Hike Sacred Mt. Takao and Experience a Buddhist Fire Ritual with Shojin Vegan Cuisine

Discover Mt. Takao: Tokyo’s Sacred Peak and Home to a 1,300-Year-Old Temple

About one hour by train from central Tokyo you’ll find some of the capital’s most scenic destinations: Mount Takao and Yakuo-in, a temple founded in 744. For centuries, the mountain has been revered as a center of Shugendo ascetic practices, part of Japan’s distinctive tradition of worshipping mountains themselves as physical bodies of deities.

Many cultures construct buildings and other sacred structures to enshrine their gods. In Japan, however, an entire mountain, the symbol of the power of nature, is considered sacred in some traditions. Temples found on such sites function as thresholds into the domains of the gods. Such is the case with Mt. Takao where nature is seen not as something to conquer but as something to revere and become one with.

Embraced by a sacred mountain where the power of millennia-old faith survives to this day, the city of Hachioji in the western part of the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area prospered through the silk trade from the 17th to the 19th century and came to be known as Soto, the City of Mulberry. The prayers of its people have nurtured a deep culture of belief here, carrying it into the future and helping Hachioji become recognized as a Japan Heritage site by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2020. A big part of Hachioji’s success story is Mt. Takao, a site abundant in grand vistas as well as local fauna and flora that exude the majesty of nature.

Rich in birdlife and plant diversity, Mt. Takao is a true treasure trove of nature beloved for its autumn colors. At 599 meters, it’s accessible even for casual hikers, making it ideal for day trips. With annual visitor numbers reportedly reaching three million, it ranks among the world’s most popular trekking mountains. During this Wabunka-exclusive plan, guests stay at the historic temple of Yakuo-in on the Takao mountainside, enjoying a sacred Ogoma ritual and shojin monk cuisine. A special program also invites guests to a Buddhist talk led by a Yakuo-in priest. Through hiking and tea time in a tranquil mountain setting, you’ll be able to sharpen the senses, breathe in deeply, and find your inner peace.

Thanks to the presence of a cable car as well as a gentle temple approach and trails, Mt. Takao is highly recommended for beginners. Additionally, this plan includes the support of a specialist guide, allowing even first-time hikers to fully experience the best that this sacred Tokyo spot has to offer.

Mt. Takao’s Yakuo-in Temple: Where Shinto-Buddhist Syncretism Lives on to This Day

The adventure starts at Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line where the fresh scent of trees and the sounds of a clear stream fill the air. From the station, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Kiyotaki cable car station. Midway along the track riders experience an incline of 31 degrees and 18 minutes, regarded as the steepest among Japan’s cable-car routes. It takes about 6 minutes to reach Takaosan Station up on the mountain. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, you set out from there on a well-maintained paved path that leads deeper into the world of Mt. Takao’s ancient faith and stunning landscapes. Highlights along the approach include the sacred Octopus Cedar, estimated to be around 450 years old, and an octopus statue said to bring good fortune to those who touch it. Beyond the Joshin Gate, considered the entrance to the sacred precinct of Yakuo-in, you’ll find scattered sites believed to purify the body and mind and to elevate your fortune. With each step, you’ll travel further into a world of deeper meaning.

Midway up Mt. Takao, at around 500 meters above sea level, stands Yakuo-in temple, formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji. Affiliated with the Chisan branch of Shingon Buddhism, it’s one of the Kanto region’s (eastern Japan) most prominent ancient temples. Its principal deity, Izuna Daigongen, depicted as a winged “tengu” warrior, was revered as a guardian of samurai warlords during the country’s civil war period, and has long drawn worshippers seeking protection from fire and spiritual misfortune. Yet devotion here runs even more deeply. Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, and Kobo Daishi, the legendary monk also known as Kukai, are also enshrined at Yakuo-in, while the temple grounds additionally house Shinto main halls with torii gates and all of the Fuji Sengen Shrine. The site still preserves the living legacy of Shinbutsu-Shugo, the Japanese fusion of Shinto and Buddhism.

Your guide to Mt. Takao will be a specialist from Tokyo Yamagawa DMC, designers of immersive experiences shaped by the region’s history, culture, and natural landscape. Accompanied by an internationally accredited mountain tour expert, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable hike with engaging, in-depth explanations of Mt. Takao’s key sites as well as the spiritual traditions behind the region’s mountain worship. Ideal for first-time visitors and equally rewarding for those already familiar with Mt. Takao, this experience is an in-depth journey into the hidden world that reveals a new secret with each visit. The satisfaction of a good workout and intellectual stimulation come together and form a refreshing, one-of-a-kind experience with this Wabunka plan.

Discover the World of Shugendo Through a Sacred Ogoma Ritual Ceremony and Buddhist Talk

The sacred Ogoma ritual performed at Yakuo-in has been passed down as a discipline of Izuna Daigongen to bring body, speech, and mind into balance. As sutra chanting and the beating of taiko drums resound through the temple hall, the flames of Buddhist wisdom rise to purify all worldly desires. Watching the blazing fire is a deeply moving scene, offering a tangible sense of wishes entrusted to the goma sticks being fulfilled. In this solemn setting, where Shugendo practice and tengu faith converge, you will discover the very essence of prayer.

After the Ogoma ritual, a Buddhist talk offers an in-depth exploration of the true meaning of prayer. As you listen to the monk’s calm, measured words, each phrase will fill your heart with quiet clarity. Through insight into the philosophy of Shugendo and reflections on how to approach daily life, you may feel your thoughts become clearer and more ordered. This priest talk is a Wabunka-exclusive program not ordinarily available to the public. Made possible through the trusted relationship between the local community and Tokyo Yamagawa DMC, it offers a rare educational opportunity in the spiritual heartland of Japan.

Savor the Seasons with All Five Senses with Shojin Monk Cuisine

As you move past the Yakuo-in main hall, you’ll find the kyakuden (guest hall), where shojin cuisine is served. Crafted without any meat or fish, each dish is made up of local vegetables, grains, beans, and seaweed. The seasoning is minimal but the flavors are rich and infused with the taste of Japanese seasons. Rooted in the food culture of mountain monks and the yamabushi (ascetic followers of Shugendo), this meal takes you beyond the everyday into a whole new world of culinary experiences where every ingredient speaks for itself.

The shojin meal served during the experience is the “Tengu Zen”: ten small dishes accompanied by dessert, including tempura, simmered specialties, mushroom soup, and other nutritionally balance courses, each boasting a distinct texture and aroma. Enjoyed within the rare setting of Yakuo-in’s historic kyakuden (guest hall), the experience is a feast for all five senses while offering quiet moments of contemplation to give thanks for the bounty of nature.

Clear Your Mind with Breathtaking Mountainscapes and a Forest Tea Break

After your time at Yakuo-in, the ascent to the summit of Mt. Takao begins. The well-maintained trail is thankfully very accessible even for beginners. You’ll walk for about 20 minutes, enjoying the scent of trees and conversations with your guide as you reach the top. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded by a sweeping panorama of Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa mountain range, whose majesty is enough to stop you in your tracks. Be sure to take the time to admire the scenery that shifts with the seasons and savor your time at the summit amidst the clear mountain air of Mt. Takao.

You’ll descend from the summit via Trail No. 4 on the northern slope* while listening to birdsong echoing through the valley and making your way past Japanese beech and fir trees with your guide. Feeling the wind through the trees and enjoying the scent of the earth will immerse you in the splendor of nature and offer you a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The view from the Miyama Suspension Bridge is especially picturesque and a popular photo spot.

*The route is subject to change depending on the trail conditions on the day.

One of the highlights of the descent is a scheduled break with tea.* The warm Yakuo-in Tea prepared by your guide is an original wild-herb blend sold at the temple’s main hall and amulet office. Made by drying and simmering leaves, stems, and roots of naturally growing plants, the tea is characterized by a lightly bitter flavor that gives way to a gentle sweetness and toasted aroma. Paired with confections unique to Mt. Takao, each cup courses pleasantly through the body and improves the mood, leaving behind a lasting impression that will follow you past this calm pause during this part of the hike.

*The place of the tea break is subject to change depending on the conditions on the day.

Heal Your Body and Mind at Mt. Takao, a Treasure Trove of Nature and Source of Rejuvenating Energy

After a restorative tea break, it’s back to the mountain trail. Refocused, you’ll resume the descent toward the Joshin Gate you passed earlier, which should take 30 to 40 minutes. The trail is broad with clear sightlines, making it easy to traverse even for guests less experienced with mountain hikes. The experience concludes not at the base, but at the Takaosan Station cable car terminal. You may finish the descent entirely on foot, or choose the cable car or lift and take in the views on your way down. You select how your adventure on Mt. Takao ends.

Mt. Takao, located just one hour from central Tokyo, is a scenic landmark well known around the world. Walking through these natural surroundings brings body and mind into balance, leaving you with a deep sense of inner fulfillment. It’s also a rare opportunity to encounter the depth of the local culture of prayer through the sacred Ogoma ritual and shojin monk cuisine at Yakuo-in temple. Be sure to take in beautiful seasonal landscapes, from fresh greenery to autumn colors, and carry that energy into your everyday life. Guided by a mountain specialist, this experience is an elevated hike amidst the natural treasures of Mt. Takao that are waiting for you to discover them.