Location: Lake Kawaguchiko Southern Shore, Minamitsuru District, Yamanishi, Japan
Boarding Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
This is a part of my January 20-23, 2019 Japan Trip and this specific tourist spot was visited on January 21, 2019. The ropeway has its launch pad in Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsura District of Yamanishi. We actually stayed overnight from a nearby hotel (one bus ride) from Bus Track No. 4.
You can reach the ropeway by train or bus. The ropeway station is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. Alternatively, take the bus on the Omni Bus Red Line from the station and disembark at the Yuransen Ropeway Iriguchi bus stop 15 minute away --- also a stop for the Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus.
Heading to the Ropeway launch pad
Lake Kawaguchiko as viewed from the top of Mount Tenjo
The ropeway is open daily from 9:00 A.M. (9:30 A.M. from December to February), with departures every 5-10 minutes. A round trip is 800 yen (equivalent to US$5.61 or P313) for adults and 400 yen for children, or one way tickets are available for 450 and 230 yen, respectively. You can take the ropeway until 5:10 P.M. (4:40 PM from December to February). Official website: https://www.mtfujiropeway.jp/en.
This ropeway or cable car only takes three minutes to reach the top. It is 460 meters long. It can accommodate 36 passengers to fit inside each vehicle, which are adorned with a motif of either a rabbit or a raccoon dog.
Ties to a famous folktale
Mukashi-banashi, or fables, are as popular in Japan as they are in other countries, "Kachi-Kachi-Yama," written by Japanese novelist Osamu Dazai, tells the story of a young rabbit trying to outwit a tanuki, a Japanese raccoon dog. View the story as you make your way up the ropeway.
Lake Kawaguchiko as viewed from the Ropeway launch pad
The viewdeck offers a 360 degrees panoramic view. It has souvenir shops and a lot of delicious Japan delicacies. Tourists can also avail of pictures with Mount Fuji as the backdrop. There is also a big telescope available for the guests.
Mount Fuji as viewed from the viewdeck
Exit the ropeway onto the mountain, and you will see a photo-service where you can have your photo taken with models of the rabbit and raccoon with Mt. Fuji in the background. Pay your respects at the small Usagi-jinja, or Rabbit Shrine, before stopping in at the raccoon-themed cafe.
Visit the cafe to try our mitarashi dango, roasted rice dumplings, which are featured in the story. Three rice cakes are skewered onto a stick, dipped in a sweet soy glaze and emblazoned with a likeness of Mt. Fuji.
(From left to right): Teresa Santiago, me, Thelma Bautista and Beng Sia
Couples should visit the Bell of Tenjo. This bell is suspended in a heart-shaped frame, where you can see Mt. Fuji on clear days. Stand on either side, hold the rope, and ring it together to keep your relationship happy. And if you look toward Mt. Fuji, other wishers come true, too.
For those not wanting to ride the ropeway back down, follow the hiking trail from the observation deck down the forested mountain; the journey takes about 30 minutes. Mt. Tenjo also makes a good starting point to trek to nearby Mt. Mitsutoge. This mountain stands at 1,785 MASL and it's about a six-hour hike there an back.
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