The path leading to the cable car station entrance (Photo: Dick Thomas Johnson / CC BY 2.0)
Late Oct
Early Dec
The path leading to the cable car station entrance (Photo: Dick Thomas Johnson / CC BY 2.0)

Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival

An annual celebration of the leaves

Venue: Mount Takao When: Late Oct - Early Dec 2024

Autumn is beautiful in Japan. The vibrant colours of the leaves provide many opportunities for festive events celebrating the season throughout the country. The ever popular Mount Takao, on the outskirts of western Tokyo, is no exception.

Held each year throughout November, the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival celebrates the joy of the leaves with various performances held at Kiyotake cable car station at the base of the mountain.

November national holidays and weekends will see demonstrations of taiko drumming, Japanese orchestral concerts, recitals as well as yosakoi festival dancing, an exciting fusion of tradition and modernity that is danced all over Japan.

The reds, oranges, and yellows of Mount Takao's leaves are a beautiful backdrop to these performances. As always, food and drinks are available, as well souvenirs like kokeshi dolls and traditionally presented Japanese sake.

Getting there

Take the Keio line to Takaosan-guchi station. The station is located at the foot of the mountain. JR Pass holders can ride the JR Chuo line to Takao station, then change to the Keio Line for the short ride to Takaosan-guchi.

More info

Find out more about Mount Takao.

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Lynda Hogan 4 years ago
I went several times for the fall foliage, but stopped going about three years ago because of the difficulty parking. I waited over an hour to get into the car park that year! Train is definitely the way to go.
Sleiman Azizi Author 4 years ago
An hour?!? That is most definitely ouch territory.
Kim 5 years ago
Mt. Takao was a favorite spot of mine when I lived on the outskirts of Tokyo. It's gorgeous in the autumn months!
Sleiman Azizi Author 5 years ago
It's a great place to spend the day.

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