The most stunning railway spots near Mount Fuji are revealed

By TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine, April report

 

June 22, 2013 was the proudest day for the Japanese people. After decades of effort, Mount Fuji finally became a new addition to the World Heritage List. For Japan, which regards Mount Fuji as a sacred national mountain, this was truly a remarkable milestone of the century. The last eruption of Mount Fuji, an active volcano that straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures with an elevation of 3,776 meters at its peak, occurred in the 18th century. Alongside cherry blossoms and the Shinkansen, it has long been a symbol of Japan. Now, with this additional prestigious title, its allure has become even more boundless. To get close to Mount Fuji, hiking allows you to see its true face, while railways offer one of the best ways to admire it from afar. Especially the Fujikyuko Line, with its elevation change of 500 meters, is definitely "the railway closest to Mount Fuji."

The Fujikyuko Line, well-versed in creating talking points, has especially focused on its train designs. There's the Fuji Excursion with 180-degree panoramic views of Mount Fuji, and Thomas the Tank Engine, which captivates children just by its appearance. But the most popular is the Mt. Fuji View Train, which has been running since 2009. This retro-style train, designed by railway designer Eiji Mitooka, features a dark red exterior that contrasts beautifully with the blue sky and Mount Fuji. Eager railway fans must be wondering where they can take those envy-inducing photos. The first spot is around the level crossing between Mitsumata Station and Shuzan Station, a classic photography location on the Fujikyuko Line. However, the morning is the ideal time for photos because the afternoon light causes Mount Fuji to appear backlit. The terminal station, Kawaguchiko Station, not only offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji right in front, but also features various trains parked on the platform. With the changing seasons and different times of day, the interplay of light creates scenes so beautiful that you can't help but lament how small your camera’s memory card is.

 

【info】

Fujikyuko Line

E-mail: traffic@fujikyu.co.jp

Fare: varies by train type

Website: www.fujikyu.co.jp

 

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