Mt. Takao Private Hiking Tour with Goma Fire Ritual Experience

9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Located about 50 kilometers from central Tokyo, Mt. Takao (Takao-san) is a popular destination known for its rich natural beauty and well-maintained hiking trails. On this private tour, a knowledgeable, certified English-speaking guide will introduce you to both the natural and cultural sides of Japan.

Mt. Takao is home to the historic Yakuo-In Temple, founded centuries ago and deeply connected to the practice of Shugendō, a traditional form of mountain worship. The temple’s powerful fire ritual is truly unforgettable—an experience unlike anything you’ve seen before.

In a single day, you can enjoy a pleasant hike, witness a sacred Buddhist ceremony, and even try a unique Japanese-style vegetarian meal known as Shojin-ryori.

What's Included

Round trip tickets from and to your hotel to Shinjuku Station
Licensed English-speaking guide
Cable car tickets
Round trip Keio Line tickets between Shinjuku Station and Takaosanguchi Station
Gratuity
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

An additional charge may apply if your hotel is not on the designated pick-up list. We will inform you of the exact meeting point and time once your reservation is confirmed.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Shinjuku

    Since this is a completely private tour, a certified English-speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel in Tokyo. After meeting you, we’ll take the subway or train to Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world. From there, we’ll take the Keio Line to Mt. Takao. The train ride from Shinjuku to Mt. Takao takes about one hour. Train fare is included.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Thanks to its easy access from Tokyo—and the fact that the Michelin Green Guide has designated it as a three-star destination—Mt. Takao is a well-known hiking spot for people living in Tokyo. After we get off the train, we’ll walk for about 10 minutes to the cable car station (or, if you prefer, we can skip the cable car and start hiking from the base of the mountain). The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes, and it is known as the steepest cable car ride in Japan! (cable car ticket is included)

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji Temple

    Yakuo-in Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon school established in 744. The temple uniquely honors two main deities: Bhaisajyaguru and Izuna-Gongen, a deity rooted in the historical fusion of Japanese Buddhism and Shinto beliefs. We will explore the beautiful temple grounds and experience the famous fire ritual held in the main hall. This long-standing traditional ceremony is deeply moving and will create an unforgettable memory for you.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4

    If you choose the Japanese vegetarian lunch option, we will enjoy a unique traditional dish called Shojin-ryori. This completely vegetarian meal features a variety of ingredients from nature and locally produced vegetables. Each small portion is carefully and elaborately prepared, beautifully presented, and full of delicate, rich flavors. The lunch is served in an annex of the temple, whose peaceful atmosphere adds to the experience. (Lunch is optional. If you don’t choose this option, you can enjoy a casual Japanese meal such as soba noodles at nearby stalls or small restaurants around the temple.)

    50 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Mt. Takaosan Hiking Course

    Let’s enjoy a hike to the top of Mt. Takao, which rises 599 meters. The trail is pleasant and suitable for all levels. From the summit, you can take in the beautiful surrounding scenery, and on a clear day, enjoy a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. After a short break at the top, we will descend on foot, immersing ourselves in Japan’s rich natural beauty, including a wide variety of trees, flowers, and wildlife. The descent from the peak to the base takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Takao 599 Museum

    After hiking back down to the base of the mountain, we’ll take a break at the charming Takao 599 Museum. This small museum showcases the diverse wildlife and unique insects of Mt. Takao. There is also a cozy café where you can enjoy drinks or sweets.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    We will take the train back to Shinjuku Station around 3:30 pm. The ride takes about 60 minutes, and from there, the guide will escort you back to your hotel.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Supplied by Japan Gray Line

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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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