Surrounded by the scenic view of Mt. Takao, Hachioji, a city located in the west of Tokyo, is an easy escape from the bustling life of the metropolis. An hour’s drive from Tokyo will lead you to the serene and peaceful city that’s surrounded by mountains. What’s great about this place is that it’s not often flocked with tourists. What this means is you can have a quiet time alone or enjoy the intimate company of your travel partner and simply take in the majestic views surrounding this city. Planning to visit with friends or family soon? Here are the best things to do in Hachioji, Tokyo.
1. Explore artifacts at Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (from USD 8.0)
A well-known museum for its collection of Western oil paintings covering 500 years of history. Located near Soka University in Hachioji, Tokyo Fuji Art Museum aims to create connections through art. The concerted relationship between the university and museum has produced a rich collection of activities for schoolchildren such as workshops, lectures, educational programs, and concerts. For an art-inclined individual, this museum will give you a memorable experience as you spend time exploring its vast collection of historic artifacts and special exhibitions. Enjoy the pleasant ambiance as you slowly saunter down the hallways. Appreciate the exquisiteness of paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, and ceramics this museum has to offer. In addition, admission is very reasonable compared to other museums in Tokyo, it offers a pre-booking entry and so visitors will not wait any longer in ticket lines.
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held)
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
2. Marvel at the ruins of Hachioji Castle Remains
Make sure to get a map of this 1,000-ac (405 ha) giant fortress and try an armor at the Guidance Center. Admission is free! It is a perfect place for a leisure walk along the wooden path and stone staircase. This magnificent topography is awash with history from the stone walls and bridges to the parks. Unravel the powerful Hojo clan’s inventive construction of this marvelous castle during the 15th to 16th centuries. Uninterested visitors are even drawn into the mysterious waterfall. Relax at the picnic tables under the calm shade of nature near Hachioji Jinja Shinto Shrine. If you go to the Honmaru, the heart and peak, enjoy serene sightseeing of the widely spread Hachioji city and even spot the famous Mount Fuji on bright days.
Hachioji Castle Remains
Address: Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan.
Website: Hachioji Castle Remains
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Enjoy great views while hiking Mt. Takao (from USD 114.0)
Less than an hour from metropolitan Tokyo is a popular weekend family destination, Mt. Takao, where they celebrate various festivals throughout the year. Hike with gears or stroll around wearing comfy sandals! There are numbered trails ranging from 0.9 km (0.5 mi) to 4.7 km (2.9 mi) and amazingly directed towards breathtaking views. As you go up, appreciate the stunning landscapes of their natural zoo and botanical garden. Toast a climb with a crisp cold beer and try the signature Tenguyaki pancake in a restaurant at the summit observation deck. Back to the base is Takao 599 Museum and Onsen Gokurakuyu (hot spring bathhouse), where you can soothe your muscles after an adventure, a heavenly city escape!
Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
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4. Take a quiet moment at Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji Temple
If you choose the main paved trail to Mt. Takao, Omotesando 3.8 km (2.4 mi), take a quiet moment at Yakuo-in Yuki-ji Temple. Ride up with a cable car or chair lift to save time and conveniently take beautiful photos. Meditate and cleanse your stress while listening to the healing sound of waterfall asceticism and sutra reading of yamabushis. This sacred place is guarded with the most well-known Tengu statues, mythical deity messengers who rebuke evil beings while protecting the good. You can also have a blissful panorama of Mount Fuji, best during the winter solstice, where the rare “Diamond Fuji” happens.
Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji Temple
Address: 2177 Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan
Website: Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji Temple
5. Have fun at Takaosan Trick Art Museum
Make priceless memories at Takaosan Trick Art Museum near the front of Yamaguchi Station. A camera is a must! It is surprisingly exciting and interactive for all ages. Feel the atmosphere of excitement as the staff will provide a short explanation of this fun-filled place. There is even a trick art on both men’s and women’s toilets so do not get lost. You will go crazy capturing feisty photos and making fancy poses of the optical illusions. Among them are the Alice and Wonderland room where parents seem smaller than their kids, balancing at the edge of a barrel, and other mind-confusing art! On your way out after about 90 minutes, have a free drink at an outdoor coffee shop and relax on the second-floor terrace. It is highly recommended during the non-peak season in midwinter.
Takaosan Trick Art Museum
Address:1786, Takao, Hachioji, Tokyo, 193-0844, Japan (1 minute from the Keio Line, Takaosanguchi St.)
Website: Takaosan Trick Art Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily, Apr - Nov); 10am - 6pm (daily, Dec - Mar)
Price:1,330 JPY (12 USD)
6. Shop until you drop at Hachioji Tokyu Square
Ready to bring home tons of shopping bags? Just a few steps from the Hachioji station is a convenient and attractive 13-floor building. It has every type of shop where you can get what you need! New or secondhand clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, handicraft supplies, food, grocery items, grooming service, and more! Everything. Under one roof. You can ask the fortune teller on the ninth floor if it is already time to quit spending. Savor a sumptuous food at the upper-level restaurants where you can see a pleasant aerial view of the streets.
Hachioji Tokyu Square
Address: 9-1 Asahicho, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0083, Japan
Website: Hachioji Tokyu Square
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
7. Take Takaotozan Cable Car and enjoy stunning aerial Tokyo views
Have a thrilling ride on Japan’s Steepest Cable Railway. It even goes through a tunnel! Take aerial photos of the stunning fall foliage and the vibrant carpets of gold shaded amber. It is also one of the best cherry blossoms viewing spot during spring. The whirring engines climb to a 271 m (889.1 ft) altitude difference and covering a total of 1,020 m (3,346.4 ft) distance. Want to bring your pet? Dogs and cats can ride but must be placed in a cage or carry bag, available for rent. Scheduled tickets may be issued during peak seasons so it’s better to plan to avoid the queue.
Takaotozan Cable Car
Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji 193-0844 Tokyo Prefecture
Website: Takaotozan Cable Car
Opening hours: Varies (check website)
Price: Adults’ one-way: 490 JPY (5 USD) ; Adults’ roundtrip: 950 JPY (9 USD)
8. Savor great cocktails, food, and music at Butcher Hachioji
Tokyo is one of the world’s classiest cocktail capitals, making it a home to numerous drinking spots, including Hachioji Butcher. It is a safe place for first-timers, with dim lighting and low-key vintage interiors. Enjoy the live performance and amateurs playing authentic jazz and blues. This irresistible music bar will make you dance to the groove up until it closes at 3am. Do not miss trying a bottle of their special Zima and Umeshu!
Butcher Hachioji
Address: Japan, 〒192-0085 Tokyo, Hachioji, Nakacho, ３−2−0426 スプリングガーデン Q区画 3F
Website: Butcher Hachioji
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 5pm - 3am; Sat: 5pm - 5am; Sun: 7pm - 12am (closed on Mon)
9. Delight in a peaceful and traditional meal at Ukai Toriyama
Expect trademark Japanese hospitality from the kimono-clad staff at Ukai Toriyama. A peaceful site of deep green with a nostalgic atmosphere and architecture. Linked towards the dining area are mini waterfalls and wooden bridges. Delight with your loved ones in their authentic cuisine featuring freshly grilled sardines and seasonal delicacies over special irori charcoal. This multi-course restaurant, perfect for special occasions and gatherings, has soothing aesthetics of a Meiji-period garden setting, beyond peaceful. Complete your experience witnessing fireflies at night in June and July and be awed. Enjoy the great warmth of people, food, and the space here.
Ukai Toriyama
Address: 3426 Minami-asakawa-cho Hachioji City, Tokyo 193-0846
Website: Ukai Toriyama
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 7:30pm (last order); Sat: 11am - 7:30pm (last order); Sun, public holidays: 11am - 7pm (last order)
10. Reflect at Musashi Imperial Graveyard
Experience privacy and solitude at the royal graveyards of Emperor Taisho, Emperor Showa, and their wives Empress Teimei and Empress Kojun. It is surrounded by a magnificent forest of cedar trees and vitality of cherry blossoms in spring. Reflect in a calm and solemn atmosphere, with only the sounds of stepping on jade gravel and birds. Visitors leave this sacred place with a quiet heart. Drinking, smoking, and pets are prohibited. Use the restroom near the parking lot as it is not available inside the premises. It is publicly open from 9am to 4pm.
Musashi Imperial Graveyard
Address:1833 Nagabusamachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0824, Japan
Website: Musashi Imperial Graveyard
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
Have fun in the Tokyo suburb of Hachioji
Whether you’re in for some hiking, quiet time with nature, or exploring culture and arts - there’s a lot that Hachioji has to offer. It’s a charming place that would make you want to come back again and again. So if you’re looking for somewhere new to explore that’s not that far away from central Tokyo, make sure to check Hachioji out for your next Japan trip!
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