Details of the day’s programme will be sent to those who wish to come on the outing.

The following is an outline:

- 12.00: Meet at Takao-sanguchi Station (at the end of the Keio Line)
- 12:15: Climb Mt. Takao (599 m above sea level). Refreshments available at the top.
- 16:40: Take Ukai Toriyama’s private bus from Takao-sanguchi station
- 17:00: Dinner at Ukai Toriyama
(It is, of course, possible to take part in either the hike or the dinner alone.)

Takao-san is one of the closest places to central Tokyo where you can feel that you are finally out of the city. It is not a hard climb, and you certainly do not have to be a seasoned hiker to make it to the top. There are good views of Tokyo and the surrounding mountains on the way up, and a wonderful view of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting) from the top.

The restaurant complex is located in its own gardens in a steep valley about 10 minutes’ drive from Takao-sanguchi Station. It consists of a series of small, traditional Japanese buildings and is the sort of place that Tokyo residents like to take their overseas visitors for a taste of ‘the real Japan’ (the photos on the restaurant’s Japanese-language website, http://www.ukai.co.jp/toriyama/, will give you an idea of the atmosphere). The main feature of the meal is chicken, which is barbecued at the table. There are other choices for anyone who is allergic to chicken.

If you would like to take part in this event, please contact Tim Minton (t.minton[at]camford[dot]org) by 21st May, specifying whether you wish to take part in both the hike and the dinner or just one of them. Please also provide a phone number so that you can be contacted if the weather forces a last-minute cancellation.