Buy a ticket on the Fujikyuko Line bound for Fuji Dream.

The “Mount Fuji Ropeway Train” was designed by renowned industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. Its exterior is modeled after the “Mo 1” train that commemorated the opening of the Mount Fuji Railway in 1929 (Showa 4), featuring a chestnut-red paint job. The interior is lined with warm-toned solid wood, and the seats in the two cars are decorated primarily in blue and red Mount Fuji colors. The train also includes a Mount Fuji-themed bookshelf and a display case for design items. Gazing at Mount Fuji through the wooden windows, each scene looks as if it’s beautifully framed. Passengers can enjoy the scenery, read, or visit the old waiting room at Shimo-Yoshida Station, all while traveling toward Mount Fuji at a leisurely pace.

On this day, I took the fastest train, the Mount Fuji Limited Express, to Lake Kawaguchi, with the journey taking just 45 minutes. The blue-and-white exterior of the train features a series of humorous cartoon characters themed around Mount Fuji. The front of the train has a large-eyed depiction of Mount Fuji, with a big red splash below the eyes, as if it’s playfully sticking out its tongue — a cute design that has female passengers enchanted. The Mount Fuji Limited Express has two cars: the second car offers both unreserved seating and private compartments, while the first car houses the highly popular scenic observation room and lounge seats. To sit in this car, you must purchase an additional reserved seat ticket. The observation room, located at the streamlined front of the train, features large glass panels that provide an unobstructed, expansive view. After passing Togendai Station, passengers can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way. Fortunately, the weather was perfect that day, and the majestic form of Mount Fuji appeared vividly close enough to touch. I bought a limited-edition Mount Fuji Limited Express rice wine on the train and toasted to the nearby peak. The light sake didn’t intoxicate, but the breathtaking view of Mount Fuji through the window was truly intoxicating.

 

Lake Kawaguchi is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and a famous spot for viewing the “upside-down Mount Fuji” reflection. How can you visit Lake Kawaguchi without taking a lake cruise to admire Mount Fuji? Not far from Kawaguchiko Station is the boarding point for the “Lake Kawaguchi Cruise Ensoleille,” where “Ensoleille” means “bright sunshine” in French. On sunny days, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the majestic Mount Fuji from the open-air seating on the second floor of the boat cabin, feeling the brilliance of the sacred mountain under clear skies. After departure, the cruise first passes under the Kawaguchiko Bridge, circles around Kame Island, and then returns. Even in the chilly mountain winds, you can fully embrace the towering presence of Mount Fuji right before your eyes.