• Statue of Suica Penguin - Please search “Suica Penguin Statue” on Google Maps for the meeting location.

At dawn, the adventure commences at JR Shinjuku Station — New South Gate, in front of the Suica Penguin statue. Once the capital’s gateway, it now serves as a hub for countless travelers. Here, the group will assemble.

The scheduled time is 9:30 in the morning. As sunlight dances between the glass and steel towers, the Samurai stands quietly, awaiting his companions.

Beneath the grand Bus Terminal of Shinjuku — this is where the training begins.

• Takaosanguchi Station - Departure from Shinjuku – The Journey Begins
  Accompanied by a samurai skilled in railway navigation, you will travel on the “iron horse” (train) for about an hour to reach the training ground’s entrance — Takaosanguchi Station.

As the train window frames the passing cityscape, the bustling metropolis gradually transitions to serene mountains.

You can purchase water or light snacks at the convenience store in front of the station.

• Mt. Takaosan Hiking Course - The Waterfall Training Path
  Walk the ancient trail once used for monk training, passing a mystical waterfall. Breathe deeply—the spirit of the mountain welcomes you.
• Ōmiharashidai Viewpoint (Mt. Takao) - At the Summit – View of Mt. Fuji
  If luck is on your side, behold the distant Mt. Fuji. Enjoy a local snack amidst the wind and clouds of Takao’s peak.
• Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji Temple - Temple of Yakuo-in – The Prayer Ritual
  Offer gratitude at the sacred temple and taste local sweets such as dango and matcha ice cream.
• Yamagami Station (Chairlift) - Descent by Lift – The Rewarding Breeze

A gentle breeze awaits as a blessing granted only to those who have endured the ascent. (In times of heavy crowds, the descent will instead become a 30-minute walk.)

• TAKAO36SAUNA - Onsen – The Cleansing Ritual

Wash away the fatigue of the journey in tattoo-friendly hot springs. Savor local dishes and enjoy draft craft beer — your well-deserved reward.

• Statue of Suica Penguin - Return to Shinjuku – End of the Samurai Journey
  With renewed body and spirit, return to the city. You have walked the path of the modern Samurai.

• Samurai Hiking Guide: Navigate less crowded paths like a ninja.
• Samurai Train Guide: Expert support with Suica, tickets, and routes by a railway professional.

• Train fare (Shinjuku ⇄ Takaosanguchi round trip)
• Lift fee
• Onsen admission
• Personal food and drink expenses

Embark on a railway adventure from Shinjuku Station to the renowned Michelin-starred Mount Takao, with a round-trip guided by Sho, a samurai guide with over 20 years of experience in the railway and mountaineering fields, who carries a Suica card instead of a sword.

After approximately an hour and a half of hiking on Mount Takao, find tranquility at the summit and temple, indulge in local gourmet dishes, and rejuvenate at a tattoo-friendly hot spring after descending. Relish local cuisine and craft beer within the hot spring.

Experience a samurai-style journey — a day centered around nature, railways, and spirit.

No need for hiking gear; sneakers are suitable. The hot spring provides 2 towels, so there’s nothing to bring.

Reservations are open until 7:00 a.m. on the day of the trip. Meeting point: 9:30 a.m. at JR Shinjuku Station, South Gate (next to Busta Shinjuku, in front of the Suica Penguin statue). The journey concludes around 5:00 p.m. at Shinjuku Station, allowing time for evening plans.

• Q: How much cash should I bring? A: Having ¥5,000 in cash will be enough.
• Q: Can I make payments at the summit, Yakuoin Temple, or the hot spring? A: Many shops and hot spring facilities accept cash, credit cards, and IC cards such as Suica. However, shops inside Yakuoin Temple (souvenirs, dumplings, soft-serve ice cream) accept cash only.
• Q: How do I buy a lift ticket? A: Tickets can be purchased at the lift station. Suica, cash, and contactless credit card payments are accepted.
• Q: Do I need to bring food and drinks? A: There is a convenience store in front of Takaosanguchi Station where you can buy items before departure. At the summit and Yakuoin Temple, you can also purchase amazake, mushroom soup, dumplings, soft-serve ice cream, and more.
• Q:Q: What about lunch? A: After the descent, we will have a slightly late lunch at a tattoo-friendly hot spring facility near the station. You can enjoy kamameshi and dishes made with local ingredients, as well as draft craft beer (please note that the cost is at your own expense).
• Q: Do I have to enter the hot spring? A: No, it’s optional. Those who do not enter the hot spring can spend time enjoying meals or resting in the facility.
• Q: How long is the hike? A: The hike takes about 1.5 hours one way.
• Q: Are there age limits or participation requirements? A: This tour is for participants aged 18 and above. Strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility issues cannot participate.
• Q: Is the hiking route fixed? A: The route may change depending on weather and crowd conditions. Safety is our top priority, so please rest assured.
• Q: What happens on rainy or stormy days? A: The tour operates even in light rain, though some shops or summit facilities may be closed. In severe weather, hiking will be canceled, and instead, we will take the cable car both ways, visit Yakuoin Temple, and then spend time at the hot spring.
• Q: What clothing and items do you recommend? A: Comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, light snacks (such as chocolate or nuts you can eat while walking), a change of clothes after the onsen, and a sweat-wiping towel are recommended. In case of rain, please bring rain gear (an umbrella or rainwear).
• Please note that the organizer cannot take responsibility for any injuries, illnesses, or loss/damage of personal belongings during the tour. We kindly ask you to take care of yourself so you can enjoy the experience safely. To ensure everyone has a pleasant time, we ask guests to refrain from disruptive behavior. If such behavior continues after a reminder, the tour may need to be ended without refund. Depending on the situation, significant or repeated itinerary changes may require an additional fee. Thank you for your understanding.
• During busy seasons such as autumn leaves and cherry blossoms, the chair lift for the return trip may be extremely crowded. In that case, we will enjoy a pleasant walk down the mountain via Trail No.1. It usually takes about 30–40 minutes at a relaxed pace. Please wear comfortable shoes and look forward to the walk!
• English guidance is provided with the latest translation device. Basic railway and hiking terms can be explained in English.
• All photos used for this tour listing are completely unedited and show the scenery exactly as it is. In spring you will find cherry blossoms, in early summer fresh green leaves, in autumn vibrant fall colors, and in winter crisp clear air. Please take a look at these seasonal images of Mt. Takao—which change greatly depending on the season and weather—and compare them with the time of year you plan to visit.
• Due to the hot spring’s policy, this tour is for guests aged 18 and over.

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