Walking Tour Mount Takao : Nature and Tradition in Tokyo

For our first destination, we will make a short stop at Takao’s 599 Museum and Nature Centre. Despite being small, the centre is an informative way to be introduced to the wildlife, plants and animals that live on Mount Takao. Your guide will paint a picture of the beauty and significance of Takao’s nature providing useful context before we begin our ascension up the mountain. Takao 599 is also home to its own great cafe, a perfect stop for a coffee, tea or light snack before we move onto our next destination!

Mount Takao’s Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden offers visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about the native Japanese Macaques or ’Snow Monkeys’ as they are also referred to. The park is home to around 70 monkeys living in a semi natural environment on the mountain, and you will learn about their social structures and playful behaviour! You will also have the chance to feed the monkeys during your visit! The wildflower garden features over 500 species of plants that grow naturally on Mount Takao, and the landscape changes depending on the season.

a beautiful Buddhist temple with a long and fascinating history. The temple was founded in 744 AD during the Nara period by Emperor Shomu. It is dedicated to Izuna Daigongen, a Deity associated with mountain protection and worship. The most famous of the temple’s features are the Tengu statues! These are mythical creatures which are believed to be protectors of the mountain and punish wrongdoers! The temple is also very popular for pilgrimages and visitors will often see people coming here to pray for safety, health and good fortune.