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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
Yelena R.
“Easy going and very knowledgeable ”
We really enjoyed our time with Hardy, he met us at the hotel and discussed the day. He knows a lot about the culture, history and spots to see. Recommend him.
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Hardy M.
Thank you very much; I am happy that you enjoyed the Japanese "omikoshi" festival with the Shinto priest's blessing. It is a rare spectacle that I have found for this day with you.
Julieanne D.
“Stations are daunting, loved takeshita street and enjoyed walking and looking”
We had a great time with Marshall. We had been specific about what we needed to do eg. Work out shinagawa and tokyo stations, and then he just showed us around different areas of interest. Nothing too structured and at our pace, exactly as we had asked. Would recommend him again
Hardy M.
Thank you for the wonderful day we spent together. I hope my explanations were clear enough for you to take the Shinkansen without any problems.
Philippe J.
“Excellent tour !”
We really enjoyed the tour, it was a great introduction on how to navigate in Tokyo and M. Hardy did great at finding alternatives despite the heavy rain and obon. As we are French speaking, being with a native french speaker was much easier for us. We recommend to take a tour with him !
Hardy M.
Thank you for your kind comment; I hope to attract more French speakers in the future, especially from Quebec, as they are very friendly people ! I hope the rest of your trip was pleasant !
$203/ per group
More tours by Hardy M.
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Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
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Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !
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Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
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Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
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History of Tokyo Bay: Battleships & Industrialization of Japan
Other Popular Nature & Outdoor Tours in Tokyo
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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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bildhübsche Oase: japanischer Garten-Tour
Sie besuchen drei japanische Gärten. Jeder Garten hat eigene Eigenschaft und eigene Geschichte. Genießen Sie bitte die schöne Landschaft und entspannen Sie sich bitte.
bildhübsche Oase: japanischer Garten-Tour
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Tokyo Cherry Blossoms viewing at various spots (1)
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Tokyo Cherry Blossoms viewing at various spots (1)
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Explore two breathtaking Japanese gardens
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Explore two breathtaking Japanese gardens
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