic streets in direction of the museum
Mt. Takao Museum (free)
We discover the animals and plants typical of the region (such as flying squirrels)
Lunch at a local restaurant
The local specialty is buckwheat noodles (soba) with shrimp and vegetable tempura.
Start the ascent of Mt. Takao
We take the steepest cable car in Japan with an angle of 31°, Incredible !
The Forest Gate
Octopus Stone & Octopus Tree
(Optional) The Monkey Park
See Japanese famous monkeys up close !
Adult 500JPY = ~3 USD/EUR Children 250JPY = ~1.5USD/EUR
(Optional) The 108-step staircase !
One step for every earthly desire in Buddhism. But don't worry,
if you don't need to get rid of them, there is a shortcut for the saints :)
Let's go eat dessert: Sesame Dango !
Dango are traditional Japanese sweets made of rice and sesame,
coated with sweet or salty sauce. Perfect for restoring some strength !
Visiting the Tengu's Temple
The "Yakuo-In Yuki-Ji" is a 1200 year old temple dedicated to the Tengu
(Crow & Long-Nose deities, protectors of Mt. Takao).
Tokyo can be seen from the distance.
(Optional) Climbing to the Top !
That's the real difficult part of the trail, 30 minutes of stairs going to the top.
The recompense is a stunning sight of the Japanese natural mountains...
plus a chance to see Mt Fuji when the weather is clear !
(Optional) Return via the Forest & Suspension Bridge
Take a different route to get back; this one involves going deeper into the forest and crossing a suspension bridge. but can get muddy occassionally.
(Optional) Meditation Waterfall
We can do a detour to see the JataKi waterfall,
still used nowadays by Buddhist monks to train their meditation skills.
Shopping at the old town
As we walk back to the train station, it is possible to stop and buy some souvenirs (omiage). The place is known for selling various sweet delicacies.
Take the Train back to Shinjuku (Tokyo)
Returning to your Hotel
We can also stop by Shinjuku to visit and have lunch before getting back to your hotel if you are interested.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Tokyo
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
English/French/Japanese speaking guide
Various anecdotes about the history of the places visited
Pick up and Drop off at your hotel
Train fee for you and the guide, 860JPY ≈ 6USD/EUR p.p.
Meal and drinks for you and the guide 1500JPY ≈ 10USD/EUR p.p.
Funicular for you and the guide, 950JPY ≈ 6USD/EUR p.p.
(Opt.) Monkey Park for you and the guide, 500JPY ≈ 3USD/EUR p.p.
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies.
Important message from the supplier
I am unable to make bookings for customers (e.g. chartered taxi / accommodation....), but I can provide guidance and end my tour at a specific location upon request.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Hardy M.
Being a former student and staff member of the University of Tokyo,
I have a natural ability to communicate with people from all corners of the world.
Regardless of whether you prefer to speak English, French, or Globish with me !
I have practiced Aikido, Iaido (Katana), and Kyudo (Bow) martial arts, and I have also worked on the restoration of Japanese armor. Therefore, I am well-versed in the art of war in ancient Japan.
But my passion for history goes further, and during my guided tours, I will share various anecdotes that will bring ancient Japan to life for you !
I'm also a huge fan of old Japanese video games, especially RPGs, so if you want a true otaku experience, follow me to Nakano Broadway and Akihabara!
If you're interested in arranging a tour that's tailored to your preferences, feel free to send me a message !
Reviews
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Michelle G.
“Highly Recommend Hardy!”
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Hardy. On very short notice, he went out of his way to accommodate my son while he was traveling alone in Japan and in need of some companionship. As a parent, it meant the world to know that someone kind, reliable, and genuinely caring was looking out for him. Not only did Hardy manage to arrange a last-minute tour, but he also made sure my son felt comfortable throughout the experience. My son told me that Hardy was a lot of fun and made their time together truly enjoyable, which made me so happy. It’s rare to meet someone who is not only professional and organized, but also genuinely kind and willing to go the extra mile for someone they’ve just met. I am incredibly grateful for Hardy’s flexibility, kindness, and for making such a positive difference in my son’s travel experience. I would highly recommend Hardy to anyone looking for a tour guide who is knowledgeable, personable, and truly cares about the people he works with.
Milton R.
“Harajuku between a frantic street and tranquil forest”
I am very impressed by his knowledge and patience He really guided us a wonderful time and my daughter and i had very enlightened trip He teach history of the temple and the shops and ate a wonderful meal Thank for a wonderful experience that i will treasure for the rest my life Thank we are really grateful
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Hardy M.
Thank you for your kind words, I really enjoyed this tour with you too... and for once the weather was nice :) Plus I agree with you about the restaurant, it was the best Gyukatsu I ever ate !
Patricia M.
“My favorite guide”
Hardy was my favorite guide of the seven different guides we used during our two week stay in Japan. He is educated and knowledgeable and gave just the right amount of memorable and interesting information. He is fluent in English and French as well as Japanese. Very courteous and flexible, truly a pleasure to work with. As requested, he gave a half day tour of the Tokyo National Museum and a small museum of traditional crafts along with a visit to an artisan’s workshop where I was able to buy a special gift. He also had recently done a hiking tour and an anime focused tour for other guests and could have easily done a food tour. Really can tailor the tour for whatever interests and sites you wish. Higher recommended. Note it took a day for him to reply but he responded in detail and showed up exactly as agreed.
Hardy M.
Thank you very much for your kind words, I am very touched ! It was my pleasure to introduce you to the ancient craft of Edo/Tokyo. Let me thank you in return too, as I discovered a new wonderful silver shop during our tour together. I am certain that many people will enjoy visiting it as much as you did. Wishing you the best for your remaining stay in Japan and a safe return to the west coast.
$157/ per group
More tours by Hardy M.
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Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
The Edo period, when Tokyo became the capital, is often seen as the peak of Japanese art and culture! Temple architecture, woodworking, woodblock prints, porcelain... I will use traditional handicrafts to illustrate the history and lifestyle of the people of Tokyo. Who were the samurai? What difference with a Ninja? How were armors crafted? I am also going to teach you all you need to know about those fierce warriors in front of a large collection of authentic weapons & armors.
Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
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History of Tokyo Bay: Battleships & Industrialization of Japan
Take a day to discover how the destiny of Tokyo & Japan was shaped by the Tokyo Bay! From Yokohama, the first industrial port, to boarding the Mikasa, once the flagship of the imperial Navy. Let me tell you the complex love story between the Japanese & the sea, with centuries-old and modern ships of the Japanese & American navies as a backdrop. Traveling along the Miura Peninsula coast, you will discover what most of Japan is really like: small towns nestled between mountains and rivers / sea.
History of Tokyo Bay: Battleships & Industrialization of Japan
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Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
Harajuku is like Japan; a place where ancestral traditions meet with modern society! On one side, Meiji Jingu, a tranquil century-old forest home of a majestic Imperial temple. On the other side, Takeshita Street, a vibrant and frantic place to be for young Japanese, known for its cosplay & Gothic shops. But also Omotesando, equivalent to Paris "Champs-Élysées", large avenue full of the most famous luxury brands shops.
Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
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Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !
Dive into Japanese Otaku and Punk subcultures only 10 minutes away from Tokyo. Nakano Broadway is a cheaper and easier alternative to Akihabara for Anime, Manga, Figurine, and Video Games lovers. Thus, I highly recommend visiting Nakano Broadway first and then heading to Akihabara. Koenji is the hub of Punk, alternative rock, and Gothic subculture in Tokyo, and it has a lot of vintage clothing stores. Also, there are a lot of barbecue bars in the vicinity of the station.
Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !
Other Popular Nature & Outdoor Tours in Tokyo
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Mount Mitake, Mount Otake and Mt. Nokogiriyama One Day Hike
This is a one-day 3 peaks hike covering Mt. Nokogiriyama (1,107m) , Mt. Otake (1,266m), and Mt. Mitake (929m). It is approximately a 4-6 hour hike with a series of up-and-down mountain trail hikes. The tour will end in Mitake Shrine and will head down using MitakeTozan Railway going to Mitake Station The course will be approximately 12km in total.
Mount Mitake, Mount Otake and Mt. Nokogiriyama One Day Hike
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One-day trip to Hakone
Hakone (箱根) is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than one hundred kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, natural beauty, and the view across Lake Ashinoko of nearby Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo.
One-day trip to Hakone
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Tokyo Cherry Blossoms viewing at various spots (1)
This tour introduces you about Tokyo Cherry Blossoms viewing at various spots such as Chidorigafuchi park, Yasukuni shrine, Tokyo Midtown and Nogizaka park. The season of this tour is around mid of March to that of April. You can focus to enjoy the beautiful Cherry Blossoms during this tour.
Tokyo Cherry Blossoms viewing at various spots (1)
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Mount Tanzawa Intermediate Hiking Adventure
Mt. Tanzawa, standing at 1,567 meters, is a scenic peak located in Kanagawa Prefecture, within the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park. It’s part of the famous Tanzawa mountain range, known for its lush forests, well-maintained trails, and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Sagamihara, and Tokyo Bay on clear days. The area offers a serene hiking experience with mountain huts, streams, and diverse wildlife, perfect for nature lovers seeking an accessible mountain adventure near Tokyo.
Mount Tanzawa Intermediate Hiking Adventure