Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Hachioji, about an hour west of central Tokyo, is surrounded by mountains on three sides, including Mt. Takao and Mt. Jinba. Once a post town on the Koshu Kaido road and a silk town in the Meiji era, it has mountaintop castle ruins, a major art museum and its own style of ramen.
Quick answer
Getting there: Hachioji Station (JR Chuo, Yokohama and Hachiko lines); Keio Hachioji Station (Keio Line)
Time needed: A full day
Best time: Autumn for ginkgo trees and hiking; early summer for fireflies
Good for: Hiking, history, art, ramen
Plan Your Visit to Hachioji
Search hotels and things to do in Hachioji. You book on the partner site.
Overview
| Getting there | Hachioji Station (JR Chuo, Yokohama and Hachiko lines); Keio Hachioji Station (Keio Line) |
| Time needed | A full day |
| Best time | Autumn for ginkgo trees and hiking; early summer for fireflies |
| Good for | Hiking, history, art, ramen |
Best Things to Do
Hachioji Castle Ruins
A mountaintop castle built by the Hojo clan in the Warring States period, captured by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590 and burned. Stone stairs and walls have been restored and the gate rebuilt, surrounded by forest and hiking trails. Take a bus from JR Takao Station, then walk about 20 minutes.
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum
Founded in 1983, with about 30,000 works from Japan, the East and the West, from Renaissance paintings to photography, ceramics, lacquerware and armor.
Mt. Takao
Tokyo’s best-known hike, an easy day trip. See our Mt. Takao guide.
Mt. Jinba
At 855 meters, another popular hiking mountain around Hachioji.
Food & Drink
- Hachioji ramen: soy sauce broth with lard and chopped onion; the lard brings out the onion’s sweetness. Served at many restaurants in the city. See our ramen guide.
Find places to eat with our restaurant finder.
Shopping
- Shops around Hachioji Station.
Where to Stay
Most visitors make this a day trip from central Tokyo. Shinjuku, the starting point for trains west, has the widest choice of hotels: see Best hotels in Shinjuku.
Getting There
- Hachioji Station: JR Chuo, Yokohama and Hachiko lines. Keio Hachioji Station (Keio Line) is about 400 meters northeast.
- From Shinjuku: about 40 minutes on a JR Chuo Line limited express. From Tokyo Station: about 1 hour on the JR Chuo Line.
- From the airports: about 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Haneda, or about 2 hours 15 minutes from Narita.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- MorningHachioji Castle Ruins
- Bus and walk
- LunchHachioji ramen
- Bus
- AfternoonTokyo Fuji Art Museum
- OrCombine with Mt. Takao
Travel Tips
- Wear walking shoes for the castle ruins.
- Try Hachioji ramen while you are here.
- Hachioji is the gateway to Mt. Takao.
FAQ
What is Hachioji known for?
Mountains and hiking, Hachioji Castle Ruins, the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum and Hachioji ramen.
How do I get to Hachioji?
Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku (about 40 minutes by limited express) or the Keio Line to Keio Hachioji.
What is Hachioji ramen?
A soy sauce ramen with lard and chopped onion.
Travel Essentials
Airport Transfers
Trains, the monorail, the Airport Limousine Bus and taxis compared.
Train Tickets
How to buy Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets for Kyoto, Osaka and beyond.
JR Pass & Transport Passes
Whether a rail pass or a Tokyo subway ticket will save you money.
Explore More in This Area
Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
