Mt. Takao to Mt. Jinba Traverse — Tokyo's Most Popular Day Hike Ridge Walk
A classic 18km ridge traverse from Takaosanguchi Station to Mt. Jinba, passing through Mt. Kagenobu with stunning Fuji views and teahouse cuisine. Perfect for intermediate hikers seeking a full-day challenge near Tokyo.
Takaosanguchi Station
Keio Takao Line
Fujino Station
JR Chuo Line
6-7 hours
18km
+1200m
857m
1 day(s)
Mt. Takao, Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama, Mt. Kagenobu, Mt. Jinba
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Route Overview
The traverse from Mt. Takao to Mt. Jinba is one of the most popular day hikes in the greater Tokyo area. Covering approximately 18km over 6-7 hours, this ridge walk takes you along well-maintained trails with abundant signage, making it accessible for intermediate hikers.
Starting from Mt. Takao (599m), the route gradually gains elevation through Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama (670m) and Mt. Kagenobu (727m) before reaching Mt. Jinba (857m). Each summit features teahouses or benches, allowing you to rest and refuel at your own pace.
The route offers year-round appeal: cherry blossoms and wildflowers in spring, cool forest shade in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and crisp winter air with clear Mt. Fuji views.
Itinerary
| Time | Section | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 | Depart Takaosanguchi Station | — | Restrooms available |
| 7:05 | Trail No. 6 entrance | 5 min | Riverside trail to summit |
| 8:30 | Mt. Takao summit (599m) | ~1h 25min | Observation deck, rest stop |
| 9:00 | Momijidai | 15 min | Teahouse available |
| 9:40 | Icchōdaira | 25 min | Excellent Mt. Fuji viewpoint |
| 10:00 | Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama (670m) | 20 min | Teahouse — try the nameko mushroom soup |
| 10:40 | Kobotoke Pass | 20 min | Historic pass on the old Koshu Road |
| 11:10 | Mt. Kagenobu (727m) | 30 min | Best lunch spot with panoramic terrace |
| 12:00 | Dōshoyama junction | 30 min | Bypass trail available |
| 12:30 | Myōō Pass | 30 min | Teahouse (limited operating days) |
| 13:30 | Mt. Jinba (857m) | 40 min | White horse statue, 360° panorama |
| 14:30 | Jinba-kōgen-shita bus stop / Fujino Stn | ~50-60 min | Descent to bus or train |
Tip: The teahouses at Mt. Kagenobu have excellent views and serve nameko mushroom soup and tempura. This is the ideal lunch spot to recharge for the second half.
Access Information
Start: Takaosanguchi Station
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Line | Keio Takao Line |
| From Shinjuku | ~50 minutes (Keio Express) |
| First train | ~5:21 AM (from Shinjuku, weekends) |
| IC Card | Suica / PASMO accepted |
Goal: Fujino Station or Jinba-kōgen-shita Bus Stop
To Fujino Station (~60 min): Descend via the Ichinoo Ridge from Mt. Jinba to JR Chuo Line Fujino Station. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes.
To Jinba-kōgen-shita Bus Stop (~50 min): Take the Jinba New Hiking Course down and catch a bus to Takao Station North Exit (~40 min ride; limited service on weekends).
Trailhead Facilities
Near Takaosanguchi Station (Start)
- 7-Eleven: 1-minute walk from the station. Stock up on onigiri and trail snacks
- Keio Station Shop: Next to the ticket gates. Drinks and light snacks
- Restrooms: Clean restrooms inside the station and at the trailhead
Near Fujino Station (Goal)
- Convenience stores: None near Fujino Station — buy supplies beforehand
- Restrooms: Available inside the station
Teahouses on the Route
- Shiroyama Teahouse: Famous nameko mushroom soup (350 yen), shaved ice in summer
- Kagenobu Teahouse: Nameko soup, tempura, and mountain vegetable dishes with a panoramic terrace
- Jinba Summit Teahouses (Shimizu-chaya / Shingen-chaya): Kenchin soup, udon, beer
Highlights
Diverse Trail Options on Mt. Takao
For the initial climb up Mt. Takao, you can choose from multiple trails. Trail No. 6 follows a scenic stream, while the Inariyama Course offers ridge-top views. Trail No. 1 passes through Yakuōin Temple for a cultural experience.
Spectacular Mt. Fuji Views
Several viewpoints along the ridge offer stunning views of Mt. Fuji, particularly from Icchōdaira, Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama, and Mt. Kagenobu. Winter days with clear skies provide the most dramatic vistas, with Fuji rising above the Tanzawa mountain range.
360-Degree Panorama from Mt. Jinba
The grassy summit of Mt. Jinba, marked by its iconic white horse statue, rewards you with a sweeping 360-degree panorama. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji, the Tanzawa range, Okutama mountains, and the Okuchichibu peaks.
Teahouse Cuisine
A unique feature of this traverse is the chain of mountain teahouses at each peak. Enjoy rustic specialties like nameko mushroom soup, handmade tempura, and warm amazake (sweet rice drink) in winter.
Cautions
- Long hiking day: At 6-7 hours of walking, start early. Aim to depart Takaosanguchi Station by 8:00 AM at the latest
- Escape routes: From Kobotoke Pass or Mt. Kagenobu, you can descend to Kobotoke bus stop. Do not push through if you feel fatigued
- Water supply: Teahouse operations vary by season and weather. Carry at least 1.5L of water
- Daylight hours: In winter, it gets dark around 4:30 PM. Plan your descent from Mt. Jinba with ample time
- Bus schedule: Buses from Jinba-kōgen-shita are infrequent — check the timetable before you go
- Footwear: Standard hiking shoes are sufficient, but waterproof boots are recommended after rain as some sections get muddy