Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway — Attraction in Fujikawaguchiko

Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as it is known in Japanese, is an active volcano located on Honshu island in Japan. It stands tall at 3,776.24 meters (12,389 feet) and is the highest mountain in Japan. The iconic snow-capped peak is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts travellers from all over the world.

If you are planning a trip to Mount Fuji, the best time to visit is from July onwards when the weather is warm and clear. However, weather conditions can be unpredictable, and visibility can be poor, so it is important to check the forecast before planning your trip.

One of the most popular landmarks near Mount Fuji is the Fuji Five Lakes, which offer stunning views of the mountain. These lakes, also known as Fujigoko, are located at the northern base of the mountain and offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The lakes are made up of Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu, each with its unique charm and character.

Another popular attraction is the Chureito Pagoda, located in the town of Fujiyoshida. The pagoda offers a spectacular view of Mount Fuji from a different perspective. The view of the pagoda against the backdrop of the mountain is an Instagram-worthy shot that shouldn't be missed.

If you're feeling adventurous, climbing Mount Fuji is an experience of a lifetime. The climbing season is from July to early September, and there are several trails to choose from, ranging from beginner to advanced. The most popular trail is the Yoshida trail, which starts at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station and takes about six hours to reach the summit. It is recommended to climb the mountain during the night to watch the sunrise from the summit, known as the goraiko.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, a visit to the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park is a must. The park offers thrilling rides and attractions, including the world's fastest roller coaster, the Fujiyama, and the haunted house, the Haunted Hospital. The park also offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji from its observation deck.

If you are interested in learning about the history of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area, a visit to the Fuji Visitor Center is a must. The center offers interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the geology, ecology, and culture of the area.

In conclusion, a trip to Mount Fuji is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. Whether you climb the mountain or simply admire it from afar, the iconic volcano is a must-see destination in Japan. Make sure to plan your trip carefully, check the weather forecast, and take advantage of all the landmarks and attractions in the...

On January 16, 2024, I visited the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, located near Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture.

This aerial lift, originally known as the Tenjō-Yama Park Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway, was established in 1959 and takes visitors up Mount Tenjo, offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes, and Fujikawaguchiko Town.

The ropeway is themed around the Japanese folktale "Kachi Kachi Yama", which tells the story of a rabbit taking revenge on a tanuki (raccoon dog) for its misdeeds.

The theme is visible throughout the attraction, with statues and references adding a cultural touch to the experience.

Upon reaching the summit, I was greeted by stunning panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.

However, the famous swing, which allows visitors to take breathtaking photos with Mt. Fuji in the background, was out of service—probably due to the cold winter weather. This was a bit disappointing, but the scenery alone made the trip worthwhile.

The temperature at the top was noticeably colder than at the base, so dressing warmly is highly recommended. At the observation deck, there is a souvenir shop selling local goods and snacks, as well as Tanuki Chaya, a small tea house where visitors can warm up with a hot drink.

The ropeway staff were extremely polite and welcoming, with the attendant greeting and bowing to each visitor upon boarding and disembarking, a true display of Japanese hospitality.

The crowd was manageable, likely due to the winter season, which made it easier to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

For those who prefer hiking, there is a trail leading down the mountain, which takes about 30 minutes to descend.

Another trail 300 meters uphill leads to a small shrine at the summit of Mount Tenjo, and from there, hikers can continue toward Mount Mitsutoge, a well-known day hike with even more impressive views of Mount Fuji.

Overall, the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is a must-visit attraction, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural storytelling, and warm hospitality.

Even though the swing was unavailable, the views and atmosphere made it an...

Honestly I really can’t understand the desire to go look at a volcano, which maybe hiding behind clouds! 😂. This is exactly what happened to us. There were no clouds anywhere except for the one’s hiding Mount Fuji, it was most bizarre. We did a day trip from Tokyo which was long, relatively expensive and hectic. We made the mistake of buying our train tickets and passes for around Hakone (one of the town from which you can view Mount Fuji) online and when we reached the train station at 7 am, we had to buy train tickets again. There’s some complication which I didn’t quite understand due to the language barrier. It’s approximately a 90 minute journey from Tokyo to Hakone and then a smaller train up the mountain for another 20 minutes or so and then a cable car for another 15 minutes and then you finally reach the “Ropeway”/ (gondola/cable car). The first stretch of the ropeway is approximately 10 minutes and you see a gorge below with sulphur “springs”, the aroma is distinct and pungent. You exit the first rope way and walk through to take a second ropeway this is the stretch that should give a view of Mount Fuji, unfortunately for us it was totally covered by clouds (5 august). If you remain in the gondola it carries on down to lake Ashi, which is beautiful. It takes a few hours to get to a position to view Mount Fuji and it’s rather disappointing when it’s hidden by clouds, so best to be aware that it’s said “there are around only 80 days of the year when you can get a clear view of Mount Fuji!” But to our surprise, on the train back to Tokyo, we suddenly noticed in the distance that Fuji...