I first climbed the Biwa Water Trail two years ago; last year, I wanted to do it in the opposite direction but had to give up since it was temporarily closed to downhill traffic. This year I found out that the closure had been lifted, finally giving me a chance to walk down one of the most interesting trails on Mt Takao. I decided to ride the ropeway up and follow the Omotesando trail to the top; this was my 4th Takao hike in two years, and I hoped this time I’d get to see Mt Fuji from the summit.
Hiking in the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park
明治の森高尾国定公園
To get to the start of the hike, I’d ride the Green Car on the Chuo line to Takao station, and there, change to the Keio line for the final section to Takosanguchi station; I’d use the same route for the return. The weather was supposed to be mostly sunny with temperatures close to 30° at the mountain base. If time allowed at the end of the hike, I’d check out the Takao 599 Museum and take a hot bath at the Keio Takaosan Onsen before heading back. I was looking forward to a relaxing hike on Tokyo’s most famous mountain.
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Wooden Walkway (left) & River Walking (right) on the Biwa Trail
Left Side (left) & Right Side (right) of Biwa River
It was a beautiful late spring early summer day as I arrived at Takaosanguchi station around 11am. Since it was a regular Monday, fewer people than usual were lining up at Kiyotaki station (清滝駅) at the bottom of the Mt Takao Cable Car (高尾山ケーブルカー). I got a spot at the lower section of the cable car with dizzying downwards views and a gradually expanding vista. I exited from Takaosan Station (高尾山駅) shortly after noon and headed to the viewing platform on the left side.
View East from Takaosan Station
View South towards Shiroyama
I’m always amazed by the view from the top of the cable car: the flat Kanto plain spreads eastwards, wooded hills in the foreground and tall skyscrapers in the background; looking south, I could see Mt Enokubo and Mt Shiro. After getting ready, I set off along the Omotesando Trail (表参道コース), also known as trail #1, first along a curving road under tall cedars, and then up some stone steps past the various buildings of the red-coloured Yakuoin Temple (薬王院寺). About an hour later, I reached the summit of Mt Takao (高尾山 たかおさん takao-san) for the 11th time.
Nio-mon Gate of Yakuoin Temple
Izuna Gongen Shrine inside Yakuoin Temple
I was delighted to finally get a view of Mt Fuji from the viewing platform on the southwest side, streaks of white still covering its summit cone; to its left I could see the Tanzawa mountains. Since it was nearly 1h30, I found a suitable place to sit in the shade for a late lunch. After a one-hour break I set off again. I headed back down trail #1 but soon turned left onto the Summit Loop Trail (Trail #5) which I followed counter-clockwise to the start of today’s main trail. I saw almost no other people along this section, a pleasant change from the busy summit area.
View Southwest from the Omiharashidai Viewpoint
Mt Fuji from the Top of Mt Takao
I suddenly realised that something was moving on my hat: a bright green caterpillar (called “Shakutori-mushi“) had somehow landed on the brim. I gently guided it onto an evergreen leaf and continued on my way. At 2h30, I turned right onto the Biwa Waterfall Trail (琵琶滝コース), also called Trail #6, down a long series of wooden steps, a peaceful section surrounded by deep forest. Soon I was back on a trail which merged with a stream, still only a trickle before the rainy season. After passing a connecting path for the Inariyama trail, the path left the stream, and I was once again walking on dry ground.
The Summit Loop Trail below the Summit
Series of Wooden Steps at the Start of the Biwa Trail
This was probably the nicest part of today’s hike, walking along the base of a shaded valley under tall cedar trees, the sound of rushing water nearby; occasionally sunshine trickled through the foliage, lighting up the wings of fluttering butterflies. Around 3h30, I passed by Biwa-taki, a relatively small waterfall mainly used for ascetic training; soon after, I reached a paved road leading to the base of the cable car. Since it was only 4pm, I made my way to Takao 599 Museum, a natural history museum that opened in 2015.
A Place to Rest along the Biwa Waterfall Trail
The Mt Takao Cable Car at Kiyotaki Station
I enjoyed the taxidermy exhibit showing insects, plants and animals endemic to Mt Takao, including English explanations, as well as the time of the year and specific location where one might see them; it definitely made me want to visit the area more often in different months. I also spent time examining a diorama of Mt Takao. Afterwards, I headed to Gokuraku-yu for a refreshing hot spring bath before boarding the train for the one-hour ride back to Tokyo.
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