Fujikyu Railway
November 2019, with mornings getting colder each day.
Having changed departments at work this year, I found myself busier than ever with the new role, and quite frankly, exhausted.
Drinking or eating something delicious is a good way to relieve stress, but sometimes seeing the grandeur of nature—like the sea or mountains—can be an even better way to recharge.
One day, I suddenly wanted to see Mt. Fuji, so I jumped on the Fuji Excursion limited express early Friday morning, bypassing the corporate warriors heading to work.
The E353 series entering Shinjuku Station. This train is used not only for the Azusa and Kaiji lines but also for the Hachioji and Ome lines, successors to the old Chuo and Ome Liners, as well as the Fuji Excursion service directly connected to the Fujikyu line.
The main formation consists of nine cars with an additional three-car set.
The train I’m on today consists of nine main cars (Cars 4–12) operating as Azusa No. 3, with an additional three cars (Cars 1–3) operating as Fuji Excursion No. 3.
At Otsuki Station, the two limited expresses separate, with the Fuji Excursion continuing on the Fujikyu line to its final destination at Lake Kawaguchi.
At Fujisan Station, the train changes direction.
Passing by Fujikyu Highland, the train heads towards Lake Kawaguchi.
The 205 series, recently retired from the Musashino Line. On the Fujikyu line, seven sets from the former Keiyo and Kawagoe depots are still running strong.
Finally arriving at Lake Kawaguchi.
The weather is perfect for a walk.
The 6701 formation, currently branded for the 90th anniversary of Fujikyu’s opening, parked at Lake Kawaguchi Station.
This 6701 and its counterpart, 6702, were previously used on the Hachiko Line and have a unique front design compared to other sets.
Currently, 6702 is wrapped in a Naruto-themed design.
A 211 series bound for Takao stands on the adjacent platform. A direct train to JR’s Chuo Main Line Takao Station operates once daily, using this 211 series.
Near the station, the Fujisan View Express, an 8500 series (originally JR Tokai’s 371 series), and the Fujisan Express, an 8000 series (originally Odakyu 20000 RSE), are parked.
Both were used on the former Asagiri service connecting Odakyu and JR Gotemba lines, now reunited as “brother cars” under Fujikyu with similar numbering.
The Fujisan View Express, designed by Mitooka, exudes a luxurious, sophisticated () vibe, while the Fujisan Express sports a more approachable () design with a Mt. Fuji character chosen through public voting.
Hey! Don’t say the originals were much cooler!
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 prevention measures, both the Fujisan View Express and Fujisan Express are suspended for now.
The Fujisan Express even has a sign indicating it’s out of service.
A preserved Mo1 car in front of the station.
The crest of the Fuji Electric Railway, symbolizing Mt. Fuji and electricity.
The car body is well-preserved for being outdoors.
The yellowish uranium glass headlight is stylish.
Details.
The driver’s seat looks like this.
Walking towards Lake Kawaguchi, a rather preachy monument suddenly appeared before me. It’s a haiku in 5-7-5 syllables.
The phrase “young people” in it feels condescending, as if from an old man looking down, which irritates the rebellious youth in me (though I’m not that young anymore).
Mt. Fuji is Japan’s treasure. Let’s all, young and old, keep it clean.
A well-worn shop selling prepared foods.
Do they only sell fried items?
I thought I’d stroll around with a croquette in hand, but unfortunately, they were closed.
Hmm?? The izakaya sign reads “Savings Club Accepted.”
What’s a savings club? It’s a term I’m not familiar with.
Apparently, the local Yamanashi region has a unique practice called a “savings club.”
It involves holding regular gatherings where, in addition to covering the drink costs, members contribute a set amount to a communal fund. Members then take turns receiving the accumulated amount, or sometimes use it for group trips.
Interesting! There’s still so much to learn.
Mt. Tenjo is the mountain that inspired the folktale “Kachikachiyama.” From its summit, you can enjoy a clear view of Mt. Fuji.
Mt. Tenjo is accessible via the Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway from Kawaguchi Lake.
The view from the ropeway.
In no time, you reach Fujimidai Station at an elevation of 1,000 meters.
True to the Kachikachiyama theme, an adorable rabbit figure sits on top of the ropeway.
Mt. Fuji seen from Mt. Tenjo. The weather was perfect, and the view was amazing.
This spot is also the trailhead for Mt. Mitsutoge, one of Yamanashi’s top 100 mountains.
At the summit, there’s a small tea shop called Tanuki Chaya. Here, I enjoyed a surprisingly large tanuki dango with a Mt. Fuji stamp on it.
The sweet and salty sauce was refreshing after the hike.
There’s also a rabbit dango topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour).
A bit further up is the “Takeda Shingen’s Sengoku Plaza,” a lookout offering spectacular views for photos with Mt. Fuji in the background.
After taking the ropeway down from Mt. Tenjo, known as Kachikachiyama, I boarded the Ensoleille sightseeing boat on Lake Kawaguchi.
From the lake, I enjoyed the autumn foliage.
The Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge and Mt. Fuji from the lake.
A full view of the ropeway from the lake.
The trees by the lake were beautifully colored.
Back at Kawaguchi Station, I took a rest on a bench.
Spotted an unusual drink in the vending machine! The taste was awful, though.
By the time I was heading back, the clouds had rolled in… It was a perfectly clear blue sky this morning… I should’ve taken photos then… oh well…
Picked up some blue Mt. Fuji curry as a souvenir. Surprisingly, it didn’t taste awful… just normal.
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