Mt. Takao Beer Mount

Roughly an hour away from Shinjuku Station, Mt. Takao rises 599 meters above sea level and has become a reliable hiking destination, both for its more forgiving trails and stunning nature vistas. Near the summit of Mt. Takao, at an elevation of 488 meters, lies Tokyo's highest beer garden and a sunny oasis with fresh beer on tap: Mt. Takao Beer Mount. This breezy, season-limited beer garden opens from mid-June to mid-October, welcoming a crowd of hikers and cable car passengers who are seeking respite — and maybe a draft beer or two — away from the summer heat. The venue offers two seating options: open-air tables on an observation deck and a sheltered hall with a sweeping panorama of the verdant slopes of Mt. Takao. As night descends, the scenery changes from lush greenery and clear blue skies to a gleaming nightscape with views stretching across the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Mt. Takao Beer Mount operates on an all-you-can-eat, free-flow drink concept, standing out as one of the few venues offering Japan's four major beers — Asahi, Kirin, Suntory and Sapporo. Including other limited-edition beers, the menu boasts over 50 drink options, catering to diverse preferences with choices like highballs, shochu, sake, cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks. The food lineup is a buffet-style array of nearly 30 items featuring Hachioji vegetables, oven-baked pizzas, gyoza, spaghetti Napolitan, yakisoba — and just about every popular beer garden classic under the sun. Even more special is the special BBQ and buffet course, where guests can savor grills cooked in eco-friendly Casusgrill from Denmark. The cast includes wagyu sirloin, Yonezawa Ichibansodachi pork, seafood and seasonal vegetables. The free-flow beer might be the biggest selling point, but the all-round good vibes make it a pleasant spot to park — just don’t forget a toast to nature before you continue your descent.