[Mount Takao Transportation Guide] How to Get There from Central Tokyo + Money-Saving Passes

One key thing to note when accessing Mount Takao by train is that the nearest station is not “Takao Station,” but Keio Line’s “Takaosanguchi Station.”
The station names are similar and easy to mix up, but it takes Approx. 30 minutes on foot from Takao Station to the trailhead of Mount Takao.
The nearest station, Takaosanguchi Station, is located at the foot of Mount Takao, and you can reach the trail entrance and the cable car, chairlift boarding area in around 5 minutes on foot.
If you accidentally get off at Takao Station, don’t worry, it’s only Approx. 3 minutes by train to Takaosanguchi Station.

Travel time, fares, and the number of transfers from major stations often used for sightseeing in Tokyo to Takaosanguchi Station are as follows.
Here, the information is based on the route with the fewest transfers.
Since you can reach Takaosanguchi Station in 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes from any station, Mount Takao is also well suited for a day trip.

Among the major stations in central Tokyo, Shinjuku Station is the most convenient for accessing Mount Takao.
From Shinjuku Station, you can use either the Chuo Line or the Keio Line, but the most recommended route is via the Keio Line.
If you use the Chuo Line, you need to transfer to the Keio Line at Takao Station and head to Takaosanguchi Station.
On the other hand, if you take the Keio Line Limited Express bound for “Takaosanguchi,” you can arrive at Takaosanguchi Station in under 1 hour with no transfers.
However, even on the Keio Line, trains bound for “Keio-Tama-Center” or “Hashimoto” do not go to Takaosanguchi Station, so be careful.
If the train is bound for “Keio-Hachioji,” you’ll need to transfer at Kitano Station, so keep that in mind.
Another reason we recommend using the Keio Line is that there are money-saving tickets you can use to access Mount Takao and for sightseeing in the surrounding area.
From here, we’ll introduce the reserved-seat train that can get you to Mount Takao more easily and quickly, along with tickets you should consider using.

A reserved-seat train operated by Keio Corporation that connects Shinjuku Station and Takaosanguchi Station. It runs only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, when many hikers visit Mount Takao.
On trains bound for Takaosanguchi, the only stop after leaving Shinjuku is Meidaimae (boarding only), and after that it runs nonstop to the final stop.
It connects Shinjuku and Takaosanguchi in as fast as 45 minutes. Inokashira Line users can transfer to the “Mt.TAKAO” at Meidaimae.

The “Mount Takao Cable Car” connects the route from the base to the mid-slope, which would take around 1 hour on foot, in Approx. 6 minutes.
Between Kiyotaki Station at the base and Takaosan Station on the mountain, the line is Approx. 1,000 m long, with an elevation difference of Approx. 270 m.
The steepest section near Takaosan Station reaches 31 degrees, the steepest gradient for a cable car in Japan. The seasonal nature and the spectacular views of Mount Takao from inside the car are a must-see.

A two-seater sightseeing chairlift that connects the base station (elevation 201 m) and the mountaintop station (elevation 462 m).
It is 872 m long and takes around 12 minutes one way.
It runs roughly parallel to Nature Trail Course 1, so using it one way only is also recommended.
The cable car runs along almost the same route, and the fare is the same.
On a nice day, we recommend choosing the chairlift with its pleasant breeze. With Kitayama-daisugi cedars lined up below you, a wonderful view opens up.