Mount Takao: Cedar Cathedral From Shinjuku

47 minutes on the Keio Line from Shinjuku. 599 meters. The Omotesando Trail climbs through cedar forest — trunks wider than your arm span, canopy interlocking high above, light green and filtered like walking through an aquarium. Yakuoin Temple at the halfway point: bell tones from wooden halls, incense clinging to your hair.

At the summit: the Kanto plain to the horizon, and on clear days Mount Fuji's cone to the west. Late autumn for momiji maples in a red so intense it looks lacquered. The trail passes through tunnels of color. Hot canned coffee from a vending machine at the top tasting better than it has any right to at 599 meters.

Cable car available for an easier first half. Weekdays for solitude. Paid parking lots near the station fill quickly on weekends. Omotesando Trail is moderate — 1.5 to 2 hours to the summit. The descent via Trail 4 (suspension bridge route) is more rugged and less crowded.