Mt. Takao: Nov. 3, 2010

I climbed Mt. Takao in Hachioji City, western Tokyo.

The mountain may be most popular in great Tokyo area. It is 599m high. It takes only an hour from central Tokyo to the mountain.

The problem is -- it is too crowded in the peak seasons (the golden week holidays in May and the autumn color season in November).

I started climbing it in the afternoon to avoid the “traffic jam” (of the hikers) there.

The mountain have been worshipped by people. Shrines have been built and roads have been developed for the visitors. Some parts are now paved.

I found sculptures of Buddhism gods and Teng (long-nosed demons) in the shrines.

The mountain roads were not so steep. I found many huge cedar trees standing along the roads.
Only a few trees (maple etc.) have changed the color of their leaves. Full scale autumn red is expected in late November.

There was a big joy after the climb. Restaurant at the foot of the mountain served river fishes. It was sooooo nice.

Map: Mt. Takao