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[Mount Takao Clothing Guide] What to Wear for Hiking Mount Takao
Mount Takao is an easy getaway, accessible in Approx. 1 hour from central Tokyo, where you can enjoy hiking casually.
However, depending on the trail, you may need to walk on steep slopes and rough, uneven paths, and the weather can be quite different from the city, so choosing clothing that suits both the climate and the route is important.
This article introduces suitable clothing for hiking Mount Takao in detail, so use it as a guide to choose your outfit and enjoy a safe and comfortable hike.
Choosing the Right Clothing for Your Route on Mount Takao Is Important
There are eight main hiking trails on Mount Takao, and the difficulty varies greatly depending on the course.
That is why choosing clothing that matches your route is also important.
Here are the key points for choosing what to wear when walking Trail 1, Trail 6, and the Inariyama Course, which connect the foot of the mountain to the summit.
If You Walk Trail 1, Everyday Clothes + Sneakers Are Fine!
Trail 1 is a beginner-friendly course, with most of the path paved and access to both a cable car and chairlift.
The first Approx. 30 minutes from the starting point of Trail 1 are steep, but after that the slope becomes relatively gentle.
You can also avoid walking the steep section by taking the cable car or chairlift.
There are also many facilities along the way, such as rest areas and teahouses, so everyday clothes and sneakers are fine.
However, avoid hard-to-walk-in shoes such as high heels or sandals.
Trails 2 through 5, which connect to Trail 1, have few paved sections and are more like mountain paths, so if you plan to walk them, hiking boots are recommended.
For Trail 6 and the Inariyama Course, Prepare Proper Hiking Clothing
Among Mount Takao's hiking trails, Trail 6 and the Inariyama Course are more challenging.
Trail 6 follows a stream and takes you along a path surrounded by trees. The Inariyama Course is a route with ups and downs and an uneven mountain trail.
Both courses continue on unpaved paths, with many slippery sections and uneven areas.
For better stability and safety, hiking boots are recommended.
If you are climbing Trail 6 or the Inariyama Course, dress in proper hiking clothing.
Average Monthly Temperatures on Mount Takao
To choose the right clothing, it is also helpful to know the average temperatures in Hachioji City, where Mount Takao is located, and at the summit of Mount Takao.
There is a temperature difference between Hachioji City and the summit of Mount Takao, so wear clothing that makes it easy to adjust your body temperature while hiking.
Average Temperatures in Hachioji City
- Average Temperature in January
- 3.4°C
- Average Temperature in February
- 4.5°C
- Average Temperature in March
- 8.0°C
- Average Temperature in April
- 13.3°C
- Average Temperature in May
- 18.1°C
- Average Temperature in June
- 21.4°C
- Average Temperature in July
- 25.4°C
- Average Temperature in August
- 26.4°C
- Average Temperature in September
- 22.6°C
- Average Temperature in October
- 16.9°C
- Average Temperature in November
- 11.1°C
- Average Temperature in December
- 5.9°C
Average Temperatures at the Summit of Mount Takao
- Average Temperature in January
- -0.2°C
- Average Temperature in February
- 0.9°C
- Average Temperature in March
- 4.4°C
- Average Temperature in April
- 9.7°C
- Average Temperature in May
- 14.5°C
- Average Temperature in June
- 17.8°C
- Average Temperature in July
- 21.8°C
- Average Temperature in August
- 22.8°C
- Average Temperature in September
- 19°C
- Average Temperature in October
- 13.3°C
- Average Temperature in November
- 7.5°C
- Average Temperature in December
- 2.3°C
Recommended Clothing for Hiking Mount Takao by Season
From here, let’s look at recommended clothing for hiking Mount Takao in each season.
All of these outfits assume that you will be walking Trail 6 or the Inariyama Course, but they are also useful as a reference if you plan to walk Trail 1.
The key points differ by season, but use the illustration below as the basic guide for clothing suitable for hiking Mount Takao.
Recommended Clothing for Mount Takao in Spring (March to May)
From March to May, Mount Takao is beautiful with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. The comfortable temperatures make it an ideal hiking season.
However, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and even during the day the temperature at the summit can fall under 10°C. Dress in layers so you can handle the temperature changes.
Use the following clothing suggestions as a guide, be prepared for weather changes and temperature differences, and enjoy safe spring hiking.
- Long-sleeve Base Layer
- Base layers made of merino wool or polyester with high moisture-wicking performance are recommended.
- Light Fleece
- There are many slightly chilly days, so wear a lightweight fleece with good breathability.
- Windproof Jacket
- Choose a windproof jacket as your outer layer to handle strong spring winds and sudden rain.
- Lightweight Pants
- Long pants are recommended to protect your skin from UV rays and insect bites.
Recommended Clothing for Mount Takao in Summer (June to August)
If you hike Mount Takao during the hot season, protection against heatstroke and UV rays is essential.
Choose clothing that protects you from UV rays, and make sure to hydrate, replenish salt, and take breaks regularly.
- Hat with a Wide Brim
-
A hat style with a wide brim is recommended because it creates shade over a large area around your face and protects your hair and face from UV rays.
Choose one with good breathability, such as one partly made of mesh material. - Sunglasses
- Prepare sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, which can cause fatigue.
- Short-sleeve Shirt + Base Layer or Arm Covers
-
To protect your skin from UV rays, keep skin exposure to a minimum as much as possible.
A long-sleeve shirt with high sweat absorption and quick-drying performance, or a cooling base layer under a short-sleeve shirt, is recommended. - Shorts + Tights
- A combination of shorts and tights is recommended because it is easy to move in and keeps you cool.
Recommended Clothing for Mount Takao in Fall (September to November)
Mount Takao in fall is when the autumn leaves are at their best. It may be said to be the most beautiful season on Mount Takao throughout the year.
The temperature is just right for hiking, but be sure to dress for the chill in the mornings, evenings, and at the summit.
- Long-sleeve Base Layer
- Base layers made of merino wool or polyester with high moisture-wicking performance are recommended.
- Light Fleece
- There are many slightly chilly days, so wear a lightweight fleece with good breathability.
- Down Jacket
- Bring a lightweight, thin down jacket so you can handle the chill in the mornings, evenings, and at the summit.
- Long Pants
- Choose highly stretchable pants so you can move easily.
Recommended Clothing for Mount Takao in Winter (December to February)
In winter, the air is clear and the views from the summit of Mount Takao become even more beautiful.
Temperatures are low and the wind is cold, so solid protection against the cold is necessary.
Also, because daylight hours are short, it is recommended to start your hike early and descend before sunset.
Winter is a good time to avoid crowds and enjoy a quiet hike, but you should be careful about low temperatures and slippery conditions caused by snow.
Use the information below as a guide and enjoy winter hiking safely.
- Thick Base Layer
- To handle the winter cold, it is important to wear a highly insulating base layer that retains body heat without letting it escape. Quick-drying performance is also important so sweat does not chill your body.
- Midweight Fleece
- A midweight fleece with high heat retention is recommended.
- Windproof Jacket
- Wear a jacket with excellent wind resistance, waterproofing, and breathability to protect yourself from cold wind and sudden rain while allowing sweat to escape.
- Down Jacket
-
Bring a down jacket as well so your body does not get cold during breaks.
Please choose one that can be folded and stored in your backpack. - Waterproof, Insulated Hiking Boots
-
Hiking boots that can handle snow, ice, and wet paths and provide good grip are recommended.
Choose a pair with both waterproofing and insulation. - Gloves
- These are necessary to keep your hands from getting cold.
FAQ about Clothing for Hiking Mount Takao
Q
Can I hike in sneakers?
A
You can hike in sneakers if you are taking Trail 1, but hiking boots are recommended for any trail other than Trail 1.
Q
Is everyday clothing okay?
A
If you use the ropeway or chairlift on Trail 1, you can hike in everyday clothing. However, clothing that is easy to move in is recommended.
Q
Are heels or sandals difficult?
A
Hiking in heels or sandals is dangerous, so avoid them.
Summary
In this article, we introduced recommended clothing by route and by season so you can enjoy hiking Mount Takao comfortably.
To make the most of Mount Takao, be sure to prepare clothing suitable for hiking.
If you would like to learn more about the attractions and highlights of Mount Takao, check out this article as well.