Mount Takao

What it is

• A 599-meter mountain located in Hachioji within a quasi-national park.
• The starting point of the long-distance Tokai Nature Trail.
• Home to Yakuoin Temple which was founded on the mountainside in 744.
• A designated Japan Heritage site with a three-star Michelin Green Guide rating.

What to see

• Yakuoin Temple buildings located halfway up the mountain slopes.
• A summit observatory and the Takao Visitor Center for local information.
• A cable car and chairlift system for transport to the mountainside.
• Views of the Ken-O Expressway tunnel passing beneath the mountain terrain.

When to go

• Visit during the winter solstice to see the Diamond Fuji sunset phenomenon.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.