The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji Part 2 – On the Way to Kiyotaki Station
The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji Part 1 – Arriving at Takaosanguchi Station
For part 3, we look at what to do at Kiyotaki Station, a station operated by Takao Tozan Electric Railway and it’s a choice that travelers going to Mount Takao will need to make.
You are literally at the base of the mountain, but now the decision is whether or not you want to walk all the way up to the mountain or take the cable car or echo lift to the halfway point of the mountain.
For the hardcore hikers that want to walk from the base all the way up to Mount Takao, it’s a long (yet safe) hike but it’s a long hike that most people tend to be content of just doing it from the halfway point.
You’ll notice a line out in front of Kiyotaki Station. This is the line to wait for the cable car or lift. So, there first part is to go inside and purchase your round trip ticket. Ask for the cable car or lift, if you plan to ride up to Mt. Takao.
The price for adults is Y930 round trip and Y450 for an infant. For those who are disabled, the price is Y470 for adult and Y230 for infant.
If you are carrying a heavy backpack, just do the cable car. It takes six minutes and you’re there. The lift takes 12 minutes but gives people the chance to experience the outdoor lift from high above and smell and hear nature as you take the ride up.
The echo lift takes you up 1,515 feet, while the cable car takes you 1,548 feet up.
The cable car begins at 8:00 a.m. and shuts down at 5:30 in the weekdays and in the winter and 6:00 in April, May, July and August, while June , September, October and November, they close at 17:45. For weekends or holidays, it’s 5:30 p.m. but spring and summer, around 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
So, plan to head down from the top of Mt. Takao around 3:30-4:30 p.m. to ensure you don’t get left behind.
As for the echo lift, they begin at 9:00 a.m. primarily stop at 4:30 p.m.
So, after you purchase your ticket, it is time to head back into the line to wait to get into the cable car. You should factor the wait in line at Kiyotaki Station to take about a half hour or close to an hour. Depending how far back the line is going.
There are places to get drinks, food and bathrooms nearby. So, you may want to do those first before getting in line.
Once you get inside Kiyotaki Station, you’ll notice a statue.
And here are two videos as I approached the cable car and took video inside it.
You can see the colors of the trees during the fall/winter.
And once you arrive to the halfway point via cable car or lift, this will be another opportunity for one to use the restrooms, purchase souvenirs, drinks or food.
From afar, with the telescopes, you can see Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower from afar.
Truth be told, it looked quite smoggy and I couldn’t make out any of the buildings despite it being a beautiful day out.
But when you are done and have no need to purchase anything at the stores, it’s now time to head out up the mountain.
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And greeting you as you walk, you are greeted by this sculpture, which I think it’s good luck. Although, I am not quite sure. Once you go up to Mount Takao, you’re going to see sculptures that are unusual, some may look mischievous but I don’t think they would put anything evil up on a trail for visitors.
Like this sculpture, he looks like nice, right? Maybe… Maybe not?
In part 4 of “The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji”, once you move up Mount Takao from the halfway point where you have to make a decision, to visit the Mt. Takao Monkey Park & Wildflower Garden or just keep going up the path?
In this case, we will feature Mount Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden.
