Mt.Takao Base Camp

The staff were kind and accommodating, and the café was excellent. I spent a whole month here and found it spotless, comfortable, and in a perfect location. There are plenty of hikes and other things to do nearby. I expect I'll be back many times.

The staff were really friendly, and there's a great café by the station. It's a convenient spot, especially for trail runners. The beds are the usual Japanese futons with bean pillows, so visitors used to softer bedding may find it hard to sleep. I was there midweek, when the other guests were professionals and everyone respected the quiet rules. Weekends or high season might be different.

This was one of the most affordable hostels I've stayed in, and it was comfortable too. The building is all wood, close to both the mountain and the train station. Bunks seem to be named after mountains on each continent. I had the cute, clean Denali bunk suite, with two sets of bunks. I was on top, and at 160 cm I could stand up fully and make the bed. Linens and two blankets were provided. The bathrooms were clean, with four vanity sinks and indoor footwear. There was also outdoor footwear and gear on display for enthusiasts to try before buying from top outdoor retail clothiers. Pretty cool. I stayed Thursday night. Other reviews mention noise, but lights-out is at 11, and people came and went quietly and respectfully all night. Check-in and checkout were easy, and there are night locks with codes for coming and going. Smoking is allowed on the deck. The kitchen was closed, which was a bit sad because the menu looked amazing. I did get a cup of hot coffee in the morning, though, and wanted to try the Takao burger. That's all. I'd definitely recommend staying a few nights to visit Takao.

The hostel is in a handy spot: two minutes from a convenience store, 100 meters from the trick museum, 400 meters from the train station, and 600 meters from the 499 museum and the entrance to Mt Takao's market area and hiking and climbing facilities. I really enjoyed my time on Mt Takao and at the hostel, and would come back if work allows. I was heading out to Tokyo's outskirts and chose Mt Takao. Near Takaosanguchi station, Mt Takao base camp caught my eye in the preview pictures, with its simple, elegant look. I booked a week without much of a plan, just some nerves and anticipation. I arrived late, but was welcomed and shown the housekeeping details through a mix of English and Japanese. The chef was tired, but we understood and enjoyed a delicious pasta. It's a two-storey building. The ground floor has a restaurant, showers, and a place to rent climbing and cycling gear. Rooms and toilets are upstairs, with plenty of space to sit outside the rooms. My room had a solid wood double bunk bed that still smelled of wood. It was comfortable, with curtains for privacy, and each bed had a small coded locker for valuables like a wallet or phone. Each night I shared with a different guest, mostly Japanese, and enjoyed simple, polite conversations. Showers are downstairs, while the toilets are on the same floor as the rooms. The rooms, toilets, and showers were looked after every day. There's also a humidifier in the room. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, came quickly, and there was a good variety. The restaurant is open from 1000 to 1900. The waiting staff were friendly without being intrusive.