The 128-km-long Fuji River, which originates in the Southern Alps and flows through Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka before emptying into Suruga Bay, is considered one of Japan's three most rapid rivers. For more than 300 years until the 1920s, it was a major transportation route between Suruga Province (Shizuoka Prefecture) and Kai Province (Yamanashi Prefecture), where river boats came and went, and boat traffic flourished.
Meanwhile, given the Sage Nichiren established Kuon-ji Temple on Mt. Minobu and there is a mausoleum there, the road along the river is also a pilgrimage route for many believers to the head temple. There are also a number of historical Nichiren Shu temples located in the area.
Municipalities on the Fuji River basin, in Fuji and Fujinomiya cities in Shizuoka Prefecture, and in Nanbu and Minobu towns in Yamanashi Prefecture will work together to promote activities that can be experienced on the Fuji River basin, places to see and eat at, and the overall charm of this area hidden in the shadow of Mt. Fuji that we hope will be visited by so many people.
This course was scrutinized by Kinuyo, a cycle life navigator, and Amu-chan, a bicycle YouTuber! This course starts from Fujikawa-Rakuza Roadside Station going to Iwamotoyama Jisso-ji Temple in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and then heads north along Fuji River via Fujinomiya City in Shizuoka Prefecture and Nanbu-cho, Minamikoma-gun in Yamanashi Prefecture, to Minobu-san Kuon-ji Temple in Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture. This 40-km-long route allows visitors to enjoy a variety of scenery, such as cycling alongside trains passing along the Fuji River, known as one of the three most rapid rivers in Japan, and enjoying the cherry blossoms and fall colors, depending on the season.
This course was scrutinized by Amu-chan, a bicycle YouTuber! This course starts from Minobu Station on the JR Minobu Line and circles around Minobu and Nanbu towns. This 25-km-long route is packed with the delicious points on the Romantic Route, including sections where you can cycle alongside cherry blossoms and trains, and Nanbu Roadside Station and Minobu Yubanosato where you can enjoy local delicacies. Note that it is another 5 km to go to Minobu-san Kuon-ji Temple. This place is for those that feel that they have come this far so they might as well pay it a visit.
This course was scrutinized by Kinuyo, a cycle life navigator. Starting from Fujikawa-Rakuza Roadside Station in Fuji City, this tour is also recommended for those who feel that it is difficult to cycle as far as Minobu Town. This is a 36 km circular route where you can park your car at Fujikawa-Rakuza and visit all the best parts of Fuji and Fujinomiya cities including spots to enjoy cherry blossoms and spectacular views, such as Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine and Iwamotoyama Park, as well as many restaurants and butcher stores that serve local cuisines.
Please scan the QR code for information on sightseeing at each location.
Access: Fuji Station to Minobu Station on the JR Minobu Line
Please use the station closest to the facility that you want to visit.
Note 1: The Fujikawa Limited Express train is now in service from Kofu and Shizuoka stations.
Note 2: Bicycle rentals are available at Fujikawa-Rakuza Roadside Station located next to Fujikawa Service Area (Eastbound) on the Tomei Expressway.