In the middle of December I went to see Takao-san. I was lucky because the weather was really nice and still a bit autumn-ish so everything was bathed in warm colours.
You can get to Takao straight from Nakano (no transfers needed!) via Chuo train line and it takes around 40 minutes.
Right in front of the station you can see a detailed map of the mountain and the trails you can take. There are a few shrines, a monkey park and other along the way to the top.
You can take a cable car or a chair lift halfway to the top- I settled for the chair lift as it has been getting a bit late. It’s reasonably priced and the ride was very pleasant (just watch out as the chairs themselves have no safety rails)
On the way to the top you pass by several smaller shrines- all of them are lovely and nice sightseeing spot. I didn’t check out the monkey park, I wanted to save it as an excuse to visit next time!
At the top there is a monument with the height- Takao-san is 599,15m above the sea level!
The views from the top were amazing. It was a clash of green and red and the setting sun made them even more pretty.
Fuji-san was covered in clouds and sunrays though.
I definitely recommend taking a hike up the Takao mountain, it’s a really lovely place. Just pick up a day with nice weather and set up around noon- I started up quite late in the afternoon so my way down was pretty dark!
Kiwi
http://www.cheap-hostel-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 2300yen/night, Private 3700yen~, cheapest hostel in west Tokyo, Nakano.
ドミトリー2300円、個室3700円~、東京・中野の安宿・バックパッカー!
YADOYA Guesthouse for Backpackers D (3min walk):
http://www.cheap-hostel-tokyo.com/e/yadoyad.php
*Dorm bed start from 2500yen~3000yen/night.
ドミトリー2500円~3000円、東京・中野駅から徒歩3分!
YADOYA Guesthouse Tokyo for long stay:
http://www.cheap-accommodation-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 40,000yen/month(including utilities), private room from 45,000yen/month. It`s nice to live in Nakano, and we support your Tokyo life!
ドミトリー光熱費混み1ヶ月40,000円、プライベート45,000円~。中野は住むのにいいところですよ。ゲストハウスとしてみなさまの東京生活をサポートします!