Fully enjoy every aspect of Mt. Fuji Cycling around Mt. Fuji

ATT.JAPAN × JapanUp! magazine

February 2022 (vol. 172)

A cycling course around the base of Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan, is commonly called “Fuji-ichi.” A complete circuit is about 107 km, with some parts with significant altitude changes; therefore, it is suitable for intermediate to advanced cyclists. A section of this course is part of the course for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Cycling Road Race. Starting from Gotemba Station, you can take time to travel in a counterclockwise direction over two days.

The best part of the course is that you can enjoy exhilarating cycling while looking at Mt. Fuji! On the east side (the side of Yamanashi Prefecture), you can drop by Oshino Hakkai, a collection of eight ponds filled with melted snow from Mt. Fuji, and Arakurayama Sengen Park, to take photos of Mt. Fuji together with traditional Japanese building structures. On the west side (the side of Shizuoka Prefecture), you can get a great close-up view of Mt. Fuji from Asagiri Plateau.

Located on the north side of Mt. Fuji, five lakes, namely Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko are collectively called “Fuji Five Lakes,” each of which presents different scenery. For example, Lake Yamanakako has “Hananomiyako Park” nearby, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji with seasonal flowers. Lake Motosuko is famous for “sakasa Fuji” (upside-down Mt. Fuji on the lake surface), which appears on the reverse side of the 1,000 yen note. Lake Kawaguchiko is a perfect place to take a rest and/or stay overnight, as the area around the lake has many hotels and restaurants.

See at Mt. Fuji from different directions

Local dishes

Yoshida Udon
Around Fujiyoshida City

Featuring a very firm texture, this noodle dish is served with a generous amount of various toppings, such as horse meat and cabbage.

Fujinomiya Yakisoba
Around Fujinomiya City

The special steamed noodles are fried with lard, seasoned with a sauce with a strong taste, and served with shredded dried sardines.

Rental bicycle services

Mt. Fuji Gotemba / Hakone Tourist Information

Conveniently located next to Gotemba Station!

Price: 1,200 yen per rental for battery-assisted bike, 1,000 yen per rental for regular bike
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (The reception is open until 4pm)
Address: 1940-10 Niihashi, Gotemba City, Shizuoka

mont-bell Fujiyoshida Branch

This shop specializing in outdoor items offers a wide variety of clothing and equipment for various outdoor activities, including cycling.
Price: 3,500 yen per one day for a hybrid bicycle
Hours: 9:00–19:00
Address: 1936-6 Araya, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi (Roadside Station Fujiyoshida)

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The magazine att.JAPAN is for non-Japanese visiting from overseas and those residing in Japan. This quarterly magazine written in English, Mandarin, and Korean offers a wide range of information about Japan—from travel and sightseeing to various aspects of traditional culture and the latest trends. The magazine is distributed at major airports, hotels, and tourist information centers throughout Japan.

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