Getting there
How to get from Shinjuku to Mount Takao
Mount Takao is one of the easiest escapes from Tokyo: one train line, about 50 minutes and less than the price of a coffee. Here's exactly how to do it, from someone who makes the journey every week.
By Luke, local guide since 2013Updated 5 min read
- Line
- Keiō Line
- Journey
- About 50 min
- Fare
- Under ¥500
- Get off at
- Takaosanguchi
The short answer
Take the Keiō Line from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi (高尾山口). It takes about 50 minutes and costs under ¥500 each way with an IC card. Takaosanguchi is the end of the line and the foot of the mountain: the trails and the cable car are five minutes' walk from the exit.
Step by step on the Keiō Line
- 1At Shinjuku, follow the signs for the Keiō Line (京王線), not the Keiō New Line. The platforms are near the West Exit.
- 2Tap in with an IC card (Suica, Pasmo or a mobile wallet), or buy a ticket to Takaosanguchi from the machines.
- 3Look for a train showing Takaosanguchi (高尾山口) as its destination. Semi-special express and special express trains are the quickest.
- 4If your train is going to Hachiōji or Keiō-Hachiōji instead, ride it to Kitano (北野) and change across the platform to a train for Takaosanguchi.
- 5Get off at the last stop, Takaosanguchi. Turn right out of the gates for the trails, the cable car and the soba shops.
Tickets and discounts
An IC card is simplest. Keiō also sells a discounted Mount Takao ticket that bundles the return train with the cable car or chairlift, which is worth it if you plan to ride one way. Ask at the Keiō ticket office in Shinjuku.
Using the JR Pass instead
The Keiō Line isn't covered by the JR Pass. If you have one, take the JR Chūō Line from Shinjuku to Takao (高尾), about an hour, then change to the Keiō Line for the single stop to Takaosanguchi, a short walk across the station.
Getting back to Tokyo
Trains back to Shinjuku leave Takaosanguchi every few minutes until late evening, so there's no need to plan ahead. If you're tired after the hike, the hot-spring baths next to the station are a lovely way to wait out the rush hour.
Rather not navigate?
If you'd like to skip the transfers, I can meet you in Shinjuku and we'll ride out together. It's an add-on to any of my daytime tours.
Private tour · 5 hoursMount Takao: Beyond TokyoAdd "Meet me in Shinjuku" when you book, and the journey becomes part of the tour.From ¥12,000 per personQuestions people ask
How long does it take to get from Shinjuku to Mount Takao?
About 50 minutes on the Keiō Line to Takaosanguchi. With a change at Kitano it can take a little longer.
How much is the train from Shinjuku to Mount Takao?
Under ¥500 each way with an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo.
Is there a direct train from Shinjuku to Mount Takao?
Yes. Keiō Line semi-special express and special express trains bound for Takaosanguchi run direct. Other trains need a change at Kitano.
Can I use the JR Pass to get to Mount Takao?
Partly. Take the JR Chūō Line to Takao Station with your pass, then pay for the one-stop Keiō Line ride to Takaosanguchi.
