First experience of cross-country cycling: Cycling guide to Mount Fuji in Japan
Preface
On September 1, 2016, thanks to the G20 Summit, the people of Hangzhou were honored to have an extra 6 days of vacation. Three friends and I couldn't wait to start planning our first cross-country cycling trip three months before the vacation.
How to take a packed bike abroad
Many people might ask, why bother bringing a bike abroad? Wouldn't it be easier to rent one? Most road bikes are sized to fit your height, and through constant adjustment and running-in, you can find the most comfortable fit for maximum power. Furthermore, for HC-level climbs like Mount Fuji (the highest level in the Tour de France), only a bike that fits your body can maximize riding pleasure and safety.
We had a total of 4 bicycles for this ride, including 3 road bikes and 1 folding bike. Packing these 4 bikes was a huge project, so we specially rented a special box for road bikes from the bike shop. The box weighs up to 14kg and is extra long and wide. When boarding the plane, we need to go through the large luggage channel, which costs an extra fee. After testing, the folding bike can be placed in a 30-inch suitcase after being folded for several weeks. The author and his group departed from Shanghai Pudong Airport and tried to check in through the ordinary luggage channel. Unexpectedly, it went through smoothly. It seems that domestic airlines are not very strict in this regard.
However, on the return trip at Shizuoka Airport, the cute airport girl with a tape measure ruthlessly charged us 15,600 yen for oversized luggage because the suitcase was too wide and long.
The total weight after packing, including cycling shoes, water bottle, tire repair tools, etc., is about 22kg. It is strongly recommended that cyclists choose hard plastic boxes to prevent their bikes from being damaged by rough sorting during shipment.
How to rent a car in Japan
Japan's public transportation is very developed, but the high cost of transportation makes many people discouraged. We have to carry a large luggage box, so renting a car and driving ourselves became our only option.
Japan is a right-hand drive country, and Japanese car rental companies only accept IDP international driver's licenses and Japanese domestic driver's licenses. China has not joined the international driver's license organization, which makes it impossible for Chinese people to apply for an international driver's license in the mainland, making many travelers unable to travel by car in Japan.
Here I offer you two solutions:
1. Make friends with a Hong Kong driver's license and ask him to be your driver; Hey, careful friend, the host mentioned just now that it is impossible to apply for an international driver's license in mainland China, but friends with a Hong Kong driver's license can apply for an international driver's license in Hong Kong. Of course, this method may require a lot of luck in operation.
2. Taobao; I have to praise the omnipotent Taobao here. On Taobao, you can apply for an international driver's license through an intermediary channel. The principle is similar to that in Hong Kong. By applying for an international driver's license in a country with more relaxed policies (for example: the Philippines), the processing price ranges from several thousand yuan and the processing period is relatively long. Friends who want to drive by this method must plan as early as possible.
Regarding the vehicle, I and my friends chose a Toyota NOHA 7-seater. The official website offers Chinese language access, which is very convenient. Our six-day rental cost approximately 75,000 yen, including 1,080 yen per day for full insurance. Split between four people, this translates to approximately 1,200 yuan per person. Compared to Japan's high transportation costs, renting a car and driving yourself is much cheaper. Furthermore, international driver's licenses are valid for one year, so those driving by themselves should be aware of the expiration date.
Itinerary
Because Hangzhou's security procedures during the G20 summit were extremely strict and complex, we were ready to leave at 4:30 a.m., just after dawn. We rented a GL8 in Hangzhou and drove it to Shanghai Pudong Airport to return it, paying a one-way return fee that was comparable to the rental fee.
Our destination was Shizuoka Airport, which is the closest airport to Mount Fuji. The airport is not large. After picking up our luggage and passing through customs, we could see a Toyota car rental outlet. The receptionist spoke good English and enthusiastically helped us with the car rental procedures. He also patiently told us what we needed to pay attention to when driving in Japan.
The space inside the car is quite large. After folding down the last row of seats, it can just fit 4 bicycles, making perfect use of the space.
Not long after we set off, the majestic Mount Fuji standing in the clouds and mist came into view.
stay
Considering that disassembling and assembling bicycles is rather cumbersome, we arranged accommodation for the four days of this trip in Hakone. Hakone is located southeast of Mount Fuji, adjacent to Shizuoka, Tokyo and Izu, and the transportation is relatively convenient. We returned to Shizuoka City on the last day to catch the flight the next day.
I booked a hot spring hotel in Hakone through booking 2 months in advance. After riding Mount Fuji, I can drag my tired body to the hotel to enjoy the warmth brought by the hot springs. The hotel is not big and uses traditional tatami, which is quite cozy.
Dinner was simple. I bought some bento boxes at a nearby convenience store. There are convenience stores everywhere in Japan, and they have a wide variety of food.
After dinner, we had an important task: loading the bike. With the hotel staff's approval, we began loading the bike in the hotel lounge, minimizing the impact on other guests. As we did so, curious guests kept approaching us, and upon learning we'd come all the way from China to bike up Mount Fuji, they expressed their admiration.
Group photo of bicycles in front of the hotel.
The summit of Mount Fuji
The next morning, we went to the restaurant early in the morning to fill our stomachs and enjoy an exquisite Japanese breakfast. After entering the restaurant, the mama-san had already placed the breakfast we ordered. The types of food were determined by the fresh ingredients purchased that day, and there was almost no repetition every day. Although the amount of each dish was not large, it was very filling.
Ready to go, NOAH has a lot of space in the back seat, even if you put the bicycle wheels in the wrong place, there is still room to spare.
Continue along Highway 138 until you reach Lake Kawaguchi, which is at the foot of Mount Fuji. After loading the car in the free parking lot, go to a convenience store to buy some sports drinks and supplies, and prepare to start the long climb.
There is a toll booth before entering Mount Fuji, and bicycles are no exception. The uncle took a piece of paper and wrote 200 on it with a smile, 200 yen per bicycle.
There are a total of 5 stations in the paved road section of Mount Fuji. After riding for a while, I arrived at the first station, which is 1,291 meters above sea level. My impression was that the roads in the five stations of Mount Fuji were very flat, but the space on both sides was very narrow and there was no dedicated bicycle lane. Cars passed by us, which was a bit dangerous. We must pay attention to safety.
By the time I reached the second station, the weather had begun to change: fog thickened, the temperature gradually dropped, and visibility began to decrease. I occasionally encountered fellow Japanese cyclists, who greeted me warmly. By the time I reached the third station, a light rain had begun, forcing me to stop and change into fleece-lined cycling clothes. The damp and cold weather was a real test of my stamina. I ate my supplies while pedaling hard, barely able to even snap a photo.
After more than three hours of struggling, I finally arrived at the 5th station. Tourists from all over the world gathered here, making the 5th station look more like a souvenir shopping street. However, at this moment, I just wanted to lie down on the ground, unable to think at all.
Reach the end and "conquer" Mount Fuji.
A group of four people from the Mount Fuji cycling team took a photo at the top of the mountain
I rested for a full hour at the top of the mountain before I recovered. As we were going down, the weather became worse and it even started to rain. I had to slow down and drive very carefully. I have to praise the quality of the drivers in the island country. Not a single car honked its horn when passing by. They all braked and slowed down, using the sound of the brakes to tell the cyclists to pull over.
In the evening, we arrived safely at the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, returned to the hotel, had a hearty meal, took a bath, and had a good sleep.
The total one-way distance is 28.83km, with a cumulative ascent of 1,400 meters. The data comes from Strava.
Conclusion
This is an article that is two years late. I was recently sorting through photos on my phone and gradually recalled this unforgettable ride. So I wrote this travel guide to record that unique trip, and also wanted to share some practical experience with friends who are planning to ride across the country.
