Lake Yamanakako Cycling Road

With a surface area of 6.57 square kilometers and an elevation of 982 meters, Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and has the third-highest elevation of any lake in Japan. It is also the closest of the five to Mount Fuji and offers spectacular views of the iconic peak.

The lake has a circumference of approximately 14 kilometers, and a dedicated cycling path traces around 80 percent of the lake’s border. While serious cyclists can often be seen pedaling around the Fuji Five Lakes, the Lake Yamanakako Cycling Road is more popular with casual cyclists on city bicycles. The cycle path is well-paved and largely flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels. Circling it makes for a relaxing way to immerse yourself in the local nature, and there are plenty of superb Fuji photo opportunities along the way.

Rental bicycles are available at several locations along the northwestern shore of the lake in one-hour, half-day, or full-day increments. The entire path can be covered on foot in around 3.5 hours, or approximately 1.5 hours on a city bicycle.