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This course is intended for advanced cyclists. Selected as the (men's) course for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Cycling Road Race, it crosses Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. Here, we will introduce the details of the section of the course located in Yamanashi Prefecture.
51 km from the start* of the course in Musashinomori Park, it moves onto Doshi Road, and from there runs approximately 40 km, mainly in an upward climb, to Yamabushi Tunnel. As you go through Yamabushi Tunnel and come to Lake Yamanakako, the majestic Mt. Fuji is right before your eyes!
From urban areas to mountain village scenery and the spectacular views at the north foot of Mt. Fuji, you can enjoy the changes in the magnificent landscape.
*The first 10 km of the course from Musashinomori Park is part of the ceremonial parade route, so the actual starting point of the race will be Koremasa Bridge.
※Due to ongoing disaster recovery efforts, the section of the course from the Aoyama intersection in Sagamihara City's Midori Ward to the Yamanashi Prefectural border is not available for use at this time.
Difficulty level
Elevation difference1,451 m
Travel distanceApproximately 234 km
Gradient
The Lake Yamanakoko and the Yamanakako Panoramic Viewing Platform Course goes around Lake Yamanakako, the closest of the Fuji Five Lakes to Mt. Fuji. The lakeshore features a cycling road, so you can ride comfortably. Please try taking on the hill climb to Mikuni Pass with an approximately 5% incline!
※You can also rent bicycles from rental cycle shops near Lake Yamanakako.
Difficulty level
Elevation difference324 m
Travel distance49 km
Gradient
This is a course for beginners where you can enjoy the charms of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko to your heart's content. Cyclists can follow along the blue line on the road that shows the route. Lake Kawaguchiko is a main sightseeing spot near Mt. Fuji, so there are many different things that you can enjoy there.
※You can also rent bicycles at rental shops around Lake Kawaguchiko.
Difficulty level
Elevation difference49 m
Travel distanceApproximately 26 km
Gradient
The Western Line Course is a panoramic cycling course that loops around the Kofu Basin on the Western Line, which is wide farm road on the western side of Fujikawa River. There is a series of ups and downs at elevations between 500 m and 600 m. All along the course there are parks where it is possible to take a break, and these are great for catching your breath while enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. On days when the weather is good, it also possible to see Mt. Fuji. The views change with each season, so cyclists can expect to make new discoveries each time they ride on this course.
Difficulty level
Elevation difference674m
Travel distance51.6km
Gradient
The Fruit Line Course follows the Fruit Line road, which runs from Fuefuki City to Yamanashi City and cuts through the fruit orchard zone on the northern slope of the Kofu Basin. At the starting point Yamanashi Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, there is a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. In early through mid April, the expansive carpet of peach blossoms below is quite a sight. At this time of year, it is possible to take a pleasant ride cutting through the spring breeze, while surrounded by fields of pink peach blossoms and white plum blossoms. There is a good balance of ups and downs, so this course is recommended for cyclists who prefer roads that have some variation. There many farms geared toward tourists along the road, so it is possible to enjoy seasonal fruits along the way.
Difficulty level
Elevation difference524m
Travel distance40.4km
Gradient
The Fujikawa River Basin Scenery Course has a total length of about 56 km, and involves cycling in the basin of Fujikawa River. In the first half of the course, it possible to enjoy an approximately 6 km stretch with an average gradient of about 6%, and near the ridge, there are great views of Fujikawa River, which is one of Japan’s Three Major Whitewater Locations, and it is possible to look out at famous mountains including Mt. Fuji and the Minami Alps and Yatsugatake Mountains. In the middle section to the second half of the course, it is possible to enjoy mostly downhill riding while taking in views of the majestic Fujikawa River nearby. In addition, there are a number of resting spots, including the restaurants in front of Minobu Station, so riding on the course can be enjoyed in a relaxed and leisurely manner. It is possible to return to the starting point from JR Minobu Line Toshima Station by taking your bicycle on the train (a process called rinko in Japanese*), and there are various other possibilities for the return route, so you can choose the course plan that best suits you.
*Rinko: This refers to transporting a bicycle via public transportation in Japanese. There are various rules related to bike folding and bags, etc., and these need to be checked in advance.
Difficulty level
Elevation difference756m
Travel distance56.4km
Gradient
The course runs by all of the Fuji Five Lakes: Lake Motosuko, Lake Shojiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Lake Yamanakako. There are many romantic sights along the way in addition to the lakes, including a primeval forest, historical sites, and springs that have been listed among Japan’s Top 100 Famous Water Locations and the New 100 Views of Mt. Fuji. Cyclists who have completed this approximately 110-km course under the benevolent watch of Mt. Fuji can expected to have a great sense of accomplishment. This is a long-distance course, so dividing it into several separate rides is also recommended.
Difficulty level
Elevation difference720m
Travel distance110 km
Gradient
This course runs by spots where it is possible get in touch with the spirits of the World Cultural Heritage Site Mt. Fuji. These include oshi no ie (pilgrims’ inns), which served as lodgings and provided visitors with sacred Fuji teachings related to believing in and worshiping Mt. Fuji, and a shrine where Konohanasakuya-hime (Cherry Tree Blooming Princess), who is known as the deity of Mt. Fuji, is enshrined. This course has few ups and downs, so is recommended for cyclists of all levels including beginners. On this course, it is possible to enjoy many different landscapes while cycling past shrines, through forests, and along lakes.
Difficulty level
Elevation difference301m
Travel distance36km
Gradient