RENT & RIDE JAPANUpper Fuji River to Oku-Abe & Umegashima, Shizuoka
Fuji River & Umegashima Hidden Onsen Run
A one-day onsen ride up the Fuji River to Minobu, then deep into the Abe River headwaters to the hidden hot springs of Umegashima in northern Shizuoka.
- DISTANCE
- 380 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji, this onsen tour drops down toward the Fuji River basin and follows the Fuji River, one of Japan's three fastest-flowing rivers, through deep valleys and mountains. You'll visit Kuon-ji, the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism at Mt. Minobu, then cross into Shizuoka to reach Umegashima Onsen near the source of the Abe River. Soak in a remote sulfur spring at around 1,000 m elevation and enjoy hearty mountain-village cuisine.
Highlights
- Valley roads along the fast-flowing Fuji River
- The temple town and grand halls of Mt. Minobu Kuon-ji
- Umegashima, a hidden free-flowing sulfur onsen at the Abe River's source
- Best in autumn when the leaves turn, or spring for the cherry blossoms
Riding notes
Route 29 (Abe Kaido) up to Umegashima is a series of mountain curves. The surface can be wet from fallen leaves and spring water, so keep a relaxed pace and plan to descend the mountains before dark.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Early-morning departure from Hachioji.
TIPSLong distance plus mountain roads—fuel up and bring warm layers before you set off.
- 2SPOT~60 min
Mt. Minobu Kuon-ji Temple
Head temple of Nichiren Buddhism in the Fuji River basin, with a temple town and grand halls.
HISTORYFounded in 1274 by Nichiren, this is the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism. It is famous for the 287-step 'Bodaitei' stone staircase leading to the main hall, its five-story pagoda, and a 400-year-old weeping cherry tree.
TIPSParking is available near the main gate; allow about an hour. A ropeway up to the inner sanctuary offers views of Mt. Fuji.
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Photo: Yoshio Kohara / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 3VIEW~40 min
Michi-no-Eki Fujikawa Rakuza
A complex roadside station with views of the Fuji River and Mt. Fuji—ideal for a break, souvenirs and scenery.
TIPSOn Route 10, also connected to Fujikawa SA (inbound) on the Tomei Expressway. Open roughly 8:00–21:00 (varies by facility). The observation lounge has a superb Mt. Fuji view.
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Photo: しんかわな / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 4FOOD~100 min
Umegashima Onsen Yumotoya
A restaurant and day-use onsen at the hidden hot spring near the Abe River source, known for Shizuoka oden and hand-cut soba.
TIPSSignature dishes include hand-cut soba with local wasabi, Shizuoka oden, river fish (yamame/iwana) and wild-boar hot pot. The free-flowing day-use bath 'Nijino-yu' needs no reservation. Please confirm hours and closing days in advance.
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Image - 5ONSEN~40 min
Umegashima Onsen Village
A designated National Health Resort onsen at about 1,000 m near the Abe River's uppermost reaches—a hidden sulfur spring.
HISTORYSaid to have a 1,700-year history and known as one of Takeda Shingen's 'secret baths.' The clear, alkaline (pH 9.6) simple sulfur spring is prized as a beauty bath, and the area was designated a National Health Resort in 2017.
TIPSBeyond a vermilion bridge, a park, shrine and hot-spring sources cluster together for a scenic stroll. Autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms are highlights, and waterfall walks such as Abe-no-Otaki are popular.
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Photo: Kouji shimura / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 6SPOT~20 min
Fujikawa Rakuza (return break)
Head north from Shizuoka for the return leg—final break and refuel along the Fuji River.
TIPSTo avoid mountain roads after dark, descend the Abe Kaido while it's light before stopping. From here, head north toward the Chuo Expressway and back to Hachioji.
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Image - 7GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Arrive back in Hachioji in the evening.