Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama — Beyond Takao: Ridge Walking with Teahouse Treats and Fuji Views

Trail Overview

Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama (小仏城山, 670m) sits between Mt. Takao and Mt. Kagenobu along the Okutakao ridge. It’s the perfect introductory route into the Okutakao ridge trail for hikers who have outgrown Mt. Takao and want to go further.

The summit features two teahouses famous for nameko mushroom soup and tempura, with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa Mountains.

Recommended Route: Round Trip from Takaosanguchi Station

The standard route crosses Mt. Takao and follows the ridge to Kobotoke-Shiroyama, returning the same way.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Takaosanguchi Station → Mt. Takao Summit (Trail 1)	1 hr 30 min
Mt. Takao Summit → Momijidai	10 min
Momijidai → Icchōdaira	20 min
Icchōdaira → Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama Summit	20 min
One way total	About 2 hr 20 min
Round trip (with breaks)	About 4–5 hours

Tip: Take the cable car to the midpoint of Mt. Takao to save energy for the ridge walk beyond the summit.

Route Details

Takaosanguchi Station → Mt. Takao Summit

Multiple routes reach the Mt. Takao summit: Trail 1 (paved), Trail 6 (stream-side), or the Inariyama Course (ridge). To conserve energy for the Okutakao ridge, the cable car + Trail 1 combination is recommended.

Mt. Takao Summit → Momijidai

Descend the stairs behind the summit toward the Okutakao direction to quickly reach Momijidai (Maple Plateau). As the name suggests, this is a prime autumn foliage spot with a teahouse. The Mt. Fuji views here are more open than from the Takao summit itself.

Momijidai → Icchōdaira

A pleasant ridge walk with gentle ups and downs. In winter, when the leaves have fallen, panoramic views open up on both sides. Icchōdaira has an observation deck known as one of the best Mt. Fuji viewpoints along the trail.

Icchōdaira → Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama Summit

A final climb brings you to the spacious, grassy summit — ideal for a relaxed lunch. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji, the Tanzawa range, and Lake Sagami spread out before you.

Summit Teahouse Menu

The summit teahouses are a highlight of this hike.

Menu Item	Notes
Nameko Mushroom Soup	The signature dish — hearty and warming
Tempura	Freshly fried seasonal mountain vegetables
Oden	Hot pot perfect for cold weather
Shaved Ice	Summer only — a refreshing treat after the climb

Note: Teahouses primarily operate on weekends and holidays. They may be closed on weekdays, so bring your own food as backup.

Restroom Information

Restrooms along the route are limited. Plan your stops in advance.

Location	Notes
Takaosanguchi Station	Clean restrooms inside the station. Use before departing
Near Cable Car Base Station	Next to Kiyotaki Station
Near Cable Car Upper Station	Along Trail 1, near Kasumidai
Yakuoin Temple	Restrooms within the temple grounds
Mt. Takao Summit	Public restrooms at the summit plaza. Relatively clean
Icchōdaira	Restrooms at the Icchōdaira rest area (composting toilet)
Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama Summit	Restrooms available at the summit

Note: Restrooms beyond the Mt. Takao summit are basic composting or portable toilets. Bring your own tissue paper.

Highlights

🌸 Spring (March–May)

• The cherry tree-lined path at Icchōdaira is a hidden hanami (flower viewing) gem
• Fresh green ridge walking at its finest

🍁 Autumn (November–December)

• Momijidai boasts the most stunning autumn colors in the Takao area
• The entire ridge glows in shades of red and gold

❄️ Winter (January–February)

• The clearest air brings the best Mt. Fuji views of the year
• Diamond Fuji from Icchōdaira (around the winter solstice)

Alternative Descent Routes

Instead of retracing your steps, consider these alternatives for variety.

Descent Route	Duration	Features
Same route back	About 2 hrs	Simplest option. No navigation worries
Kobotoke Bus Stop	About 40 min	Via Kobotoke Pass. Bus to JR Takao Station
Lake Sagami direction	About 1 hr	Via Chigira. JR Chuo Line from Sagamiko Station

Note: Buses from Kobotoke Bus Stop run infrequently. Check the timetable before you go.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: Keio Line, Takaosanguchi Station (50 min express from Shinjuku)
• JR Chuo Line: Transfer at Takao Station to Keio Line (1 stop)
• Parking: Paid parking available near the station (crowded on weekends)
• Cable Car/Chairlift: ¥490 one-way, ¥950 round trip

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking shoes (the trail beyond Takao is unpaved mountain path)
• ✅ Water (1L+ recommended; teahouses are the only resupply)
• ✅ Lunch or snacks (in case teahouses are closed)
• ✅ Towel and change of clothes
• ✅ Rain gear
• ✅ Tissue paper (for restrooms)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful for the ridge walk)
• ⬜ Warm layers (winter; the ridge can be windy)

Important Notes

• ⚠️ Beyond the Mt. Takao summit, the trail becomes a proper mountain path with far fewer hikers
• ⚠️ The ridge is exposed to wind — bring wind protection
• ⚠️ Teahouses may be closed on weekdays — always carry your own food and water
• ⚠️ In winter, watch for mud and ice on the trail. Gaiters are recommended

Related Trails

• Mt. Takao — Complete Guide to All 6 Trails — Start here. The gateway to Kobotoke-Shiroyama and Japan’s most popular mountain
• Mt. Kagenobu — Mountain Hut Cuisine and Panoramic Views — The next peak beyond Kobotoke-Shiroyama. Famous for wild vegetable tempura
• Mt. Jinba — One Step Beyond Takao — Continue past Kobotoke-Shiroyama to the endpoint of the Okutakao ridge