Hachioji, Takaoyama, Machidaha Travel Guides

Hachioji, Mt. Takao, and Machida areas represent western Tokyo. Mt. Takao, where hiking can be easily enjoyed, is a place of relaxation for the people of Tokyo. It can also be used as a base for sightseeing in Okutama, Kanagawa, and Yamanashi.

Recommended local information on Hachioji, Mt. Takao, and Machida. Hachioji, Mt. Takao, and Machida offer sightseeing spots such as Jindaiji Temple, Yakushiike Park, and Yomiuri Land; sightseeing events such as the Hachioji Festival, the Mt. Takao Maple Festival, and the Machida Period Festival; and local delicacies such as Jindaiji soba, Hachioji ramen, and black fried noodles.

Speaking of sightseeing in Mt. Takao, Hachioji, Machida, and Tama, the national park Mt. Takao is a wonderful mountain that has been selected as a "three-star" tourist destination, the highest ranking in the Michelin Guide, since 2007.

Takao is located only 50 minutes from central Tokyo and is popular among men and women of all ages for its easy accessibility, well-maintained trails, and the possibility of using cable cars and lifts to reach the top of the mountain.

Of course, there is also a circuitous walking course, so it is best to consult with your physical fitness and the weather before deciding on a course.

Mt. Takao was founded by Gyoki in 744, and in 1375, Shungen Shamon, a high priest of Daigo Mountain in the Yamashiro Province of Kyoto, entered the mountain and is said to have been inspired by Iizuna Daigongen, who is believed to be an incarnation of Fudo Myoo. Since then, Mt. Takao has been known as a place of Shugendo (mountain asceticism).

Takao has preserved a precious natural environment, with approximately 1,600 different species of plants growing wild, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide variety of flora and fauna throughout the year. In addition, wild birds and insects can be observed, so there is no end to the number of visitors who come to the mountain for mountain climbing and bird-watching.

The view from the summit of the 599-meter-high mountain is superb, adding to the sense of accomplishment. On a clear day, you can see not only Hachioji, but also Mount Fuji, the mountains of Tanzawa and Okutama, the skyscrapers of central Shinjuku, and even Yokohama. There is also an observatory, so if you want to enjoy the best of the location even more, you can use it.

After enjoying nature at Mt. Takao, we recommend a visit to "Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato," which looks like a scene from a Ghibli movie. The village was the setting for the children's song "Yuyake Koyake Koyake" and is home to materials on Nakamura Ameko, the lyricist of "Yuyake Koyake," and a gallery by Maeda Shinzo, a photographer.

There is also a fishing spot, a ranch, and a campground, so you can play in nature as much as you like. When you have finished playing, we recommend taking a relaxing dip in the "Yuyake no Yu" (evening bath), the pride of Ooruri no Ie, and enjoying the view of the mountains. Ooruri no Ie is open not only to overnight guests but also to day-trippers.