Self-Guided Gotemba

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Price

$1450 per person

Duration

3 Days

Destination

More than 1

Travellers

20+

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Gotemba Timeless Gotemba

Gotemba is an emerging cycling destination nestled in the valley between Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Home to the Tokyo Olympic Road Race, stunning scenery and not to mention the holiday destination for the Royal family, Gotemba has much to offer the intrepid cycle traveller.

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Gotemba, nestled in the valley between Mt. Fuji and Hakone, Gotemba is one of the most scenic and incredible cycling destinations in Japan. With a long history as the holiday home location for the royal family, the landscape offers incredible scenery and many hidden cultural gems. With good access from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, not to forget one of the key locations for the Tokyo Olympic Road Race, Gotemba is developing its cycle friendly amenities and offering some unique on and off bike experiences.

What's included

Destination

Gotemba , Mt.Fuji , Shizuoka Discover Destinations

Departure Location

Gotemba Station, Shizuoka

Tour Start Date & Time

Everyday

Additional Information

Total Distance: 30-150km

Price includes

Accommodation twin share room
Cycle Friendly Accommodation
Expert advice
Premium bike rental
Wahoo GPS unit with preloaded routes

Price does not include

A guided tour of important places
Medical insurance and emergency insurance
Personal expenses
Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
Tips to guide and driver
Visa arrangements

Complementaries

Price Includes: Selected Cultural Experience

Ride Gotemba

Exploring the East

The quiet roads to the east offer up unique views of Mt. Fuji, all an easy ride form the main entry point at Gotemba Station. Choose the Hakone/Otome exit and the mountain greets you. The newly opened cafe 4120223 is the perfect place the start and the tourist centre located next door is also great for more information. There are two main loops, both intermediate to advanced as there is a moderate amount of climbing. See our recommended courses for more details, but expect stunning views of Fuji on a clear day and quiet undulating backroads through the forest. Heading further south, another great location and stopping point is the famous Tokino Sumika, which is part hotel complex, part theme park. Again, great coffee and some unique views of Mt. Fuji can be enjoyed.

Exploring the West

The west exit of Gotemba Station lands you at the foot of Mt. Fuji. There is no escaping the slope and essentially the climbing begins from your first turn of the pedals. However, before you get stuck into the climb proper, filling your bidons with Mt. Fuji water at the Shinbashiasama Shrine is a must. This local landmark is considered the official starting point for the climb up mt. Fuji and the ever flowing water from deep within Mt. Fuji has taken 50years to make it to the surface. We like to map a route that takes you into the quieter urban areas as you navigate your way out of Gotemba. The density of houses soon changes to rice fields and, small forests and farming lands and some incredible views of Mt. Fuji from these back roads can be enjoyed. The Self Defence Force barracks mark the end of the built up areas and the climbing really starts to get serious. Two options await and during the warmer months, you can head to the 1400m Gotemba 5th Station or continue toward the 2400m Fujinomiya 5th Station. Both are serious commitments, but worth the effort.

Downtown & Cultural Experiences

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Japan’s iconic cities and town is with the “Mamachari”. Mamachari are utility bicycles relied on by families for a variety of basic transportation needs, including lugging groceries from the supermarket, getting to the train station, or shuttling children to and from kindergarten or daycare. Inexpensive and dependable, these workhorses are common sights in Japan’s urban landscape. Easy to ride and rent from Gotemba Station, they are the perfect way to visit local attractions off the beaten track. Gotemba was the location of the earliest known settlement founded in the region of Shizuoka which dates back 2,000 years ago and also housed the summer residence of the royal family as many historical sites remain. Together with some of the best Green Tea in the country, and traditional Japanese indigo dyeing, which is passed down from Edo period, there are plenty of off-bike experiences to enjoy all within easy reach of the station.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Day 1

Arrive Gotemba + Nagao Pass Loop (30-40km)

Arrive Gotemba Station and depending on tour style, either pick up rental bike at hotel or local tourism office. The afternoon ride is a few hours with some moderate climbing and some wonderful views across the higher points. On the way out of Gotemba, the course takes you past some of the local heritage sites, including a famous shrine used by one of Japan's most revered directors for filming. The surrounds of the temple are simply magical.

The route then heads upward, avoiding the more trafficked roads before connecting with the 401 route and Otome viewpoint. Hopefully the skies are clear and the majestic Mt. Fuji is visible before heading deep into the forest road and the next viewpoint at Shirukoya Teahouse (closed) and on to the Nagao Pass. The climb is approx 7km and finishes at the ridgeline and tunnel that heads to Hakone.

Toilets and another great view can be had from the startpoint of the Hakone Skyline Road, a toll road that is unfortunately closed for cycling, but we can still use the facilities at the toll gate. Head back down and turn right for Hakone and enjoy the Lake Ashinoko and the views of the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park.

The narrow gentle descent is wonderful in all seasons and finishes at the 138 which takes you back over the pass. The tunnel at the top is the only concern, so carry some lights for safety, but make sure to stop at the newly renovated Fujimi Cafe and enjoy a coffee or a great Burger.

Head back down the hill and make your way to your accommodation or onward journey.

Day 2

Green Tea Loop (60km) + Cultural Experience

The ride takes you from the Hakone/Otome Exit of Gotemba Station and after a bit of urban navigation the houses and shops are lost through the deep forest. This beautiful road undulates gently for about 30 km, traversing you through the cedar and fir trees on a wonderful back road. Views of Mt. Fuji are on offer, but this is all about top class Japan cycling. Very few cars, nature and only a short distance from a massive urban area, yet you feel one hundred miles from anyone else.

A short descent will mark the turn north and soon the route takes you to Tokino Sumika, a theme based park offering coffee, a brewery, a winery along with accommodation and several food options. Back on the bike and after navigating your way under the Tomei Expressway, you will arrive in a land of contrast. This Green Tea farm is 18th Generation and there hand dried products not only supply the Emperors family, but 100g can set you back more than $1000. Here you can enjoy this traditional Green Tea drying method of Shizuoka and meet the artisans who keep this ancient methods alive and thriving.

The route then takes you back down to the river and the small backroads on the return journey to Gotemba Station. With numerous cultural experiences to enjoy after the ride, park the bike and either visit the unique Indigo dyeing workshop where 200+ tradition is able to be enjoyed or learn about Buddhism and how it integrates in Japan at a local shrine.

Day 3

Mt Fuji 5th Station (35-70km) + Depart

Beginning the ride with a stop at the shrine that pays homage to Mt. Fuji, you can also fill water bottles with the purest Mt. Fuji water that has spent 50years making its way through the mountain. The ride then heads through the backroads where a glimpse of suburban japanese style can be enjoyed. Soon the landscape opens up and Mt. Fuji is ever present in the backdrop.

The turn onto route 23 marks the start of the serious climbing. Depending on route, either 7km to Gotemba 5th Station which peaks at 1400m altitude, or the longer route the 28km course to the lofty 2400m Fujinomiya 5th Station. Weather is variable on Mt. Fuji. so pack appropriate clothing.

The course is simple to navigate, just hard to ride as the climbing is relentless, however, pick your day and the views from high on the slopes of Mt. Fuji can be simply stunning. With the hard work done, it is time for the long descent, so be sure to ride within your limits and enjoy the amazing road.

More about Gotemba Discover Gotemba

Gotemba was the location of the earliest known settlement founded in the region of Shizuoka which dates back 2,000 years ago. The inhabitants of the area (including Gotemba) were not ethnically Japanese and were likely Ainu. Gotemba was the site of a shōen belonging to Ise Shrine in the Heian period. During the Edo period the area was part of Odawara Domain. After the start of the Meiji period, it became part of Shizuoka Domain until the abolition of the han system in 1871 and the establishment of Shizuoka Prefecture. The opening of Gotemba Station on what was then the Tōkaidō Main Line on February 1, 1889, spurred development of the area. With the establishment of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889, Gotemba Town was created within Suntō District, along with Fujioka Village, Harasato Village, Ino Village, Tamaho Village, and Takane Village. However, the opening of the Tanna Tunnel on December 1, 1934, resulted in the route of Tōkaidō Main Line shifting south to Atami, leaving Gotemba on the spur Gotemba Line, which resulted in temporary depopulation. During the pre-war era, Gotemba was a major base area for the Imperial Japanese Army, and still houses military facilities and a large training area (the East Fuji Maneuver Area) for the modern Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and the United States Marine Corps. Gotemba was elevated to city status on February 11, 1955, through the merger of Gotemba Town with neighboring Fujioka Village, Harasato Village, Ino Village, and Tamaho Village. The city expanded through annexation of Takane Village on January 1, 1956 and the Furusawa District of Oyama Town on September 1, 1957. The Gotemba Interchange on the Tōmei Expressway was completed on May 25, 1969.

More about Mt.Fuji Discover Mt.Fuji

Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan) is with 3776 meters Japan's highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people throughout the centuries. Mount Fuji is an active volcano, which most recently erupted in 1707. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days. Another easy way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of the mountain can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40-45 minutes into the journey. Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours than during the middle of the day. If you want to enjoy Mount Fuji at a more leisurely pace and from a nice natural surrounding, you should head to the Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region at the northern foot of the mountain, or to Hakone, a nearby hot spring resort. Mount Fuji is officially open for climbing during July and August via several routes.

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Access

Gotemba Station can be easily accessed from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station. From Tokyo take the JR Tokaido Line to Kozu then the Gotemba Line to Gotemba. Altogether it takes just over two hours. Alternatively, the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku will get you there in one hour and 40 minutes.

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