RENT & RIDE JAPANFujikawa & Fujinomiya – Western Foot of the Tenshi Mountains
Ura-Fuji & Tenshi Mountains Nature Loop
Head south from Hachioji along the old Koshu road, trace the Fujikawa River upstream, and reach the western foot of the Tenshi Mountains. A one-day nature ride enjoying alternate Mt. Fuji views at Shiraito Falls, Lake Tanuki and Asagiri Highland.
- DISTANCE
- 340 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
See Mt. Fuji from its quieter western side — the so-called "Ura-Fuji" — on this nature tour. Starting from Tashilog Garage in Hachioji, you head south along the old Koshu road, trace the Fujikawa River upstream, and explore the highlands and waterfalls at the western foot of the Tenshi Mountains. Avoiding the busy Fuji Five Lakes side, you ride through calm, green scenery.
Highlights
- Kuonji Temple, Mt. Minobu: Head temple of the Nichiren sect, with a lively temple town and grand halls beside the Fujikawa River.
- Shiraito Falls: A World Heritage waterfall where Mt. Fuji's spring water falls like fine silk threads.
- Lake Tanuki: A quiet lake famous for its mirror-image "upside-down Fuji."
- Asagiri Highland: Cool green plateau with a wide-open, exhilarating route even in midsummer.
Riding tips
Route 139 can get congested on holidays, so finishing your travel and sightseeing in the morning makes for a smoother day. The highlands sit at high elevation and can be cool morning and evening, so bring a light layer even in summer.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Motorcycle shop in Miyashitacho, Hachioji.
TIPSEarly start recommended. Refuel and check tire pressure before departure for the long distance.
- 2SPOT~70 min
Kuonji Temple, Mt. Minobu
Head temple of the Nichiren sect beside the Fujikawa River. Pass through the temple town and Sanmon gate, then the 287-step Bodaitei stone staircase to the halls.
HISTORYFounded in 1274 when Saint Nichiren entered Mt. Minobu. The main halls were relocated to their present site in the 15th century, and the temple flourished under the patronage of the Takeda and Tokugawa clans. A five-story pagoda was reconstructed in 2008.
TIPSThe staircase is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. A ropeway climbs to Okunoin Shishinkaku for views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. Try yuba and Minobu manju along the temple street.
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Photo: Yoshio Kohara / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 3VIEW~40 min
Makaino Farm
A hands-on farm at the foot of Mt. Fuji on Asagiri Highland, with animal encounters and house-made dairy products.
TIPSTheir house-made soft-serve ice cream is a signature treat, and there are scenic photo spots like the Fuji Terrace. Roughly open 9:30–17:30 (shorter in winter, with Wed/Thu closures in winter — please confirm).
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Photo: しんかわな / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 4VIEW~40 min
Shiraito Falls
A famous waterfall where Mt. Fuji's spring water falls like fine silk threads from a curved cliff 150 m wide and 20 m high. A World Heritage component of Mt. Fuji.
HISTORYDesignated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument and selected among Japan's top 100 waterfalls. Water emerges at the boundary between permeable and impermeable rock layers, staying around 12°C year-round.
TIPSThe walking loop takes about 15 minutes. The area near the plunge pool is refreshingly cool in summer. The adjacent Otodome Falls is also worth seeing.
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Photo: InvictusOU812 from USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 - 5VIEW~30 min
Lake Tanuki
A quiet lake spreading at the eastern foot of the Tenshi Mountains, known for its mirror-image "upside-down Fuji."
TIPSWalking the lakeside path shows Mt. Fuji from changing angles. It is also famous for "Diamond Fuji," when the rising sun aligns with the summit a few times a year.
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Photo: 名古屋太郎 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 6FOOD~50 min
Mumesan
A Fujinomiya yakisoba restaurant within walking distance of Shiraito Falls, with Mt. Fuji visible above the shop on clear days.
TIPSThe specialty is Fujinomiya yakisoba, watched up close from tables next to the central griddle. Okonomiyaki and shigureyaki are also popular. Hours vary, so please check in advance.
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Photo: くーさん / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 - 7SPOT~25 min
Michi-no-Eki Asagiri Kogen
A roadside station along Route 139 on Asagiri Highland, with a wide parking area facing Mt. Fuji and local products — a good rest stop.
TIPSA handy final rest and fuel stop before the return leg. Local dairy products and soft-serve are popular. The highland stays cool even in summer, so bring a layer.
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Photo: しんかわな / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 8GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Back to Hachioji to finish the tour.