Japan
›
Tokyo
›
Tours
›
Nature & Outdoor
›
Mt. Takao: temples, monkeys & waterfall

Beware of the Tengu's wrath !

Buddhist stairs with 108 steps !

freshly baked dango with sesame

old town's shopping street

Mt. Fuji at nightfall, from the submit

Mt. Takao, home of flying squirrels

Takao's forest suspension bridge

Entering Mt Takao's sacred forest

Japanese macaques - monkey park

making our way to the submit

Sacred gate to the temple

The Tengu's temple: Yakuo-in

Mt. Takao: temples, monkeys & waterfall

Nature & Outdoor

Joined 2025

Hardy M.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Tokyo

English, French (Native), Japanese

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Hardy M.)

Up to 8 people

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!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel in Tokyo

10:30 AM

Arrival at the base of Mt. Takao (TakaoSanGuchi Station)

We walk along the historic streets in direction of the museum

11:00 AM

Mt. Takao Museum (free)

We discover the animals and plants typical of the region (such as flying squirrels)

11:30 AM

Lunch at a local restaurant

The local specialty is buckwheat noodles (soba) with shrimp and vegetable tempura.

12:30 PM

Start the ascent of Mt. Takao

We take the steepest cable car in Japan with an angle of 31°, Incredible !

01:00 PM

The Forest Gate

Octopus Stone & Octopus Tree

01:00 PM

(Optional) The Monkey Park

See Japanese famous monkeys up close !

Adult 500JPY = ~3 USD/EUR Children 250JPY = ~1.5USD/EUR

01:30 PM

(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 :)

01:30 PM

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 !

02:00 PM

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.

02:30 PM

(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 !

03:00 PM

(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.

03:30 PM

(Optional) Meditation Waterfall

We can do a detour to see the JataKi waterfall,

still used nowadays by Buddhist monks to train their meditation skills.

03:30 PM

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.

04:00 PM

Take the Train back to Shinjuku (Tokyo)

05:00 PM

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

What‘s included

English/French/Japanese speaking guide

Various anecdotes about the history of the places visited

Pick up and Drop off at your hotel

What‘s not included

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

Hardy M.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

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 !