There are numerous captivating spots to enjoy the beauty of Mount Fuji in Japan, and one of them is from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture. To reach this location, you can take a ride on the legendary Kachi-kachi Ropeway, an electric-powered cable car that has been in operation since 1959 and holds the title of the third oldest cable car in Japan.
The Kachi-kachi Ropeway leisurely moves along a 460-meter track with a 30-degree incline, taking you from Lake Kawaguchi to the observation point on Mount Tenjo in just 3 minutes!
The Best Spots for Viewing Mount Fuji
Mount Tenjo, located at an elevation of 1,075 meters above sea level, is one of the best spots for viewing Mount Fuji. This small mountain offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, which is renowned as the location for the Winter Fireworks Festival.
The observation point on Mount Tenjo has several beautiful spots for taking photos. One of them is the Tenjo Bell. It is believed that your wishes will come true if you ring the bell while gazing at Mount Fuji. The bell is located within a large heart-shaped frame.
Another photo spot is a swing that stands 3.5 meters high, offering a direct view of Mount Fuji. If you wish to admire the grandeur of Mount Fuji up close, you can sit on the Observation Deck Yagura. This single bridge stands at an elevation of 1,110 meters.
A few steps away, you’ll find the Usagi Jinja (Rabbit Shrine), where hikers and tourists come to pray for safety and good health.
Background of a Terrifying Folk Tale
Mount Tenjo serves as the backdrop for an ancient Japanese folk tale called “Kachi-kachi Yama.” Here, you’ll find many statues of rabbits and tanuki (raccoon dogs), which are the main characters in this story.
The tale of Kachi-kachi Yama is actually quite gruesome. It revolves around an elderly man who captures a mischievous tanuki, a creature akin to a raccoon dog, that was damaging his crops. The old man instructs his wife to cook the naughty tanuki into a stew. However, the tables are turned, and the tanuki ends up cooking the old woman instead.
Unaware of what has transpired, the old man inadvertently consumes the stew. Distraught, he confides in his pet rabbit (usagi). The rabbit devises a revenge plan by crafting a clay boat for the tanuki. The treacherous tanuki eventually boards the boat, which promptly sinks, leading to his demise.
Mount Tenjo offers a hiking trail suitable for novice hikers. It takes less than an hour to reach the summit, and all you need to explore the observation points and the peak of Mount Tenjo is a round-trip cable car ticket.
The round-trip ticket prices are approximately ¥830 for adults and ¥670 for students. Two cable cars operate every day from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM local time. On weekends and holidays, the last cable car departs at 5:00 PM local time.
In Conclusion
Mount Tenjo and the Kachi-kachi Ropeway offer an enchanting experience to behold the beauty of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, all while immersing yourself in the folklore of Kachi-kachi Yama. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views or a taste of Japanese mythology, this destination has it all.