Exploring the Popular Yet Perilous Trails Near Tokyo

On June 5th, visitors were seen taking the cable car up Mount Takaosan, located in Hachioji, a city in western Tokyo. This cable car is notable for having the steepest incline of any cable car in Japan.

Mount Takaosan, standing at 599 meters, is a popular day trip destination from central Tokyo. It's often considered a safe and easy hike compared to Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak. Despite its accessibility, Mount Takaosan experiences a surprisingly high number of mountaineering accidents, even more than Mount Fuji.

According to recent statistics, 131 people became stranded in the Mount Takaosan range in 2024. In contrast, Mount Fuji saw 83 incidents, while the Hotaka mountain range, known for its peaks exceeding 3,000 meters, had 66.

Mount Takaosan, situated about an hour by train from central Tokyo, attracts up to 4 million visitors annually. Climbers can use cable cars or chair lifts to reach the halfway point, where the Yakuoin temple, dating back to the Nara Period, is located. Hikers can enjoy the mountain's natural beauty throughout the year and often see Mount Fuji from the summit.

Toshiro Saeki, head of a mountain rescue team, explained that many accidents involve falls, illness, and fatigue. Middle-aged and older individuals are disproportionately affected. Accidents frequently occur on Trail 1, which is paved but still presents challenges.

Hikers often become exhausted on the trails below the cable car station. The cable car itself is Japan's steepest. Trail 1, which runs alongside the cable car, is also a steep and winding path. Climbers can struggle on this trail depending on their physical condition.

Many hikers also become disoriented after sunset, especially when venturing into other mountain ranges or traversing adjacent mountains. Some have become stranded after heading towards what they thought was a roadway, only to find it was an expressway. There are also dangerous cliffs along the traverse routes.

To prevent accidents, it's crucial to take the mountain seriously, plan ahead, and bring the right equipment. For example, the Minami-Takao Seven Summits route, which traverses mountains on the south side of Mount Takaosan, takes six to seven hours at a normal pace.

The rescue team leader recommends bringing essential items such as a headlamp, rainwear, a mountaineering map, a compass, a cellphone, spare batteries, sufficient drinking water, and rations.

Saeki, an avid climber, emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. He hopes that climbers will prepare well and return home with positive memories.