Start your ride straight from Haneda Airport! Route to Mt.Fuji via the Tokyo Olympics legacy course

Landing at the airport and immediately jumping on your bike to head toward Japan’s iconic symbol, Mt. Fuji—does that sound like the ultimate adventure?. This long-distance route takes you from the bustling gateway of Haneda Airport, through serene “Satoyama” (traditional rural landscapes), and along the very roads that hosted the Tokyo 2020 Olympic legacy.

Whether it is the stunning scenery or the cultural depth of the towns you pass through, this guide supports your “Mt. Fuji Challenge” with route details, highlights, and essential tips for a smooth ride

Starting Your Journey: Why Haneda Airport?

While Narita and Kansai are major international hubs, they are surrounded by a complex web of expressways (like the Shinkugo or Higashi-Kanto Expressways) where bicycles are strictly prohibited. Navigating the heavy traffic and complex overpasses to reach rideable roads is often impractical for international cyclists.
In contrast, Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3 allows you to start your ride directly from the airport.
Luggage and Logistics

• Packing Light: Use a bike-packing style to carry everything with you.
• Delivery Services: For heavy luggage, use airport delivery services to ship bags directly to your hotel.
• Storage: If you are returning to Haneda, you can utilize temporary luggage storage for your bike travel case.

Master the Art of “Rinko”

If you plan to cycle in Japan, learning Rinko is essential.Rinko (輪行): The Japanese practice of transporting a bicycle on trains or buses by partially disassembling it and placing it in a dedicated “Rinko bag”.

While it may seem unfamiliar at first, mastering this skill allows you to use public transport as an “escape route” if you encounter mechanical issues or exhaustion.

Reference Articles ⇒ “Rinko” – Exploring Japan with Your Bicycle and Public Transport

The Recommended Route: Doshi-michi via Tamagawa

This classic route is a favorite among Japanese cyclists for its natural beauty and refreshing hot springs.

• Total Distance: Approx. 110.5 km.
• Elevation Gain: 1,897 m.
• Difficulty: Requires significant stamina and hill-climbing experience.

Tip: Depending on your fitness, consider staying near the airport on the first night for an early start, or split the journey into a two-day trip.

Course Highlights

1. Tamagawa Cycling Road

Located right next to Haneda Airport, this popular path stretches about 50 km to Hamura City.

• Features: Mostly flat and separated from car traffic.
• Caution: The path is shared with pedestrians, so please maintain a safe speed.

2. . “One-kan” (South Tama Ridge Road)

Short for Minami-Tama One Kansen Doro, this area is a “sacred ground” for training.

• The Experience: Unlike the flat river paths, this road is famous for its constant ups and downs.
• Olympic Legacy: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic road race passed through this very section.

3. Doshi-michi (The Road to Doshi)

This is where the real hill climbing begins.

• The Ride: Enjoy nearly 30 km of signal-free roads winding through lush forests and along clear streams.
• The Reward: As an Olympic route, you will find commemorative monuments and signs along the way.

4. Lake Yamanaka

After conquering the tough climb to the Yamabushi Tunnel (alt. 1,100 m), you emerge at Lake Yamanaka.

• The View: Mt. Fuji appears right before your eyes—a truly dramatic “grand prize” for your efforts.
• Specialty: As the highest of the Fuji Five Lakes (alt. 980 m), the view of the mountain is exceptionally powerful.

Popular Refueling Stops for Cyclists

・CROSS COFFEE – chocolate & sandwiches –

Located at the gateway to the “One-kan” (South Tama Ridge Road), this is one of Tokyo’s most iconic cycling cafes. From the early morning, the cafe is buzzing with cyclists enjoying premium coffee and exchanging the latest route tips. As the name suggests, their signature offerings are rich chocolate drinks and hearty baguette sandwiches. They also offer a variety of light meals, such as pasta, making it the perfect spot for a pre-ride boost or a post-ride celebration.

Address: 1F Glanzdorf, 227-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi-shi, Tokyo
Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/e3rrwZckeQGi7yLCA

・ZEBRA Coffee & Croissant

This cafe is another beloved sanctuary known for its exceptionally “cyclist-welcome” atmosphere. The standout feature here is the “Bikes-In” policy: you can bring your road bike directly into the shop and use the indoor cycle racks. This allows you to relax and admire your ride over coffee without any anxiety about leaving a high-end bike outside. Their claim to fame is the massive homemade croissant. Nearly two to three times the size of a standard one, it is famous for its perfectly crispy exterior and wonderfully chewy texture.

Address: 1890-1 Nakano, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fK9s7bQD9Lnoi3F79 

・Michi-no-Eki Doshi (Roadside Rest Area)

Situated at the midpoint of the route, “Michi-no-Eki Doshi” is a vital hub where countless cyclists stop to recharge. You can refresh yourself with delicious natural mountain water and savor local soul foods, such as udon noodles made with the area’s specialty “watercress”. On weekends, the area is packed with Japanese cyclists, often leading to friendly interactions with the local riding community. As rest spots are sparse along the Doshi-michi mountain road, we highly recommend marking this as a mandatory stop for supplies and a restroom break.

Address: 9745 Doshi-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MABmjZx1eUX7Tmdp8 

Cyclist-Friendly Accommodations: Your Sanctuary Near Mt. Fuji

The area surrounding Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi is well-equipped with “cyclist-friendly” accommodations. These establishments go beyond standard lodging, offering not only a place to rest your weary muscles but also peace of mind with secure bicycle storage facilities.

“Fuji View Hotel” (Lake Kawaguchi)

 Official Website ： https://www.fujiview.jp/

Established in 1936, this historic hotel is renowned for its exceptional hospitality toward the cycling community. In certain rooms, such as the Standard Twin, you are permitted to bring your bicycle directly into your living space. The facility is fully equipped with indoor lockable storage, rental tools, floor pumps, and even an outdoor bike-wash station. With its vast, magnificent garden overlooking Mt. Fuji and relaxing natural hot springs (onsen), it is the perfect sanctuary for those looking to recover from a long-distance ride.

“Shoji Mount Hotel” (Lake Shoji)

 Official Website ： https://www.shojiko.com/

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Shoji—the quietest of the Fuji Five Lakes—this hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a cycling “training camp”. Remarkably, bicycles are welcome inside all rooms, whether they are traditional Japanese-style (with tatami mats) or Western-style. The hotel also features a spacious indoor maintenance area, allowing you to take your time fine-tuning your bike for the next day’s journey.

“Fuji Marriott Hotel Yamanakako” (Lake Yamanaka)

 Official Website ： https://www.fuji-marriott.com/index.html

Located conveniently near the finish line of the Doshi-michi route, this is the premier choice for those seeking world-class hospitality. As an international brand, they provide comprehensive English-language support alongside a robust welcoming system for cyclists. The rooms are exceptionally spacious, easily accommodating bicycles in “Rinko” bags (portable bike carry bags used for public transport in Japan). For the smoothest experience, we recommend contacting the hotel in advance regarding your specific cycling needs.

Click here for cyclist-friendly stays near Lake Yamanaka

Beyond the Goal

Reaching Lake Yamanaka can be the end of your trip, or just the beginning. From here, you can:

• Try the “Fuji-ichi”, a 100 km loop around the base of the mountain.
• Challenge the Fuji Subaru Line, climbing above the clouds on Japan’s most famous hill climb.

From beginners to top-tier riders, Mt. Fuji has a story waiting for you.

◇

While Lake Yamanaka makes for a spectacular finish line, it can also be the starting point for your next cycling adventure. You might choose to spend a relaxing day pedaling along the lakeshore, searching for the famous “Sakasa Fuji” (the breathtaking reflection of Mt. Fuji on the water’s surface), or take a short trip to the more vibrant and bustling Lake Kawaguchi nearby.

For those seeking a greater challenge, two legendary routes await: the “Fuji-ichi”, a rewarding 100 km loop around the entire base of the mountain, or the iconic Fuji Subaru Line. The latter is the stage for Japan’s premier hill climb race (an event where cyclists race up a mountain road), offering you the chance to pedal your way above the clouds.

From beginners to top-tier riders, Mt. Fuji always has a story perfectly suited to your pace and passion. It is more than just a famous landmark; it is a “sacred ground” for cyclists. We invite you to explore, ride, and experience this magnificent region to the fullest with your beloved bike.

Related Articles
⇒ Fuji-Ichi” Cycling & Gourmet Complete Guide for Foreign Cyclists Riding Around Mt. Fuji