Mount Takao has it all: Stunning views, unusual statues, delicious food and exciting festivals.
My recommendation: Take route 6 up and route 1 down. Route 6 is is through the forest and super scenic, route 1 has all the temples and is fully paved with stairs etc.
Located in the Tama region of West Tokyo, Takao is an easily hikeable 599m mountain especially popular with couples, families and the older generation. Mount Takao has been a sacred site for over 1,000 years and disciples called yamabushi would practice ascetic training here, including Zen meditation, waterfall asceticism and sutra reading.
There are plenty of sights along the way to the summit, including a monkey park and temple, as well as views of Tokyo to admire, so it will be worth your sweat.
AloJapan.com