Researched guide · Checked on Oct 21, 2026
A sacred mountain inside Tokyo, reached by a cable car that has been running since 1927. Mt. Mitake, in the hills of Ome in western Tokyo, has an ancient shrine at the top, forest trails, a mossy Rock Garden with a stream and waterfalls, and old pilgrim lodges where you can stay the night. It is quieter than Mt. Takao and makes a full, easy day out from the city.
Quick answer
Getting there: JR Ome Line to Mitake Station, a bus to Takimoto Station, then the cable car (about 6 minutes) up the mountain.
Cable car: adults ¥700 one way, ¥1,400 return. IC cards like Suica work at the gate.
Best for: hikers, nature lovers and anyone who wants a quieter alternative to Mt. Takao.
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The Mitake Tozan cable car
The Mitake Tozan Railway’s cable car opened in 1927. It climbs from Takimoto Station (407.6 m above sea level) to Mitakesan Station (831.0 m) in about 6 minutes. It carries hikers and visitors, and is also used every day by the people who live in the village at the top.
| Ticket | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| One way (valid on the day) | ¥700 | ¥350 |
| Return (valid for 2 days) | ¥1,400 | ¥700 |
- At the gate you can tap a transport IC card such as Suica (one card per person). Ticket machines are also available.
- Pets can ride with a ticket. Keep dogs on a leash and take their droppings home.
- From Mitakedaira, a short lift goes up to the Daitenbodai viewpoint: ¥100 one way, ¥200 return.
- On weekends and holidays in season, the Musasabi Swing near the top lets you swing out over the view (¥500 per ride, up to 2 people). It does not run in bad weather or the off-season.
Musashi Mitake Shrine
At the summit stands Musashi Mitake Shrine. The cable car company describes it as a shrine with a very long history, dedicated to the deity Oguchi-no-Magami. Smaller shrines nearby include one where people pray for safe childbirth and good marriages. Traditional Shinto kagura dance performances called Daidai Kagura are held in June, September and October.
Before you visit, read our shrine and temple etiquette guide.
The Rock Garden and waterfalls
Behind the summit, a trail leads down into the Rock Garden, a valley of moss-covered rocks along a clear mountain stream, with waterfalls nearby. Mt. Mitake is also known for the wild flowers of rengeshoma (Anemonopsis macrophylla). Wear proper shoes: the trails are mountain paths, not paved walks.
Getting there from central Tokyo
- Take the JR Ome Line to Mitake Station.
- From the station, take a bus to Takimoto Station, the bottom of the cable car. Extra buses and cable cars run on busy days.
- Ride the cable car up to Mitakesan Station.
- Driving: the car park at Takimoto Station has 136 spaces (7:10–19:00), and it fills up at New Year, Golden Week and in summer. Set your navigation to “Takimoto Station”, not “Mt. Mitake”, which leads to a closed road. See our driving in Japan guide.
Combine the day with the Tama River and gorges around Okutama in our Okutama guide, or compare with Mt. Takao, which is closer to the city and busier.
Choosing a mountain? See five easy hikes side by side in easy hikes near Tokyo.
Find Mt. Mitake tours
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FAQ
How do I get to Mt. Mitake from Tokyo?
Take the JR Ome Line to Mitake Station, then a bus to Takimoto Station, then the cable car up the mountain (about 6 minutes).
How much is the Mt. Mitake cable car?
Adults pay ¥700 one way or ¥1,400 return; children pay half.
Can I use Suica on the Mitake cable car?
Yes. Transport IC cards work at the gate, one card per person.
Mt. Mitake or Mt. Takao?
Mt. Takao is closer to central Tokyo and very popular. Mt. Mitake takes longer to reach but is quieter, with a historic shrine and the Rock Garden trail.
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Sources
Fares, history and access come from the official site of the Mitake Tozan Railway (Japanese and English pages) (checked October 21, 2026). Fares were revised in autumn 2026, so check before you go.
