Mount Takao

Mount Takao
高尾山
Highest point
Elevation599 m (1,965 ft)
Coordinates35°37′31″N 139°14′37″E / 35.62528°N 139.24361°E / 35.62528; 139.24361
Geography
Mount Takao is located in Japan
Mount Takao
Mount Takao
Japan
LocationHachiōji, Tokyo, Japan
Climbing
Easiest routeChairlift or Funicular or Hiking
Relief Map

Mount Takao (高尾山, Takao-san) is a mountain in the city of Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan. It is protected within Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park.

Standing 599 metres (1,965 ft) tall and located within an hour of downtown Tokyo, it is a popular hiking spot, with eight hiking trails and more than 2.5 million annual visitors. The Tama Forest Science Garden is also located at the mountain's base.

Mount Takao is closely associated with the Shinto-Buddhist tengu, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. The mountain is also renowned for Shugendō, the mountain asceticism focusing on strict discipline. A Buddhist temple, Takaosan Yakuōin Yūkiji, is located on the mountain, and attracts many visitors who pray to the tengu for good fortune. The temple belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect.