A display of butterflies in the 599 Museum at the base of Mount Takao in western Tokyo. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Many visiting Americans are familiar with Mount Takao — a relatively brief ride by rail from Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo — and its reputation as a sacred place and a brisk day hike for the outdoor inclined.
Overlooked is the 599 Museum at the mountain’s base, a natural history experience awaiting discovery. Plus, admission is free. The museum takes its name from Takao’s height, 599 meters or 1,965 feet.
Mount Takao has been considered sacred since the Edo period and lies at the borderline of warm-temperature zone and cool-temperature zone, where various plants from both zones grow. The mountain is home to more than 1,500 types of plants, over 60 species of plants and 30 animals species.
Overlooked during visits to Mount Takao is the 599 Museum, a natural history experience awaiting discovery at the mountain's base in western Tokyo. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
The Nature Collection is the museum’s main exhibit. It consists of 16 stands containing glass cases filled with flower and insect species.
Notable plants include purple moss, which, despite its name is not a part of the moss family but does grow and spread over an area like a carpet; and the silver bellflower, which grows on leaf mold in the dark, damp, mountainous forests where fallen leaves pile up.
A narrow-legged skipper butterfly is displayed in the 599 Museum at the base of Mount Takao in western Tokyo. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Deutzia gracilis, or Japanese snow flower, is displayed in the 599 Museum at the base of Mount Takao in western Tokyo. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
The insect section is humongous. Mount Takao is home to thousands of insect species and is one of Japan’s three major insect habitats, along with Mount Minoo in Osaka and Mount Kibune in Kyoto. The museum’s insects are split by species, including butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers and dragonflies.
The Nature Wall at the back of the museum displays taxidermic versions of animals that inhabit the mountain and the surrounding area. The animals are set against a map projected on the wall to show them in the forest throughout the seasons. Animals include the Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, and the Japanese wild boar and badger.
A small shop beside the museum sells nature books, museum stickers and postcards. It also houses glass containers of the mountain’s poisonous mushrooms.
Outside of the museum you’ll find the 599 bench, a landmark that makes a great photo spot.
On the QT
Directions: 2435-3 Takao, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844 The drive via Route 468, a toll expressway, takes about 35 minutes. From Higashi-Fussa Station, the JR East Hachiko Line gets you there in about 80 minutes. The museum is a 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station:
Times: Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to November, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. December to March
Costs: Free
Food: Plenty of opportunities along the streets in this tourist-friendly venue.
Information: www.takao599museum.jp
