Welcome to the museum at the foot of Mount Takao, an important stop before your climb. The name "599" reflects the mountain's altitude of 599 meters.

This museum serves as a space to prepare yourself before exploring the natural world.

Mount Takao marks the boundary between the Kanto Mountains and the Kanto Plain, where both warm and cool temperate zones meet. As a result, you’ll find a mix of evergreen and deciduous broadleaf trees, with approximately 1,600 identified plant species. The area is home to around 5,000 species of insects, birds, and mammals, which is why it’s often referred to as the "treasure trove of nature closest to the city."

This rich biodiversity is not coincidental. The geology consists of alternating layers of hard sandstone and mudstone. When crustal movements push these layers upwards, water accumulates in the cracks, creating spaces for roots to grow. Furthermore, the presence of Yakuoin, a place of worship on Mount Takao, has helped protect this natural environment from development.

The museum exhibits illustrate these natural processes. You’re encouraged not just to climb the mountain but to experience it truly. If you have time, visit the museum first. Watching the video guide will enhance your appreciation of even the smallest details you encounter along the trail.