The Most Visited Mountain in the World is Only an Hour from the Heart of Tokyo
Mount Takao, the world's most visited mountain, is located in Hachioji City. It is easily accessible from central Tokyo, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. The surrounding area is designated as Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. Its abundant nature and beautiful landscape that changes throughout the seasons continue to attract many people all year round.
History of Mount Takao since the Nara period
The history of Mount Takao goes back to the year 744. The establishment of Takaosan Yakuo-in Temple was due to an imperial command from Emperor Shomu, who reigned from 724 to 749 and held a strong belief in Buddhism. Gyoki, a monk of Yakushi Temple known for erecting a giant statue of Buddha in Nara Prefecture, was responsible for founding the temple. It is only in the Kamakura period that the temple became colorful as it is today. The reason why Mount Takao is so rich in nature is because the Hojo clan that governed the mountain during the Sengoku period (1467-1603) put a ban on felling trees. The order continued to be followed even after the area came under direct control of the Tokugawa regime.
From Beginner to Advanced Hiking Courses
At Mount Takao, nature-loving trekkers can choose the best trail for their goals and level of experience. There are more than 10 courses, including three that start at the foot of the mountain, trails that start from halfway up the mountain, and loop hikes. Trail distances range from about 900 meters to 15 kilometers, giving plenty of options to both casual and advanced hikers.
A cable car and a chair lift are great options if you are bringing along small children and elderly people. Offered at the foothills of the mountain, it can take passengers to 472 meters above sea level. Even if you started to hike from the entrance of the mountain, you could reach the summit in about an hour and 40 minutes.
An observatory near the cable car's Takaosan Station offers a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain, including the Okuchichibu and Nikko mountain ranges, the cities of Hachioji and Tachikawa, skyscrapers in the Metropolitan area, Yokohama Landmark Tower, and Tokyo Tower. During warmer seasons, it is bustling with people who come to enjoy the beautiful night view of Sagami Bay and Enoshima.
Mount Takao's biggest attraction is Takao Yakuo-in Temple, located just before its summit. Here you can purchase an amulet, offer a prayer, and try Buddhist cuisine. You could try counting numerous statues of Tengu, which is a legendary creature with a red face and long nose found in Japanese folk religion. The summit is only a 20-minute walk from the temple. Mount Fuji is visible on sunny days and its beauty is sure to soothe away your fatigue.
Mount Takao's Legend of Tengu
Facing Yakuoin Izunagongendo, there is a large statue of tengu, featuring a long nose on its right side and a small one with a bird's beak on its left side. We'd like to tell the story of Takosugi, one of the legends of tengu that continues to be told in Mount Takao.
In the early days, when Mount Takao had just been founded, the path leading to Yakuo-in Temple was still rugged. It was a big challenge for the weak and the elderly who wanted to pay a visit. Thus, one night, all the tengu that live in the mountain held a meeting and decided to pave the way for the worshippers. With the creatures' supernatural power, the approach was completed instantly--except for one area. Directly before the temple, in the middle of the path, there was a giant Japanese cedar with roots spreading in every direction. The tengus' supernatural power was not enough against the tree so they decided to chop it down the following day.
Overnight, the cedar tree found out about the plan. It shrank its trunk and moved its giant roots to where it wouldn't interfere with the path. Witnesses said that the motion of the tree looked like that of an octopus. In this way, the path to the temple was finally completed.
Because of this anecdote, takosugi (octopus cedar) became known as a lucky cedar tree that helped "pave the way."
Gourmet and Art Experiences Galore
Rest assured that you can still have fun on Mount Takao even if you are not keen on hiking. There are many buckwheat noodle shops, restaurants serving western food, and gift shops along the path, from the foothills to the summit. Buckwheat noodles topped with grated yam, called tororo soba, is a local specialty. The dish has been popular since old times because yam, being rich in nutrients, would allay the fatigue of worshippers who visited Mount Takao. Snacks such as ice cream and dumplings can also relieve tiredness from hiking.
There are many other places of interest in the Mount Takao area aside from hiking and visiting Yakuo-in Temple.
Kobotokesan Housryu-ji
Kobotokesan Horyu-ji is a temple of the Rinzai Nanzen-ji sect founded in 15th century. You may rest in the quiet precinct while listening to the murmur of Kobotoke River running by the side of the temple. A giant tree called Kobotoke no kagonoki on the left side of main hall is designated as a protected species of Tokyo.
Mount Takao Monkey Park and the Wild Plant Garden
Mount Takao Monkey Park and the Wild Plant Garden are located halfway up the mountain. There are about 70 Japanese macaques. You can listen to staff's explanation about topics such as the structure of macaque groups lead by an alpha male. Monkeys reply to staff when they are called by name. At the Wild Plant Garden, you can observe about 300 wild plants, including manchurian violets.
The trick art museum is where visitors can experience various optical illusions that are based on their assumptions and preconceptions. You might feel as though you have become part of a painting simply by touching it or squatting in front of it.
Although the botanical garden is a research facility that studies plants and animals living in forests, it is open to visitors as well. Not only can you see seasonal plants and animals, but also the largest collection of cultivated cherry blossoms in the country. The garden becomes especially crowded during the cherry blossom viewing season.
Nature, scenery, hiking, history, and legend do not begin to exhaust the subject of Mount Takao. It shows a different face every season, allowing visitors to discover something new during each visit.
Please check the websites below for tourist information related to Mount Takao.
Hachioji Tourism Association
URL: https://www.hkc.or.jp/
Takaotozan Railway
URL: http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/
*This article was posted on the Life in Tokyo website operated by the Tokyo International Communication Committee on March 29, 2017.