Text by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler April Report
June 22, 2013 was the proudest day for the Japanese, as Mount Fuji, after decades of effort in preservation and management, finally made it onto the World Heritage List. For Japan, which regards Mount Fuji as a sacred national symbol, this was truly a remarkable century event. The active volcano, whose last eruption was in the 18th century, has a main peak elevation of 3,776 meters and spans Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. Along with cherry blossoms and the bullet train, it is one of the icons representing Japan. Now with an added layer of prestige, its charm becomes even more boundless. To get close to Mount Fuji, hiking is one way to see its true face, but the railway offers the best way to admire it from afar. Especially the Fuji Kyuko Line, with its altitude difference of 500 meters, is absolutely “the railway closest to Mount Fuji.”
The Fuji Kyuko Line is “the railway closest to Mount Fuji.” (Photo provided by Fuji Kyuko Co., Ltd.)
Masterful at creating talking points, the Fuji Kyuko Line has put special effort into its rolling stock. There’s the Fuji-san Tokkyu with a 180-degree panoramic view of Mount Fuji, and the Thomas the Tank Engine train that captivates children just by its appearance. But the most popular is the Fuji Tozan Train, which began operating in 2009. This retro-style train, designed by railway designer Eiji Mitooka, features a dark red exterior set against the blue sky and Mount Fuji. Keen railway fans must be eager to know where they can take enviable photos. The first spot is around the level crossing between Mitsumata Station and Suruga Station, a classic photography location on the Fuji Kyuko Line—but morning is the ideal time to shoot because Mount Fuji will be backlit in the afternoon. The terminal station, Kawaguchiko Station, not only offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji right before your eyes, but also showcases various trains parked on the platform. With seasonal and time-of-day light combinations throughout the year, it’s so beautiful that you can only lament how limited your camera’s memory card capacity is.
【Info】
Fuji Kyuko Line
E-mail: traffic@fujikyu.co.jp
Fare: Varies depending on train type
Website: www.fujikyu.co.jp
● Further Reading:
Sleep with a View of Mount Fuji: 10 Recommended Scenic Lodgings
http://goo.gl/TMFRzl
The uniquely designed interior gives passengers a completely different railway journey experience. (Photo provided by Fuji Kyuko Co., Ltd.)