Mt Takao & Onsen Train Journey from Shinjuku with Ex-JR Conductor

Overview

Escape Tokyo crowds by train with a former conductor and slow your mind and pace on a railway journey. The “passenger” on this journey is you. Begin your journey in comfort from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line Green Car (premium seating) with Samurai Guide Sho, who served on the JR Chuo Line for 22 years. When the train doors open, a slower, local side of Tokyo begins. This is not a rushed tour that tries to pack in Mt. Takao’s famous sights. It is a local experience where you travel by train like people living in Tokyo on their day off, and enjoy a slow break at your own pace. At Mt. Takao, calm your mind as you walk through the quiet forest, experience Japanese culture at Yakuoin Temple, and look for Mt. Fuji near the summit on clear days. Sneakers and kids are OK. At the base, relax at an onsen or tattoo-friendly bathing facility. You can also stop by a local craft beer taproom. On the way back to Shinjuku, enjoy the lingering feeling of the journey in comfort on the Green Car.

What's included

• ✓Natural hot spring, or tattoo-friendly bath & sauna (towels included at all facilities)
• ✓Private tour
• ✓Pre-tour email consultation is available. The tour can be adjusted to your group’s preferences.
• ✓Former JR East professional (23 yrs): support for Shinjuku Station, tickets, Suica, and transfers.
• ✓Former JR Chuo Line train conductor (22 yrs): Green Car guidance and support during disruptions.

• ✕Round-trip train fare + Green Car premium seating: Adult about JPY 3,800 /Child 9–11 about JPY 2,900
• ✕Chairlift fare (cash, Suica/PASMO, and credit cards accepted)
• ✕Food and drinks

What you'll do

1. 1

   Departure from Shinjuku: Journey to Mt. Takao After 22 years guiding passengers along the JR Chuo Line as a train conductor, Samurai Guide Sho now leads you on a journey to Mt. Takao. This experience begins not when you reach the mountain, but already at Shinjuku Station. The complexity of the station, buying a Green Car ticket, and making transfers all begin to fall into the rhythm of the journey when you are guided by a former train conductor. Leave the crowded center of Tokyo behind, avoid the busy train ride, and usually travel quietly and comfortably in a seat on the JR Chuo Line Green Car (premium seating). Enjoy the gradual shift from Tokyo’s cityscape to mountain scenery along the way.

   ⏱ 10 min
2. 2

   Choose the Best Way Up Mt. Takao and Enjoy Local Food At Mt. Takao, the route is adjusted to your group’s fitness level, weather, crowds, and facility availability. For guests who are not confident in their fitness, first-time hikers, or families with children, we may combine the cable car or chairlift with an easier walking route. For intermediate or advanced hikers, or guests who want a more active climb, we can choose a more rewarding hiking route. No special hiking gear is required, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended. During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the cable car and chairlift can be crowded. In that case, we may take a beginner-friendly hiking route with a traditional training waterfall, reaching the summit in about 1.5 hours. Depending on the weather and shop availability, you can enjoy local food such as sweets, ramen, or soba along the way or near the summit. In rain or poor trail conditions, we may use the cable car or another easier option.

   ⏱ 1h 30m
3. 3

   Reach the Summit Reach the summit of Mt. Takao by a route adjusted to your group. If we hike to the top, there is a special sense of reward that comes from reaching the summit under your own power. On clear days, you may even see Mt. Fuji. A view that feels far removed from central Tokyo awaits at the top.

   ⏱ 20 min

Availability & pricing

Pick your exact date & check live availability on the booking page.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This tour is independently operated and is not affiliated with JR East.
• The photos for this tour are unedited so you can see the real atmosphere of the experience.
• For your overall expenses on the day, we recommend charging about ¥5,000 per adult and about ¥4,000 per child age 9–11 on your Suica or PASMO card. Please also bring some cash, as some places such as Yakuo-in Temple and small shops on Mt. Takao may accept cash only. Most other payments can be made by credit card.
• Please bring a physical Suica or PASMO card for a smoother Green Car experience. If you are not sure how to charge it, please bring cash on the day and I will help you.
• After arriving at the nearest station to Mt. Takao, you can buy drinks or light food before the hike. You can also withdraw cash at the Seven Bank ATM in the station or store your luggage in coin lockers.
• The Green Car has seat tables, drink holders, power outlets, a restroom, and trash bins, so you can enjoy your own meals or drinks on board, and it is also convenient for charging your phone or other devices.
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Depending on your group’s fitness level, the weather, and crowd conditions, the tour may include hiking on mountain trails.
• Rain gear is needed in wet weather, warm clothing is needed in colder seasons, and heatstroke prevention is needed in hot weather.
• The tour operates in light rain. In severe weather, on very hot summer days, or when trail conditions are poor, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety and heatstroke prevention by combining hiking routes, the cable car, the chairlift, or other easier options.
• Food stops and optional visits on the mountain may be changed or skipped depending on weather, shop opening conditions, and crowd levels.
• When the cable car or chairlift is crowded, we may walk instead. The uphill hike takes about 1.5 hours, and the downhill walk takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.