How to get to Mt.Takigo from Shinjuku: Complete Access Guide | Highway Bus vs. Train vs. Car

Mt. Takigo (Takigoyama, 1,620m) is located in the Daibosatsu Mountain Range in Yamanashi Prefecture. Known for its beautiful valley trails and spectacular views of Mt. Fuji from the summit, this mountain is beloved by many hiking enthusiasts. It’s also considered one of the “100 Famous Mountains of Yamanashi.“

Depending on whether you get to Mt.Takigo by train, bus, or car, the distance to the trailhead can greatly differ.

Comparison Table (Shinjuku to Mt. Takigo Trailhead)

When factoring price and distance to the trailhead, the highway bus is the cheapest and closest option followed by car (for distance to the trailhead).

Note: The “trailhead” here refers to Sakura Forest Park, where parking and restrooms are available. From there, it’s an additional ~1km (20 minute walk) along a forest road to reach the actual hiking trail entrance (Dosho Jizo).

Sakura Forest Park to Dosho Jizo Google Map

Highway Bus（Chuo Expressway Bus）Access

Surprisingly not known to many, this route actually gets you closer to the trailhead than the train. This route is recommended for those who want to reach the trailhead in the least amount of time.

Basic Route

• Shinjuku Bus Terminal → （Chuo Expressway Bus – Kofu Line） → Get off at “Chuo-do Sasago” bus stop

　※ Other than the Shinjuku Bus Terminal , you can also stop at bus stops along the way such as Fuchu Bus Stop and Hino Bus Stop.

Distance and Time to Trailhead

The bus stop is located very close to the Yoshikubo settlement, which serves as the entrance to the trailhead.

• Section: Chuo-do Sasago Bus Stop to Sakura Forest Park
• Distance: ~0.3km
• Walking Distance: About 5 minutes
  • After descending from the highway to the general road, you can immediately enter the path toward the trailhead. This cuts your walking time by approximately 30 minutes compared to the train route.

Advantages

• Shortest amount of walking: The walk from the trailhead is almost immediate
• Comfortable: Guaranteed seating from Shinjuku with no transfers. Many buses also have Wi-Fi and electrical outlets

Disadvantages

• Risk of Traffic: On the weekend, trips back to Shinjuku may have some traffic jams, potentially delaying arrival times.

Highway Bus Details/Reservations「Highwaybus.com」

Train (JR Chuo Main Line) Access

This is the most popular and reliable method for hikers, though there’s a bit more distance when walking to the trailhead.

Basic Route

【Using the Limited Express】
Shinjuku Station → (JR Chuo Limited Express Kaiji/Azusa to Otsuki) → Otsuki Station → (JR Chuo Main Line Local) → Sasago Station

Using Local Trains: Shinjuku Station → (JR Chuo Line or Keio Line) → Takao Station → (JR Chuo Main Line Local) → Sasago Station

Distance and Time to Trailhead

Walk west from the station along Route 20 (Koshu Kaido), passing through Yoshikubo settlement where the bus stop is located, to reach the trailhead.

• Section: JR Sasago Station to Sakura Forest Park
• Distance: ~2.1km
• Walking distance: ~30 mins
  • It’s a way to warm up for the hike, though it may feel a bit long during hot summer months.

Advantages

• Punctual: No worries about traffic, and you can stick to your schedule
• Post-hike enjoyment: On the return, you can freely enjoy drinks and meals around the station or at Otsuki Station

Disadvantages

• Walking distance: Compared to the bus, you’ll walk about 30 minutes more on paved roads each way
• Train crowding: Trains can be crowded on weekends and during peak season, sometimes with no available seats

Car Access

The most comfortable method with high flexibility, as you can drive directly to the trailhead (Sakura Forest Park).

Basic Route

• Chuo Expressway → Otsuki IC or Katsunuma IC → Via Route 20 (Koshu Kaido)
• GPS setting: “Sakura Shinrin Koen (Sakura Forest Park)” or “Mt. Takigo Atago Park”

Parking Information

There is no large official parking lot near the Mt. Takigo trailhead, but parking spaces utilizing the roadside are scattered around Sakura Forest Park. There are spaces for about 8-10 cars before Sakura Forest Park (before and after the animal prevention gate), about 5 spaces inside the gate on the right side, and about 5 roadside spaces near Dosho Jizo at the end of the mountain path.

All are unpaved roadside areas and free, but they’re more like “spaces where you can park” rather than official parking lots, so they tend to fill up quickly on weekend and holiday mornings if you don’t arrive early.

Trailhead Navigation Parking Information [JP Only]

Distance from Parking to Trailhead

• Section: Sakura Forest Park Parking to Dosho Jizo (actual hiking trail entrance)
• Distance: ~1.0km
• Walking Distance: ~20 mins
  • Park at the park, then walk about 20 minutes along the forest road to reach the gate with the hiking register (Dosho Jizo).

Advantages

• Best approach: Eliminates extra time walking, making it easier when you have heavier gear
• Freedom: Flexible for early morning/late night departures and stops at hot springs after descending

Disadvantages

• Limited parking capacity: Sakura Forest Park has only about 10-15 spaces. Risk of full parking in the morning during foliage season
• Traffic jams: Watch out for Chuo Expressway traffic (near Kobotoke Tunnel area) on the return and be careful of driving when tired

Summary: Which Access Method is Right for You?

• To minimize walking distance and access easily… Highway Bus
  With its stop overwhelmingly closer than Sasago Station, this method is optimal if you are worried about conserving energy. Please take advantage of the convenience of the “Chuo-do Sasago” bus stop.
• If you prioritize predictable timing and peace of mind… Train
  While the walking distance to the trail is longer, you don’t have to worry about traffic jams.
• For group hiking or door-to-door convenience… Car
  You’ll need to arrive early to secure parking, but you have more flexible time.

Choose the access method that suits you best and plan a safe and enjoyable Mt. Takigo hiking trip!

Highway Bus Details/Reservations「Highwaybus.com」

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