Mount Takao: Beyond Tokyo

1. 09:00

   Meet at Takaosanguchi

   At the ticket gates of Takaosanguchi Station, about 50 minutes from Shinjuku on the Keiō line.

2. 09:15

   The quiet way up

   We skip the busiest path and climb through cedar forest on one of the quieter trails, chosen on the day for the season and the crowds.

3. 10:45

   Yakuō-in temple

   A mountain temple more than a thousand years old, watched over by tengu, the long-nosed mountain spirits of Takao's legends.

4. 11:30

   The summit, 599 m

   Lunch with a view west over the Tanzawa mountains and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.

5. 12:30

   Down a different trail

   Back down by another route, or by cable car if your legs would rather (fare not included), with a Takao snack on the way.

6. 14:00

   Finish at the station

   Back at Takaosanguchi, with directions to the hot spring next to the station if you fancy a soak.

Times are a guide. We'll go at your group's pace. Distance: about 7 km, with steady climbs and stone steps.

Children 6–12: ¥4,000 off the group price. Under 6s go free, and count towards the group of 4. Prefer to travel out together? Meet me in Shinjuku for +¥6,000 per group.