As you exit the cable car, you'll have a clear view of the Kanto Plain to the east. The landscape to the west unfolds before you, with Mount Fuji towering in the distance. Mount Takao has long been a witness to both the eastern city and the lives and prayers of its people.

Each new year, visitors come here to witness the first sunrise of the year. On the winter solstice, you can see "Diamond Fuji," where the sun sets precisely on Mount Fuji's peak.

In early winter mornings, the mountain glows red in the rising sun, a sight known as "Red Fuji." After rainy days, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji rising above a sea of clouds, creating a moment filled with peace and reverence for nature.

During the Edo Period, when the worship of Fuji was popular, people journeyed from here to the mountain, which was traditionally off-limits to women. However, many women climbed Mount Takao to pay homage to Mount Fuji from a distance. This location served as a place to offer prayers, not just a substitute for the mountain itself.

Take a moment to join your hands in prayer towards Mount Fuji. Reflect on your thoughts, which may connect you with people across different times and places.

Remember, reaching the summit of Mount Takao is not the end but a waypoint. On your descent, consider taking a different trail from the one you used to climb up. If you need assistance, the Takao Visitor Center is available to help. Along the way, you'll encounter Jizo statues and various natural scenes worth stopping to appreciate. Pay attention to the smaller details that you may have missed on your ascent.

*This guide was created based on documents and interviews, and includes some interpretation done by us at ON THE TRIP. Theories differ between experts, so try to find out what really happened on your travels!