8 Manners and Rules to Follow When Hiking Mount Takao

8 Manners and Rules to Follow When Hiking Mount Takao

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Written by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP
Supervised by :  高尾ビジターセンター

Mount Takao, rising 599 meters, is located in Hachioji, Tokyo.
It is a popular sightseeing spot with one of the highest numbers of hikers in the world, thanks to its easy access and beautiful natural scenery.
To protect Mount Takao’s rich and beautiful natural landscape, its greatest appeal, and to keep yourself safe, there are manners and rules you should follow.
This article introduces the minimum essentials.

1. Be Thorough with Your Planning and Preparation

Before hiking, it is important to make a solid plan and prepare with a reasonable schedule that matches your physical ability.
Doing so will help you enjoy hiking safely and comfortably.
If you want to learn more about Mount Takao’s hiking trails, please refer to the article linked below.

Enjoy Mount Takao safely and with peace of mind by making a reasonable hiking plan.
Enjoy Mount Takao safely and with peace of mind by making a reasonable hiking plan.

2. Stay on the Hiking Trails

Avoid walking off the hiking trails.
Leaving the trails can damage the rare flowers, plants, and soil native to Mount Takao.
It can also harm the roots of old trees, and damaged roots can cause trees to die.
Not only that, but it also creates risks such as falls and slips, so for your own safety, please stay on the trails.

Stay on the hiking trails for your own safety as well
Stay on the hiking trails for your own safety as well

3. Always Take Your Trash Home

To protect Mount Takao’s beautiful natural environment, always take home any trash you generate while hiking.
This includes snack wrappers and empty drink containers, and even small pieces of trash can affect the natural environment.
Keep a bag for trash in your hiking backpack, and please put any trash you generate into it and take it home.
If you want to know what to bring to Mount Takao, please refer to the article linked below.

Never litter trash
Never litter trash

4. Observe Plants, Animals, and Insects Only

When it comes to Mount Takao’s plants such as wild grasses and flowers, as well as wild birds and insects, please limit yourself to observing them.
Collecting plants or capturing animals and insects may damage Mount Takao’s precious natural environment.
To protect Mount Takao’s beautiful nature and the wild animals and insects that live there, follow proper manners and rules and enjoy observing nature.

Do not pick plants, observe them only
Do not pick plants, observe them only

5. Do Not Feed Wildlife

Feeding animals in the mountains can disrupt the ecosystem and negatively affect the animals’ health.
To help preserve nature’s balance, refrain from feeding them and protect an environment where plants and animals can live naturally.

Mount Takao is also home to flying squirrels and raccoon dogs, but please do not feed them
Mount Takao is also home to flying squirrels and raccoon dogs, but please do not feed them

6. Avoid Using Fire

As a general rule, you should avoid using fire. However, using a single-burner stove is allowed.
If you do use a single-burner stove, take every possible precaution to prevent a fire.

Carelessly discarded cigarettes can also cause forest fires
Carelessly discarded cigarettes can also cause forest fires

7. Keep Public Facilities Such as Restrooms Clean

Restrooms and rest areas are important places used by hikers.
After using them, keep them clean and be considerate so that the next person can use them comfortably, and try to help make them pleasant for everyone.

Use public facilities with consideration so everyone can use them comfortably
Use public facilities with consideration so everyone can use them comfortably

8. Greet Other Hikers You Pass

Greet people you pass on the hiking trail.
A simple “Hello” can help people pleasantly share the trail and can also start a conversation.

A friendly greeting can make your hike even more enjoyable
A friendly greeting can make your hike even more enjoyable

FAQ about Mount Takao Manners and Rules

Q

Is it okay to smoke on Mount Takao?

A

Please avoid smoking anywhere other than designated smoking areas. If you want to smoke, please use the smoking area at Kiyotaki Station on the cable car line.

Q

What should I avoid doing on Mount Takao?

A

Please avoid leaving trash behind, entering areas off the hiking trails, picking wild plants, and capturing wild birds.

Summary

This article has introduced the manners and rules you should follow when visiting Mount Takao.
To protect the natural environment and enjoy hiking safely and comfortably, make sure you understand these basic manners and rules.
If you want to learn more about Mount Takao’s attractions and highlights, please also refer to this article.