RENT & RIDE JAPANGotemba, Fujioka & Mt. Ashitaka Foothills, Shizuoka
Gotemba & Ashitaka Highland Loop
A one-day loop from Gotemba through the vast plateau roads on the western foot of Mt. Ashitaka up to the 960 m Jurigi Highlands and the Susono plateau, offering grand views of the southeastern flank of Mt. Fuji and refreshing rides through pine forests under crisp autumn skies.
- DISTANCE
- 250 km
- DURATION
- 10 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji, this one-day tour explores the highlands on the southeastern foot of Mt. Fuji. Take the Chuo and Tomei Expressways to Gotemba, then ride the broad plateau roads skirting the East Fuji Maneuver Area toward the western foot of Mt. Ashitaka. At the Jurigi Highlands Observatory (960 m), a sweeping panorama of Mt. Fuji rising right before you—backed by the Ashitaka range and the Southern Alps—awaits.
Highlights
- Jurigi Highlands Observatory: At 960 m, Mt. Fuji stands directly ahead, with fields of silver pampas grass glowing in autumn.
- Ashitaka western foothill roads: Exhilarating windings through moorland and pine forest with little traffic and open Fuji views.
- Gotemba gourmet: Enjoy "genkotsu hamburg," Shizuoka's beloved local specialty, for lunch.
Riding Tips
The highlands sit at high elevation and turn cold in autumn, so bring warm gear. Roads around Jurigi are curvy and easy to lose, so ride at a relaxed pace. Restricted zones surround the maneuver area, so stay only on the public perimeter roads.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head from Hachioji toward Gotemba via the Chuo and Tomei Expressways.
TIPSCheck fuel and tire pressure before departure, and pack warm gear for the highlands.
- 2SPOT~20 min
Michi-no-Eki Subashiri
A roadside station in Oyama, near Gotemba, serving as a gateway to the eastern foot of Mt. Fuji.
TIPSOffers a foot bath, restrooms, and local products—ideal for a break after the highway leg.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: アラツク / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 3FOOD~60 min
Sawayaka Gotemba Interchange
A hugely popular hamburg-steak chain found only in Shizuoka, perfect for an early lunch.
TIPSThe signature dish is the 100% beef 'genkotsu' hamburg. No reservations—take a numbered ticket. Go right at opening or before the lunch peak. Closed Thursdays.
Open in Google Maps
Image - 4VIEW~15 min
JGSDF Fuji Camp Area (Maneuver Area Perimeter Road)
Public perimeter road skirting the East Fuji Maneuver Area, an open stretch of moorland with views of Mt. Fuji and Mt. Ashitaka.
TIPSThe maneuver area itself is off-limits—ride only the public perimeter road. Expect loud training noise, and stop only where it is safe.
Open in Google Maps
Image - 5SPOT~25 min
Suyama Sengen Shrine
An old shrine at the start of the Suyama trail, a component of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Site.
HISTORYPilgrims heading for Mt. Fuji's summit long purified themselves and prayed for safe climbs here; the present main hall is said to date to 1823. The cedar-lined approach is striking.
TIPSA quiet cedar-lined approach lets you feel the atmosphere of historic Fuji worship.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Himai1990 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 6VIEW~40 min
Jurigi Highlands Observatory
The scenic highlight of this route: a 960 m observatory facing Mt. Fuji head-on.
TIPSClimb the stairs beside the parking lot to reach the deck, with views of Mt. Fuji, Mt. Ashitaka, and the Southern Alps. Silver pampas grass peaks late Sept–late Nov. Restrooms available; bear-warning signs are posted, so avoid wandering alone.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Alpsdake / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 7VIEW~15 min
Fuji Safari Park Highland Road
An exhilarating winding stretch through pine forest and plateau on the western foot of Mt. Ashitaka.
TIPSThis high plateau road cools quickly with elevation. Watch for fallen leaves and animals crossing while enjoying the pine-forest scenery.
Open in Google Maps
Image - 8ONSEN~60 min
Otainai Onsen Health Center
A day-use hot spring in the Fujioka area of Gotemba, with an open-air bath facing Mt. Fuji—perfect before the ride home.
TIPSA day-use bathing facility with Mt. Fuji views from the open-air bath and ample parking for motorcycles. Bathe early to avoid evening congestion on the return route.
Open in Google Maps
Image - 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Head back to Hachioji via the Tomei and Chuo Expressways.