Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves 2026
Last updated: July 28, 2026. Typical viewing times and details below are compiled from official park, temple, city and tourism-association websites (linked at the end of this page). The dates of annual night light-ups are set each year — check the official site before you travel.
The 599m mountainside turns yellow and red as its maples, beeches and zelkovas color from the summit downward over roughly a month.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Mid-November to early December |
|---|---|
| Best months | November–December |
| Location | Hachioji, Tokyo |
| Nearest station | Takaosanguchi Station (Keio Takao Line) |
| Admission | Entry to the mountain and trails is free; the cable car and chair lift are paid. |
| Night light-up | No autumn night light-up |
| Official site | https://www.takaotozan.co.jp/course/momiji.php |
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Highlights
- The Takao Tozan Densha cable car and chair lift climb through the colored slopes for aerial views of the foliage.
- The annual Mt. Takao Momiji Festival runs across the peak weeks with events at the base and along the trails.
- A layered display where the summit peaks first and color descends gradually toward the foot of the mountain.
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Mt. Takao Cable Car (Kiyotaki to Takaosan Station) (Paid)
The cable car climbs the wooded slope and is one of the most popular ways to ride up through the autumn color; the chair lift runs on the same section.
Board at Kiyotaki Station, about a 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station.
Mt. Takao Summit and Yakuoin approach (Free)
The trails around the summit and the Yakuoin temple approach are lined with maples that color earliest on the mountain.
Reached on foot via the trails from the cable car/lift upper station, or by hiking from the base.
Getting There
About a 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station to the cable car base; trails and the cable car/chair lift lead up the mountain.
Crowd & Timing Tips
- Mt. Takao is the busiest it gets all year during the momiji season, so arrive early in the day to beat cable car queues.
- Weekday visits and early mornings are far less crowded than autumn weekends.
About Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is a designated national Place of Scenic Beauty and a long-revered site centered on the mountain temple Yakuoin.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Kanto Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026