MOUNT TAKAO MOMIJI (maple tree) MATSURI
(November 1 through November 30)

	Also
	For Mt. Takao Firewalk: See March Page
	For Mt. Takao Autumn Festival: See October Page

Taking a cable car to the Takao-san Yakuoin Temple
(All Photos taken on Nov. 28, 2014)

Mount Takao, located within the municipality of Hachioji City in the southeastern part of the Kanto mountainous region, is about 50 km from the center of Tokyo (Shinjuku). Because of this convenient location, visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and the many other attractions all in a day's trip. In recognition of its magnificent beauty, the 2007 edition of Michelin's Voyager Practique Japon, the famous French travel guidebook, awarded Mt. Takao and Mt. Fuji the maximum of three stars. Visitors can climb Mt. Takao by taking a cable car or lift to a point 400 meters up - halfway up the mountain. They can also climb to the top along one of three trails, each of which takes about one-and-a-half hours. Mount Takao is the most popular hiking spot for the citizens of Tokyo. (Compiled from Takaotozan Railway Co., Ltd. Web Site)

Takao-san Kiyotaki Cable Car Station

Joshinmon Gate

Route to the Yakuoin temple is split into two after passing the Joshinmon Gate. Onna-zaka (female slope) is gentle.

Route to the Yakuoin temple is split into two after passing the Joshinmon Gate. Otoko-zaka (male slope) has steep 108 stone steps. In Buddhism, it is believed man is subject to 108 worldly desires.

The Buddhist temple on Mount Takao is formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, and most commonly as Yakuo-in. It was established in 744 on the orders of Emperor Shomu as a base for Buddhism in eastern Japan and its founder was Gyoki, a charismatic priest closely associated with the erection of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
Yakuo-in was restored late in the 14th century by Shungen Daitoku a priest from Mount Daigo in Kyoto, one of the most sacred sites of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, with close connections also to Shugendo (mountain asceticism). (Quoted from Takao-san Yakuo-in Web Site)

Tengu long-nosed demon-like beings are believed to dwell on sacred mountains acting as the messengers of the deities and buddhas to chastise evildoers and protect the goood. They hold a uchiwa (Japanese fan) that sweeps away misfortune and brings about good fortune.