- Location: Meiji no Mori quasi-national park, Hachioji, Japan
- Height: 599 m above sea level
- Attendance: more than 2.5 million people per year
Charming Japan has long been considered one of the most beautiful and mysterious countries of East Asia. This comparatively small island state annually attracts millions of tourists from different parts of the world who dream of getting to know more closely the unusual culture and amazing nature of the Land of the Rising Sun. Today we will go on a virtual trip to one of the most famous and visited attractions of Japan - Mount Takao (Takao-san), located just 50 km from the capital, Tokyo .
Interesting Facts
Japan is famous among foreign guests not only for ancient temples and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, but also for a unique natural world. Among the most famous national parks of the country , the quasi-national park Meiji-no-Mori deserves special attention, located just an hour's drive from the center of the capital.
Despite the relatively small size of the reserve, it enjoys great popularity among tourists (annually more than 2.5 million people come here), in particular thanks to Mount Takao, which is on its territory. Although its height is insignificant (almost 600 m above sea level), many dream to conquer this peak in order to enjoy the picturesque scenery opening from here to the majestic Fujiyama , the main port of the country to Yokohama and, of course, the cultural and business center of Japan - Tokyo.
Ascent to Takao Mountain in Japan
Despite the proximity of a major metropolis, Takao Mountain in Japan is known for its rich flora and fauna. On its slopes grows over 1200 species of various plants, and among the main representatives of the animal world there are even wild boars and monkeys. Tourists are convinced of this diversity by climbing to the top. There are several ways to do this:
- By cable car or cable car. On the way to the top point of the mountain there are 4 stations. The distance between some of them is only a couple of tens of meters, between others - 100-150 m. Therefore, each tourist, depending on the level of physical fitness, can plan his own ascent.
- On foot. Many travelers prefer to get to the top on their own. It is worth noting that at the entrance to the park (in the main administrative office) you can take a map with a paved route. So, for example, the path number 1 is the most difficult, however it passes by all the funicular stations, therefore at any second tired tourists can cut their way.
Attractions Takao
One of the main attractions of Takao Mountain in Japan is the Buddhist temple Yakuo-in, founded in 744. Every year, in the middle of March, on its territory there is a holiday of purification of Khivatari. Local monks of Yamabushi are carrying out a whole fire ritual, which ends with a solemn procession through hot coals. Despite the sheer insecurity of this event, the number of people wishing to take part in the festival is increasing every year. The Japanese believe that fire, as one of the 5 elements, is capable of clearing the mind and body of bad thoughts and any negativity.
How to get there?
It is easiest to get to the Meiji no Mori National Park from the capital . This can be done both by public transport and by renting a car in advance. Tours to Mount Takao are very popular, accompanied by a professional guide. You can buy a tour at any local travel agency.