Short Tour: A 5-Day Cycling Tour from Mt. Fuji to Tokaido

Ride: 20–30 km (Easy)

• Plan:Meet at Fujisan Station (meeting time TBC). First, we transfer to the hotel to drop off luggage and get ready for the ride. After that, we do an E-bike fitting and safety briefing, then begin with a short, gentle warm-up ride to get comfortable on the bikes and confirm everyone’s settings.
  We then continue toward Lake Yamanaka and follow the lakeside cycling paths for relaxed riding and the first classic Mt. Fuji views.
  Next, we climb up to Panorama-dai, a well-known viewpoint with wide-open scenery—often one of the best photo stops of the entire Fuji region.
  After the ride, we finish the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai, a small village famous for its crystal-clear spring ponds fed by Mt. Fuji’s underground water—an ideal first-day introduction to the local nature and culture.
• Overnight: Fuji Yoshida area hotel (mid-range)

Ride: 70–80 km (Moderate)

• Plan: After breakfast, we begin with a visit to Chureito Pagoda, one of the most iconic Mt. Fuji viewpoints.
  From there, we ride around four of the Fuji Five Lakes, enjoying classic lake-and-mountain scenery and changing perspectives of Mt. Fuji throughout the morning. This section is designed to be scenic and very“Fuji-focused,” with plenty of photo stops along the way. In the afternoon, the highlight is a long, smooth downhill ride as we leave the lakes behind and descend toward Minobu. It’s a fun and satisfying ride on an E-bike—fast, comfortable, and one of the most memorable moments of the tour. We arrive in Minobu in the late afternoon and check in to the temple lodging. Dinner will be served at the temple lodging.
• Overnight: Minobu (Temple lodging: Kakurinbo)

Ride: Rest day (optional light walking, if desired)

• Plan: Today is a full rest day in Minobu, made possible by our two-night stay at the temple lodging. With no need to pack or move hotels, you can truly slow down and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this historic temple town. You may choose to join morning prayers at the temple, take a quiet walk through the temple grounds, or explore the town at an easy pace. If you’d like a cultural experience, there are several optional activities we can arrange depending on availability, such as a kimono experience, Japanese calligraphy (shodō), or a local cooking class. We can also consider light options like a short walk, temple visits, or a gentle hike—whatever matches your energy and interests. This day is designed to balance the longer riding distances and help everyone feel fresh for the second half of the tour.
• Overnight: Minobu (Temple lodging: Kakurinbo)

Ride: Ride: 70–80 km (Moderate)

• Plan: After breakfast, we leave Minobu and begin riding south with beautiful views along the Fuji River. This section is calm and scenic—wide river landscapes, open skies, and a very peaceful rhythm that feels completely different from the Fuji lakes.
  As we continue, we cross one mountain pass to transition from the river valley toward the historic coastal corridor, then connect with preserved sections of the Old Tokaido—the legendary highway that once linked Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Riding here gives a real sense of Japan’s old travel routes, with post-town atmosphere and traditional landscapes along the way. A major highlight today is Satta Pass, famous for its dramatic views over Suruga Bay. On clear days, the viewpoint offers one of the most beautiful compositions in Japan—coastline, sea, and Mt. Fuji in the distance. After taking time for photos, we descend toward Shimizu for the evening.
• Overnight: Shimizu / Shizuoka (mid-range)

Ride: 70–80 km (Moderate)

• Plan: After breakfast, we leave Shimizu and enjoy refreshing coastal riding with wide-open views and a sea breeze as we head west. The route then transitions into quieter countryside roads and historic corridors, giving a final taste of “Old Japan” before the finish.
  Along the way, we pass an old brick tunnel and visit one of the most unique landmarks of the region: Horai Bridge, known as the world’s longest wooden pedestrian bridge—a great photo stop and a memorable Shizuoka highlight.
  In the afternoon, the scenery shifts again as we ride through rolling hills covered in Shizuoka’s famous green tea plantations, with endless green views as we approach Kakegawa. We arrive in Kakegawa, an atmospheric castle town. If time allows, you’ll have a chance to see Kakegawa Castle—a beautiful symbol of the town and a perfect finale to the journey. Kakegawa Station (Tokaido Shinkansen access) is nearby, making onward travel the next day smooth and efficient.