RENT & RIDE JAPANFuji Five Lakes, Motosuko & Minobu
Fuji Western Lakes & Mt. Minobu Culture Ride
A one-day cultural loop tracing the western Fuji Five Lakes—Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Motosuko—then visiting the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism at Kuonji on Mt. Minobu and the historic Shimobe hot spring.
- DISTANCE
- 320 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji, this one-day cultural ride links the western Fuji Five Lakes with the sacred mountain of Minobu, a center of Nichiren Buddhism. You'll cross via the Chuo Expressway to Lake Kawaguchi, trace Lake Sai and Lake Motosu, then descend to Minobu on the scenic Route 300.
Highlights
- Ever-changing views of Mt. Fuji from each lake (Kawaguchi, Sai, Motosu)
- The great gate and 287-step Bodaitei stairway of Kuonji Temple on Mt. Minobu
- A stop at Shimobe Onsen, famed as a "hidden hot spring" of warlord Takeda Shingen
- Local Fuji-foothills cuisine such as hoto noodle stew and venison curry
Riding Tips
The route mixes lakeside roads with mountain highways, and the return leg from Minobu is long. Refuel early near Kawaguchiko or Shimobe, and plan to return before dusk with time to spare.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head toward Fuji via the Chuo Expressway from Hachioji.
TIPSRefuel and check tire pressure before departure. An early start gives a comfortable schedule.
- 2VIEW~30 min
Lake Kawaguchi (Oishi Park)
The gateway to the Fuji Five Lakes, with a classic view of Mt. Fuji across the water.
TIPSOishi Park on the north shore is popular for flower beds framing Mt. Fuji. Clear mornings offer good lighting for photos.
Open in Google MapsPhoto: sippakorn yamkasikorn / UnsplashImage - 3VIEW~20 min
Lake Sai
One of the Fuji Five Lakes, known for its calm waters ringed by primeval forest.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsQuieter and less commercialized than Kawaguchi. The lakeside road has light traffic and is pleasant to ride.
- 4VIEW~25 min
Lake Motosu
The deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes, and the model for the inverted Mt. Fuji on the old 1,000-yen note.
TIPSThe view from the Nakanokura Pass side of the northwest shore is famous. From here, descend toward Minobu on Route 300.
Open in Google MapsPhoto: Ikko Nishimura / UnsplashImage - 5FOOD~60 min
Iroiro Ryori Kotobuki
An eatery near Lake Motosu serving hand-made hoto noodles and local venison curry.
TIPSTry the freshly made hoto noodle stew or curry using locally hunted venison. Generally open during daytime hours; confirm before visiting.
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Image - 6SPOT~70 min
Kuonji Temple, Mt. Minobu
The head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, with its great gate, steep Bodaitei stairway, and cedar-lined approach.
HISTORYFounded when the monk Nichiren entered the mountain in 1274 and spent his final nine years here. By his will it became the head temple of the school, and pilgrims have visited ever since. It is known for the 287-step Bodaitei stairway and a 400-year-old weeping cherry tree.
TIPSThe temple gates are generally open 5:00–17:00 (Apr–Sep) and 5:30–17:00 (Oct–Mar). Use the free parking at the Sohmon gate or Seien lot. The stone stairway is steep, so pace yourself.
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Image - 7ONSEN~60 min
Shimobe Onsen (Shimobe Onsen Kaikan)
A publicly run day-use bathhouse in Shimobe Onsen, famed as a hidden hot spring of warlord Takeda Shingen.
HISTORYA curative hot spring said to have been discovered some 1,300 years ago, where warlord Takeda Shingen is said to have healed battle wounds. Renowned for its effect on injuries, it is a designated National Health Resort hot spring.
TIPSShimobe Onsen Kaikan is a public day-use bathhouse that's easy to drop into. Alternating between the cool and hot springs is a local tradition. Confirm days and hours in advance.
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Image - 8SPOT~20 min
Michi-no-Eki Toyotomi
A rest stop on the return leg, with a farm-produce market for the Kofu basin.
TIPSA handy rest and refuel stop on the way back from Minobu toward the Chuo Expressway. Local corn is a specialty.
Open in Google MapsPhoto: Marek Piwnicki / UnsplashImage - 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Head back to Hachioji via the Chuo Expressway.
