Cycling in Japan, Cycling in Yamanashi, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gardens, Nature in Yamanashi, Traditional Japanese Architecture

Cycling in Japan: Yamanashi’s Fruits Line

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Allow me to introduce my favourite spot to enjoy cycling in Japan. Yamanashi’s Fruits Line is best experienced in Early April (all of the following photos were taken between April 1st and April 7th, 2019), however, I am sure that any date between April and November would be almost as enjoyable as the vineyards and orchards bear fruit.

I recommend you take an express train from JR Shinjuku Station bound for JR Yamanashishi Station along the JR Chuo Line. However, your tour should actually start from JR Kasugaicho Station (no express service). If the wait time is too long for the local train to JR Kasugaicho Station, you might better ride your bike to the start of the Fruits Line. You will need a folding bike if you plan to take the train. I have also seen several people remove the front tire of their bikes before boarding the train. Regardless of the type of bike you have, it must be stowed in a bag of some sort while in transit.

Below, you will find the basic information you need to make this cycling trip possible. The cycling course is about 32 km from start to finish. According to Google Maps, this course would take 7 hrs to walk, but it should take you between 2 and 3 hours by bike depending on whether you want to stop to take pictures, etc. There are hills, so be prepared to sweat a bit.

Fruits Line distance calculation on Google Maps

The numbers on the maps below correspond to the pictures that follow.

Fruits Line Map 1

Yamanashi Fruit Line 1
1. Just as you exit the elevated roadway, you will come upon this beautiful postage-stamp sized orchard. Yamanashi is famous for checkerboard-type orchards and vineyards which dot its mountainous landscape.

Yamanashi Fruits Line 2
2. Japanese plum blossoms along the Fruits Line

Yamanashi Fruits Line 3
3. A tiny shrine along the Fruits Line

Yamanashi Fruits Line 4
4. The mountainsides are covered in peach trees and vineyards.

Yamanashi Fruits Line 5
5. One of the many farm roads along the Fruits Line

Why not enjoy a soak at Hottarakashi Onsen? The hot spring opens at sunrise and closes at 10 pm (Adults ¥800). Tattoos are apparently not a problem!  

UPDATE: If you would rather take a bath closer to the end of your ride, get off the train at JR Katsunuma-Budo-Kyo (Katsunumabudokyo) Station in order to ride west to Hottarakashi Onsen. Just follow these maps in the opposite direction. I actually prefer this route, but be prepared to work hard on the ascent from the Fuefukigawa Fruit Park to Hottarakashi Onsen. If you are lucky, you will get a grand view of Mount Fuji as you soak in the hot spring!

Fruits Line Map 2

Fruits Line Map 3

Yamanashi Fruits Line 6
6. Farther along the Fruits Line you will find beautiful villages that seem to be lost in time.

Yamanashi Fruits Line 7
7. Some of the traditional Japanese houses along the Fruits Line are quite spectacular.

Yamanashi Fruits Line 8
8. I found this unique shrine which had no walls.

Yamanashi Fruits Line 9
9. I absolutely loved the wildflowers growing under the vineyards.

Fruits Line Map 4

Yamanashi Fruits Line 10
10. Even farther along the Fruits Line you will find Jiun-ji Temple with its gorgeous cherry tree.

Fruits Line Map 5

Near the exit from the Fruits Line, there is a very attractive B&B called Suzuki-En. The price, ¥5,000 per adult, includes breakfast, and free wifi. You can contact Suzuki-En B&B at: +81-55-339-8522. If you use simple English, I am sure the B&B will be able to answer your questions and take your reservation.  The main entrance and dining area are relatively modern, but your room will be in the section of the property that dates back some 120 years. Be sure to see the wonderful museum in the B&B’s basement.

DSC_0774
The road-side view of Suzuki-En B&B

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The entrance of Suzuki-En B&B

The Inner courtyard of Suzuki-En B&B
The inner courtyard of Suzuki-En B&B

The closest train station to Suzuki-En B&B is JR Katsunumabudokyo Station. This is a local station which only has express service during the harvest season from September to November. If, instead of spending a night at the B&B, you prefer to travel back to JR Shinjuku Station, you will have to take the train back to JR Enzan Station to catch the express train to JR Shinjuku Station during the off season. Enjoy your trip!

Begin your adventures off the beaten path by booking a night in my Airbnb property.

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