Mount Takao

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View from Mount Takao

Mount Takao (高尾山 takaosan) is a mountain in the city of Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan.

Standing 599 m tall and located within an hour of downtown Tokyo, it is a popular hiking spot, with eight hiking courses and more than 2.5 million annual visitors. The Tama Forest Science Garden is also located at the mountain's base.

Mount Takao is closely associated with tengu, minor kami from Japanese folklore, and a Buddhist temple, Takaosan Yakuōin Yūkiji, is located on the mountain. There is also a local superstition, especially amongst young adults, that couples who climb Mount Takao will separate shortly thereafter.

[edit] Wildlife

Despite the mountain's proximity to the metropolis of Tokyo, Mount Takao is rich in wildlife, with more than 1,200 species of plants and a wide variety of native animals and insects. This diversity is currently under threat from the construction of the Ken-O Expressway, which will involve the drilling of two 10 m tunnels through the heart of the mountain.