Mount Takao, Sacred mountain in Hachioji, Japan.
Mount Takao is a forested summit of 599 meters (about 1,970 feet) in Hachioji, reachable by eight different paths that wind through dense cedar forest. The slopes carry a Buddhist temple and offer hikers a mix of nature and religious sites.
In 744 a Buddhist temple was founded here, turning the mountain into a religious center. Over the centuries the place remained a destination for believers and linked spiritual tradition with the surrounding landscape.
The name Takao connects to an old Buddhist temple that still draws pilgrims and hikers. Wooden statues of supernatural figures line the path and recall stories that people in the area have known for centuries.
The climb on foot takes about 90 minutes, while a cable car runs from the base to near the summit. The paths are well marked, and several spots offer rest areas for a break.
Part of the mountain holds a park with Japanese macaques living in open enclosures. Nearby spreads a garden where about 500 native plant species grow and show the diversity of local flora.
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