Misaka Pass 御坂峠 1,310m

By Rob McManmon | May 25, 2021 |

An epic sunrise over Mt Fuji at the Misaka Pass.

Misaka Pass 御坂峠 1,310m | Fuji Sunrise by Lake Kawaguchiko

The Misaka Touge (Misaka Pass) is a small pass on the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko 河口湖, one of the 5 Sacred Lakes of Mt Fuji. While you might think climbing Mt Fuji to be full of epic sights, in fact the roads surrounding Fuji are full of much more stunning views of the massive volcano. This is where the Misaka Pass really shines, a beautifully framed Fuji with the lake below and direct view east to the rising sun of the morning. The ultimate dawn patrol ride for those visiting the Fuji Kawaguchiko area!

Gain
2/5

Views
4/5

Accessibility
4/5

Pavement
4/5

Zen Factor
4/5

Climb Score Card from our full article on the 14 Best Cycling Climbs in Japan (Hint, Not Mt Fuji!).

Osusume Course

While the most direct course is just to climb up and then back down, I would recommend the route below for a more enjoyable loop. To start you climb the main pass up from Kawaguchiko. Once at the tunnel at the summit, soak in the views of the epic sunrise behind Mt Fuji. Then, follow the small Rindo Forest Road up just a bit more before enjoying a nice twisting descent back into Kawaguchiko Town with plenty of great peaks at Fuji in the distance. All in, a short 30km and 700m gain, perfect for a morning ride before breakfast & coffee at a local cafe!

Strava Route Cycling Misaka Pass Dawn Patrol Sunrise Loop

Climb Overview

Scorecard Breakdown

[Climb Score Card from our full article on the 14 Best Cycling Climbs in Japan (Hint, Not Mt Fuji!).]

Gain – 2/5 | 455m
Views – 4/5 | Not the most obstructed view of Fuji, but the angle, lack of cars, and many views along the route makes for a top notch sunrise ride!
Accessibility – 4/5 | 2.5hrs Train from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station
Pavement – 4/5 | Decent to good pavement along most of the route.
Zen Factor – 4/5 | In the morning this might be a 5/5, but once the clock strikes 9am or so this area becomes very noisy due to the large amount of traffic and tourists. This means even if motorists are not on your route, you are hearing their engines.

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Posted in Day Trips Rides from Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Yamanashi Prefecture

Misaka Pass 御坂峠 1,310m

Misaka Pass 御坂峠 1,310m