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Circling Mt. Fuji
One of my more epic rides was circling Mt. Fuji in a day. I began and finished in Gotemba, climbing up 139 over Kagosaka Pass down into Lake Yamanaka. The trip around the mountain is 114 km with over 1700 meters of elevation gain, so there is not a lot of time to stop and take in the sights.
The trip involves 3 big climbs: Kagosaka Pass (1100m) between Gotemba and Yamanaka Lake, the pass near the Narusawa Observatory east of Lake Motosu (1124m), and Jurigi Pass on the south side near Fuji Safari Park (884m) . After descending down from Kagosaka Pass into Yamanaka Lake there is a gradual descent all the way down into Fujiyoshida, near Lake Kawaguchi.
I kept on Hwy 139 running south of the upper 5 lakes in order to maintain the shortest distance around the mountain. I turned south on Hwy 71 which climbs up to about 1100 meters just southeast of Lake Motosu. After coming over the rise it’s a long plunge all the way down to Fujinomiya, home of the beautiful Shiraito Falls. From there you turn on Hwy 469 and come along the south side of the mountain staying mostly in the trees. The road climbs steadily up Jurigi Pass (880m) and then descends down into the Gotemba Valley.
Each area of the ride has a distinctly different character. The area from Yamanaka Lake to Lake Kawaguchi has a very civilized cultural feel with lots of inns and exhibits. After you get to the end of Lake Kawaguchi traffic thins out and the lakesides being a little more rustic. More of a camping vibe. The west side of the mountain is more remote with some unusual retreat centers and dairy farms. A lot more open space than on the east side. The south side feels like the boonies. The thick forests bordering the road makes it feel closed in.
It is a beautiful trip and a nice challenge. It’s so satisfying to glide down into the Gotemba knowing you’ve circumnavigated the Giant. I highly recommend this trip.
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Climbing Mt. Fuji- Fujinomiya 5th Station
There are four 5th stations on Mt. Fuji; a “5th station” being a trailhead. The trails actually begin lower on the mountain there being a 1st Station, a 2nd Station etc., but most hikers like to begin as high up as the roads will take them, beginning at one of the 5th stations. At 2400 meters (7874 ft) the Fujinomiya 5th Station is the highest of the four.
I began my trip from Gotemba Station; as it was the closest to where I live in Kanagawa Prefecture. I took Hwy 23 through town from the station. Shortly after passing Camp Fuji the road ascends up into the trees into what becomes the Mt. Fuji Skyline Road running along the south slope of Mt. Fuji. The last time that I had been on this road was just a few days before the 2020 Olympic Road Race (held in 2021). It was part of the men’s course and I came across several teams who were practicing on it.
After about 10 km the grades increase to between 5-10% for a couple km until you intersect Hwy 152, the road going up to the Gotemba Trailhead. The Skyline Road becomes Hwy 152 at this point. For the next 7 km the road levels out as you travel along the ridge coming up to Mizugatsuka Park on the left. There is a very nice rest area there with a small cafeteria selling noodles and basic foods. A good place for a break. On clear days it provides a splendid view of Mt. Fuji.
After a little over 2 km, you come to the turn off to the Fujinomiya Trailhead. It’s about 13 km from the turnoff to the 5th station. It’s a wonderful road for cycling. The first 4 km is a pretty steady grade and then it begins to switchback and gain elevation more quickly. The average grade is between 6-8% with some sections getting into double digits. There are markers along the road marking every half km. This may or may not be a motivation for you. It’s pretty rigorous but it’s also very beautiful as you climb and are rewarded with some beautiful views.
The terrain begins to open up a bit to more alpine meadows between the trees. There were lots of mossy rocks and ferns. A beautiful buck deer bounded across the road right in front of me.
The top of the mountain was shrouded in clouds on the day that I climbed it. Soon after arriving on top, it gave way to blue skies and a crystal-clear view of the mountain all the way to the top. I have climbed Mt. Fuji twice; once from this trailhead. I believe it is the shortest of the trails to the top and a little less used than the Subashiri Trail or the Subaru trail on the opposite side of the mountain. I would advise taking this route if you want to hike up the mountain.
This trip marked my final conquest of the four 5th stations. It was indeed a special trip, one that I am very thankful for. Some people have taken this trip starting from the town of Fujinomiya, climbing up the switchbacks of Hwy 180. The PJAAM website lists this as the hardest climb in Japan. Coming from Gotemba is probably not as rigorous but it is challenging none the less and well worth the trip. It is one of my more memorable rides.
Fujinomiya 5th Station Gallery
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Climbing Mt. Fuji Subaru Line
The easiest climbing route to cycle up Mt. Fuji is the Subaru Line on the north side of the mountain to the 5th Station. The Subaru Line (Hwy 707) starts from Fujiyoshida near Lake Kawaguchi. It is also the most scenic route giving you beautiful open views the majority of the trip. I took the trip in early October when the larch trees near the top were turning yellow. It was spectacular.
The Subaru Line is a toll road charging cyclists a 200-yen fee that is well worth it (you share the road with cars & buses). The grade is fairly gentle, climbing 1500 meters over about 35 km. There are iron markers along the route marking the elevation every tenth of a km. You also come upon the signs marking the stations up to the 5th Station, which is as far as vehicles can go.
The 5th Station lies at approximately the half way point of the Yoshida Trail which is perhaps the most popular hiking trail up the mountain. There are lots of tourists at the station, some climbers, others just up there on a tour. There are even horses there to ride.
Of the 3 places that bikes are allowed up the mountain I like the Subaru Line the best as the view from the road is the best and you’re able to get the highest elevation (2300m). It brings you up into the lava fields above the tree line giving you a real sense of having climbed the Giant by bike.
Subaru Line October 2017 Gallery
Subaru Line May 2022 Gallery
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Climbing Mt. Fuji Azami Line
Climb By Bike rates the Azami Line as the 4th most difficult hill climb in Japan behind the 2 climbs of Norikura and Odarumi Pass in Yamanashi. It's not a long route but the grades can be tortuous. The road is a 11 km route running from the turn off on Rt. 138 near the south end of the Kagosaka golf course up to the 5th Station of the Subashiri Hiking Trail.
The middle of the climb is the hardest with grades of 10 to 15% (15-20 in places) that can quickly drain your energy and cause your heart to pound. There are over 35 switchbacks on this short stretch of road. Coming up and around the curve at the top you arrive at the 5th Station of the Subashiri Line with its small collection of food stalls at the trailhead. The Azami Line is definitely a challenge that will give you a feeling of accomplishment once you’ve conquered it.
Climbing Mt. Fuji Gotemba Trailhead
I’ve included this as a climb in that it is one of the 4 ways of getting to one of the 5th Stations on the mountain. To get there take Hwy 153 from Gotemba Station that soon becomes Hwy 23 also known as the Mt Fuji Skyline Road. The road stays pretty straight for about 8 km with a steady grade of 5-10%. After this it becomes a little curvy and the grade increases slightly. The most difficult grades are in the last 2 km after you turn off on the road climbing up to the trailhead. There the grades get into double digits.
Though it is a small station there is a very pleasant viewpoint that gives you a nice view back into the valley below and up into the lava fields above.
I have pleasant memories of the Fuji Skyline Road having ridden there a few days before the Olympic Road race began and being able to see several of the athletes out there practicing. A few days later it was part of the official course.
(Click here to go to Fuji 5 Lakes page)