If you're an avid cyclist looking for a challenge, biking up Mt. Fuji is an unforgettable adventure that you should not miss. This journey offers a unique blend of physical exertion, breathtaking scenery, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering one of Japan's most iconic peaks. The toll road was well-maintained that takes you from the base of Mt. Fuji up to the 5th Station, which is around 2,300 meters above sea level. The total distance is approximately 24 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 1,200 meters. The road is mostly paved, making it suitable for road bikes and mountain bikes alike.
The Experience:
Light rain was in the forecast (less than 2.50 m) for Friday, 2024-05-31. I purchased a one way JR East ticket (Fuji Excursion Limited Express Train) from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station. Aaron was waiting for me at the station at 09:30AM. We met with Carlo along the way and headed for the entrance. I brought my own shoes with Speedplay pedals, gloves, jersey/bib, glasses, and Garmin Edge with a mounting bracket. The crew provided all the other essentials like water, bars, pouches, helmet, and the bike. The rules of riding on Mt. Fuji was also laid out.
From the moment you start your ascent, you are surrounded by the lush greenery of the lower slopes. The first part of the ride is relatively gentle, allowing you to warm up and find your rhythm. As you climb higher, the gradient increases, providing a good workout for even the most seasoned cyclists. One of the most remarkable aspects of this ride is the ever-changing landscape. As you climb, you transition from dense forests to more sparse vegetation, and eventually to volcanic terrain. Each turn of the road offers a new, stunning view, making it easy to forget the physical effort required.
Along the way, Aaron gave me the opportunity to take the lead and set the pace. I was thankful he didn't leave me in the dust because he can be super fast! We carried some conversations when I was able to catch my breath. Tour buses can get pretty close, but ride with confidence. Carlo was waiting at each subsequent station to provide support. At the summit, we took a short break and walked around the 5th Station while Aaron provided cool information about Mt. Fuji and gave me time to snap some pictures. The descend was fast, amazing, and cold (wished I brought full finger gloves). Visibility was not great due to the fog so Aaron took the lead. Carlo provided supported in the rear with the van, which made the descend feel a bit safer. After we said our goodbyes back at Kawaguchiko Station after about 3.5 hours, they recommended to try some hoto noodles (it was awesome on the chilly day!).
Special Thanks:
A special thank you to Aaron and Carlo for their invaluable knowledge, encouragement, guidance, and support throughout this adventure. Their expertise made the journey smoother and more enjoyable, providing helpful tips and moral support along the way.
