19 Things to Do in Hachioji

For sightseeing in Hachioji, autumn is the recommended season.
At Mt. Takao, you’ll find a stunning mix of red, yellow, and green autumn colors, making it a perfect time to enjoy hiking alongside breathtaking views.
The ginkgo tree-lined Koshu Kaido road that leads from Hachioji Station to Mt. Takao is also a sight to behold, with the best viewing period typically from mid-November to early December.
Since it’s crowded during fall, it’s best to visit Mt. Takao in the early morning and explore other attractions around Hachioji in the afternoon.

The main gateways to Hachioji are JR Hachioji Station and Keio Hachioji Station.
JR Hachioji Station is served by the Chuo, Yokohama, and Hachiko lines, offering easy access to Yokohama via the Yokohama Line.
Here’s a table summarizing travel options and travel times from major Tokyo stations to Hachioji Station.

Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City.
With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside!
From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.

Located at the foot of Mount Takao, this popular museum attracts numerous visitors, including hikers descending from the mountain. It showcases optical illusion art that allows visitors not only to see but also to immerse themselves in the artwork.

These are the ruins of Hachioji Castle, built by the Hojo clan of Odawara as a supporting fortress. It was constructed by Hojo Ujiteru between 1582 and 1587, and is well-preserved as a hilltop castle from the Sengoku period, leading to its designation as one of Japan's "Top 100 Castles" in 2006.

This temple was established in 744 by Gyoki, the highest ranked priest, on the orders of Emperor Shomu. It is located in the middle of Mt. Takao and the formal name is Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji. It is a head temple of Shingon Buddhism, and one of the three major temples in the Kanto area with Narita-san Shinsho-ji and Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji. Izuna Daigongen is the principal image who has been believed to appear as a form of Fudo Myoo, Tengu which has been believed to be an attendant for Fudo Myoo and lived in the mountain so many statues of Tengu are placed on the premise.

This facility was named thus from its connection to the birthplace of the author of the well-known Japanese nursery rhyme "Yuyake Koyake".
You can enjoy various activities amid the nature of the four seasons, with multicolored flowers in spring, playing in the river and barbecuing in summer, leaves changing color in autumn, and a snowy landscape in winter.

Takao Plum Village consists of eight plum groves: the Plum Tree Road starting from Kamikunugida Bridge over the old Koshu-kaido road, Sekisho plum grove, Tenjin plum grove, Arai plum grove, Yunohana plum grove, Surusashi plum grove, Kogesawa plum grove, and Kobotoke plum grove, and it takes about 1.5 hours one-way to walk through them all.

This park is known as the location of Takiyama Castle, a fort owned by the Hojo clan, who were prominent during the Warring States Period (1467-1568).
Now designated as a national historical monument, this park is equipped with a strolling path around the castle ruins. While walking around, sense the history contained in these ruins.

The esteemed site of four Japanese Imperial Family tombs, Emperor Taisho and Empress Teimei, Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun, rest at this imperial cemetery set in a pocket of rich nature in the Hachioji city area of Tokyo.

Since its opening in 1952, Isonuma Milk Farm has operated based on the principles of animal welfare. This open farm, located in the town, continues to evolve and offers a unique experience. The spacious farm is home to Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and other rare breeds in Japan. Visitors can interact with the animals over the fence and participate in feeding experiences at any time. In addition to cows, there are also sheep to interact with.

An interactive science museum with a variety of hands-on exhibits and simulators, where visitors can learn about science through play. The facility is divided into three experiential zones: "See," "Touch," and "Create," catering to both preschoolers and adults.

Lush greenery and clear babbling springs hug the space around this irori charcoal grill restaurant, just steps from the foot of Mt. Takao. A visit here will reveal about 6,000 tsubo (approximately 19,842 square meter) of sprawling grounds, gassho-style houses relocated from Etchu Gokayama and a Japanese garden that uses Mt. Takao as a backdrop, that together create a truly unforgettably scenic landscape.

Nestled in a small village in the serene nature of Okutakao Mountain, this homely diner offers a traditional setting and authentic irori where you can enjoy robatayaki (hearth-grilled cuisine) plates of select mountain and sea delicacies, along with grilled meats, fish, and local delights.

Hachioji ramen, characterized by its soy sauce-based broth and finely chopped onions, originated in Hachioji during the 1950s. Located near the south exit of JR Hachioji Station, Binbintei Main Store has been a beloved establishment for over 30 years, with multiple locations throughout the city.

Just a 3-minute walk from Keio Line's Takaosanguchi Station, and located in front of the Kiyotaki Station cable car at the base of Mt. Takao, Takao Sumire-an is the famed local spot for tasty inari sushi and somen noodles. The shop is named after the violet flowers (sumire) that grow on Mt. Takao, complete with a theme that mirrors the same violet color. Hop up to the second floor to find dine-in space where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the lush greenery of Mt. Takao.

This retail multiplex was opened in Spring 2024 in the revamped space that once housed the Keio Takao Building Annex. The KO52 name is coined as a wink at the Keio Electric Railway Takao Line's Takao Station. The “KO” also doubles as a nod to the Japanese word for individuality, and a whimsical invitation to “feel free” (52 or “go-jiyuu-ni” in Japanese sounds “feel free to go ahead”) at this “go to” hub.

The only Michi-no-Eki in Tokyo sells vegetables and other products grown in Hachioji. It has a direct sales shop, a specialty store, a restaurant, and a café, and is used not only by tourists but also by local visitor.
"The Farm Takiyama," an agricultural products direct sales outlet, sells local agricultural products and livestock products and is well known as a place to enjoy locally produced, locally consumed food even in Tokyo.

Mt. Takao is a popular place for mountaineering in Hachioji city, Tokyo. A souvenir shop in the complex facility called Mount Takao Sumika is located near Takaosan station on a cable car halfway up the mountain, it should be recommended to drop by when you visit Mt. Takao.

Located in Hachioji, Tokyo, Mitsui Outlet Park Tama Minami Osawa offers excellent accessibility by both car and train. It's about a 35-minute train ride from Shinjuku Station, and just a 2-minute walk from the nearest station, making it a convenient shopping destination.

Wrapped in iconic black façade, step over to Soto Terrace for plenty to do and pure Japanese vibes.
Here you’ll find a collective of different spots to visit including a performance hall for showcasing historical traditional culture and performing arts, restaurants and shops looking to become the next long-loved classic and a lively center plaza that doubles as a communal space.

In July of 2021, an inn was opened in front of Keio Takao Line’s Takaosanguchi Station. Not only just staying, but you can also have hands-on experiences at this “activity hotel.”
Their activities cover pottery, order-made tours in Takao, leather craft, etc., all guided by local guides and creators.

The Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji and its full array of 200 different rooms and styles makes it a shoo-in for all types of travel. It’s located at an easy and close location near both Keio Hachioji Station and JR Hachioji Station, perfect for heading in and out from the city center. Hikers and travelers from around the world love this spot as it makes a great base before taking the climb up the ever-popular Mount Takao.

Mount Takao, a popular spot boasting the world's highest number of climbers at approximately 2.6 million annually, is just about an hour away from the city center by train. Its well-maintained hiking trails and a moderate altitude of 599 meters make it not only popular among domestic tourists but also with many climbers visiting from abroad.