Mt. Takao

Mt. Takao, or Takao-san in Japanese, is a 599-meter-tall mountain that has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. It is a favored spot for hiking and an important religious site. Tengu, mythical creatures from Japanese folklore, are believed to inhabit the mountain and are revered as protectors of the Dharma in the Shugendo tradition.

Yakuoin Temple, or Yakuoin Yukiji, is a temple complex near the summit of Mt. Takao. It was founded in 744 by Gyoki Bosatsu with the support of Emperor Shomu. The temple venerates Izuna Gongen, a deity depicted as a tengu. Throughout the Edo period (1603-1868), Yakuoin was an essential pilgrimage site. The temple has undergone several reconstructions over the years.

Mt. Takao boasts a variety of flora and fauna, with trails leading visitors through different ecosystems. It is particularly noted for its autumn foliage.

Recently, Mt. Takao has become more accessible thanks to cable cars and chair lifts, facilitating visits to its summit for panoramic views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji on clear days.

The Mount Takao Observation Point and summit area, with its teahouses, provides a space for rest and reflection, linking visitors to the historical pilgrims who have traveled to this site for centuries.