Mount Takao Chairlift
1 / 10

Mount Takao Chairlift

4.2
·557 reviews·Hachioji, Japan

Glide up Mount Takao on a scenic chairlift, offering breathtaking views and a fun escape from Tokyo. Catch glimpses of Mt. Fuji!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Mount Takao Chairlift

Mount Takao Chairlift

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Glide up Mount Takao on a scenic chairlift, offering breathtaking views and a fun escape from Tokyo. Catch glimpses of Mt. Fuji!

4.2
(557 reviews)

"The chairlift ride is very fun and the views are great, well worth it after trekking up the mountain!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Early

Lines can be very long, especially on weekends. Get your ticket in advance to save time.

⏰ Check Closing Times

The chairlift typically closes around 4:30 PM. Plan your descent accordingly to avoid a long hike down.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Chairlift Ride

Scenic Chairlift Ride

Mount Takao

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views as you glide up the mountainside. A fun and easy way to reach the summit.

Instagram
Mount Fuji Vista

Mount Fuji Vista

Mount Takao Summit

On clear days, catch a stunning glimpse of the iconic Mount Fuji from the summit.

Instagram
Autumn Foliage

Autumn Foliage

Mount Takao slopes

Witness vibrant autumn leaves painting the mountainside in spectacular colors.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

Weekends and holidays see massive crowds. Arrive early, especially during fall foliage season, to snag a spot on the chairlift without an hours-long wait. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed ascent. Reddit

Chairlift vs. Cable Car

While both offer an easy ride up Mount Takao, the chairlift provides a more open-air experience. The cable car is a good alternative if you prefer enclosed transport. Both save significant hiking time. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Avoid weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Stunning fall colors
Crowd
High
When
Clear day mornings
Why
Best chance for Fuji view
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

八王子には”BLEACH“の聖地があります!!The Next Station is “Hachioji” #bleachanime #ブリーチ #聖地巡礼 #animereallife
@bunny.trips808
257.7K likes • 2.6M views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Early

Lines can be very long, especially on weekends. Get your ticket in advance to save time. Reddit

⏰ Check Closing Times

The chairlift typically closes around 4:30 PM. Plan your descent accordingly to avoid a long hike down. Reddit

For my second time to Mount Takao I decided to take the chairlift, it was a fun experience! 🙈 Then you have to walk up the mountain and reach the top with the view on Mount Fuji 🗻 . . Per la mia seconda volta sul Monte Takao ho deciso di prendere la seggiovia, è stata un’esperienza divertente! 🙈 Quindi bisogna salire sulla montagna e raggiungere la cima con la vista sul Monte Fuji 🗻 . . #ellylakes...
elly_lakes
35 likes • 6.1K views
A 12-Minute Chairlift Adventure to the Hillside 📍 Mount Takao, Hachioji | 高尾山, 八王子 #reels #insta_of_japan #instagram #japan #tokyo #日本 #東京 #japanstyle #japaninsta #instajapan #japanvibes #tokyovibes #japanlife #インスタ #インスタ映え #japantrip #japantravel #japanlover #chairlift #mount
japan.clips
23 likes • 254 views

🚶‍♀️ Save Time Hiking

The chairlift can save you about 40 minutes of hiking time to reach the summit. Reddit

📸 Souvenir Photos

You can opt for a souvenir photo during your ride down for 1000 yen. You decide at the exit if you want to buy it. Reddit

My ultimate low budget travel tip to escape the crowded Tokyo 🫶🏻 This is Mount Takao loacated in Hachioji. The Mountain has many hiking paths but if you want to save time you can take a cable car or chairlift ( one way 450 yen) Along the way there are little food shops and beautiful temples 👍🏻 If you climb up to the top in the morning you can see Mount Fuji 😍🗻 From Shinjuku station you can ge...
viviane.m.g
19K likes • 444.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Early

Lines can be very long, especially on weekends. Get your ticket in advance to save time. Reddit

⏰ Check Closing Times

The chairlift typically closes around 4:30 PM. Plan your descent accordingly to avoid a long hike down. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Save Time Hiking

The chairlift can save you about 40 minutes of hiking time to reach the summit. Reddit

📸 Souvenir Photos

You can opt for a souvenir photo during your ride down for 1000 yen. You decide at the exit if you want to buy it. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Even with the chairlift, you'll do some walking. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(557 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Mount Takao chairlift a fun and convenient way to ascend, offering great views and saving hiking time. The chance to see Mount Fuji and the stunning autumn foliage are major highlights. However, be prepared for significant crowds, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, which can lead to long waits.

"You will pay 490 yen for a one way journey. There is limited safety devices but it works. The journey will take approximately 20 mins from top to bottom. Well worth it after trekking up the mountain!"

Damien Smith

"Lift is very fun and the treadmill makes it easy to get in and out of. On the way down there's a chance of having a souvenir photo taken for 1000yen (they'll take it regardless and you choose at the exit if you want to buy or not). Just the view as soon as you exit the lift is great, but you can follow the paved road to continue trail one all the way to the top the mountain (I'd say about 1h at a tranquil pace). There's food stalls, bathrooms and shrines all the way. Was not crowded at a weekday but can get very crowded at weekends and holidays."

Meedup Carol

"Very exited with this place. You can hike mount takao and save 40 minutes using this lift. There are 2 option, lift and cable car. But I think this lift more affordable.

Sometimes it is very crowded so becareful and manage your travel well."

Yuangga Rizky Illahi

What People Like

Fun chairlift ride
Scenic mountain views
Mount Fuji visibility

What People Dislike

Long queues
Weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mount Takao is easily accessible from Tokyo. Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station, which takes about 50 minutes. Instagram From there, it's a short walk to the cable car and chairlift stations.

Yes, Mount Takao is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo, located just about an hour away by train. Instagram+1

After arriving at Takaosanguchi Station, follow the signs for the Mount Takao cable car and chairlift. It's a short walk from the station. Instagram

While there are parking lots available, taking the train is generally recommended due to potential traffic and parking fees. Reddit

No, public transport like buses does not go to the summit. You can use the cable car or chairlift to get partway up, or hike the entire way. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A one-way journey on the chairlift costs 490 yen. A round-trip ticket is 980 yen. Reddit+1

While online booking isn't widely advertised, purchasing tickets at the station is the standard method. Be prepared for potential queues. Reddit

The chairlift typically operates from around 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official schedule before your visit. Reddit

Mount Takao is a natural park and generally free to enter. The fees are for the cable car and chairlift services. Instagram

Information on specific group or child discounts is not widely available. Standard pricing applies for most visitors. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The chairlift journey takes approximately 12 minutes to reach the upper station. InstagramReddit

At the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views, visit shrines, and explore hiking trails. On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible. InstagramReddit

Yes, Mount Takao has several hiking trails of varying difficulty, ranging from paved paths to more natural forest routes. Instagram+1

Yes, Mount Takao is family-friendly. The chairlift and cable car make it accessible, and there are attractions like a monkey park. Instagram

Yes, on clear days, Mount Fuji is visible from the summit of Mount Takao, offering a spectacular view. Instagram+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stalls and small restaurants along the trails and near the summit offering snacks and meals. InstagramReddit

You can find local snacks, ramen, and other Japanese dishes. Many visitors enjoy a warm bowl of ramen after their hike. Instagram

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a budget-friendly option. Remember to dispose of your trash properly. Reddit

Vegetarian options might be limited, but ramen shops often have vegetable-based broths or toppings. It's best to inquire directly at the eateries. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy the ramen shops near the summit for a hearty meal. The food stalls offer quick snacks and drinks. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The chairlift ride itself offers great photo opportunities. The summit provides panoramic views, and the autumn foliage is stunning. Instagram+1

Mornings offer clearer views of Mount Fuji, while late afternoons can provide beautiful sunset light. Autumn offers vibrant colors. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos from the chairlift, but be mindful of your belongings and other passengers. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, always be respectful of religious sites and other visitors. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most shots. For landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can be useful. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mount Takao is a fantastic family-friendly destination. The chairlift and cable car make getting up the mountain easy and fun for kids, saving little legs from a strenuous hike. Instagram There are also attractions like the monkey park that children often enjoy. Instagram

Pack snacks and drinks, or plan to stop at the food stalls along the way. The trails are generally well-maintained, but ensure children wear appropriate footwear. The overall experience is a great way to introduce kids to nature and hiking in a manageable and enjoyable way.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Mount Takao is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers looking to escape Tokyo. While the chairlift and cable car have a fee (around 490 yen one-way), they are significantly cheaper than many other Tokyo attractions. InstagramReddit Consider purchasing a round-trip ticket for 980 yen if you plan to use it for both ascent and descent. Reddit

To save even more, you can hike the entire way up instead of using the lift. Bringing your own food and water is also a great way to cut down on expenses, as there are plenty of spots for a picnic. Reddit The natural beauty and views are free to enjoy!

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Mount Takao offers diverse photographic opportunities. The chairlift ride itself provides unique angles and sweeping vistas. Instagram+1 Capture the vibrant autumn foliage in stunning detail during the fall season. Instagram+1

On clear days, the view of Mount Fuji from the summit is a must-capture shot. Instagram+2 Early mornings are best for crisp views of Fuji, while late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour light. Be prepared for crowds during peak times, especially in autumn, and consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscape shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mount Takao Chairlift Experience

The Mount Takao chairlift offers a unique and enjoyable way to ascend the mountain, saving considerable hiking time. It's a single-seat, open-air ride that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding nature and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji. The journey takes about 12 minutes and is a popular choice for those seeking a more relaxed ascent. InstagramReddit

Travelers often describe the ride as fun and scenic, with the views becoming increasingly impressive as you climb higher. The chairlift is equipped with a treadmill system for easy boarding and disembarking, making it accessible for most visitors. While it's a popular option, it can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons like autumn. Reddit

For those looking to capture memorable moments, the chairlift ride itself presents numerous photo opportunities. You can also opt for a souvenir photo taken during the descent, which you can purchase at the exit. Reddit It's a convenient and memorable part of the Mount Takao visit, complementing the hiking and sightseeing opportunities available at the summit.

Navigating Mount Takao Trails

Mount Takao is crisscrossed with various hiking trails, catering to different fitness levels and preferences. The most popular is Trail 1, a paved path that leads directly to the summit and passes by several attractions, including temples and food stalls. This trail is also the route most commonly used by those taking the cable car or chairlift partway up. InstagramReddit

For a more natural experience, consider trails like Trail 5, which is a loop trail offering a more rugged, forest-like environment. Other trails provide different perspectives and challenges, allowing visitors to tailor their hiking experience. Regardless of the trail chosen, comfortable footwear is essential, as even the paved paths can be steep in places. Reddit

Many visitors appreciate the convenience of having food stalls, restrooms, and shrines along the main trails, making it easier to spend a full day exploring. The combination of accessible transport options like the chairlift and a well-maintained trail system makes Mount Takao a highly enjoyable destination for nature lovers and hikers of all abilities. InstagramReddit

Mount Takao in Autumn

During autumn, Mount Takao transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of vibrant colors. The mountainside is adorned with stunning hues of red, orange, and yellow, making it a prime destination for leaf-peeping. The chairlift and cable car rides offer particularly spectacular views of the fall foliage as you ascend. Instagram+1

This beauty, however, attracts large crowds. To fully enjoy the autumn colors without being overwhelmed, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, especially on weekdays. The fall leaves festival typically runs from mid-November to early December, so plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

Even with the crowds, the visual reward of Mount Takao's autumn display is immense. The crisp air, the vibrant foliage, and the potential glimpse of Mount Fuji create an unforgettable experience. Remember to check the peak foliage times for the year you plan to visit. Instagram

You may also like