Autumn Whispers at a Michelin Three-Star Restaurant: Mount Takao Covered in Autumn Foliage

The Michelin three-star rating extends beyond just restaurants; it also includes Mount Takao, located near Tokyo. A tourist hotspot on par with Mount Fuji, it's not as inaccessible as one might imagine; it's a perfect day trip from the city center. Choosing to visit at the end of November, when the autumn leaves are in full bloom, the entire mountain is a warm orange hue from Takao-sanguchi Station. Riding a swaying chairlift up the mountain, the flowing, colorful forest below is like an autumnal palette. This time, we chose to stroll up the mountain along Line 1 and descend along Line 4. The biggest surprise was the observation deck at the summit. Under a clear sky, we could see the beautiful silhouette of Mount Fuji, a striking contrast to the fiery red leaves before us. After descending, we rested at the century-old soba noodle shop "Kōju." Sipping hot tea and biting into a grilled dumpling covered in walnut miso, the sweet and savory flavors melted in our mouths, providing a warm ending to this Michelin-starred journey. Turns out, the three-star scenery isn't far away; it's right here in this mountain range on the western outskirts of Tokyo, accessible for a day trip. Transportation: 1. Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takao-Yamaguchi Station. 2. The trailhead is a 3-minute walk from Takao-Yamaguchi Station. #TokyoTravel #Tokyo2025 #TokyoSuburbsDayTrip #MountTakao #AutumnLeaves #NovemberDestinations2025