A Temple at the center of Takao village

Woman enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun, connection with each other and painting at the center of the village.

This soba shop restaurant is a relaxing place to enjoy soba noodles are made from scratch from the soba bean, each day.

Takao Village

Takao village is at the base of Takao Mountain (Takao-san). It is only a short train ride away from the Rooftop House at the end of the Keio line station of Takaosanguchi, (meaning Takao Mountain Exit)

From here one can climb for days and not go on the same path again. You can climb up, across or even over the mountain, to very small villages in a deep valley, where local village people are very welcoming and where there is a small coffee shop and other places to refresh.

Over the years, the small village has become a place where one can relax and enjoy traditional Japanese food, such a soba noodles, which are mixed and cut for all to view. Just watching the preparation of the noodles is an experience to enjoy.

From the village it is possible to take a small cable car up to the temple on the mountain, if one is not strong enough to hike.

A small, clear, beautiful stream runs through the village and the sound of it is gentle and relaxing in the background throughout the village.

Along one narrow stretch of road, are small shops offering handcrafted items but mostly various foods prepared and packaged by local area farmers and residents.  The Japanese are big on pickles, and the ones offered at these shops are some of the best.

For many Japanese, Takao Village is not a destination unto itself, rather being an entrance place to hike Takao mountain. However, when one takes a moment to still the soul, it becomes easy to recognize that there is so much more to observe and experience in the village and it of itself, is a wonderful place to relax and connect.

However, without question, the village is a welcoming place, where one can sense a strong connection to the earth and spirit, and where one can take a rest after climbing or walking on the paths or to the temple on one of Japan's most sacred mountains, Takao-san.