Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I took a motorcycle tour to Narusawa Ice Cave in Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture. Narusawa Ice Cave is a lava cave formed by the eruption of Mt. Fuji.The temperature inside the cave is around 0℃ throughout the year, and you can see mysterious scenery such as icicles and ice walls. This time, I would like to tell you about the route I took to Narusawa Ice Cave starting from central Tokyo, as well as information on the highlights of Narusawa Ice Cave and motorcycle parking.
What is Narusawa Ice Cave?
Narusawa Ice Cave is a cavity that was formed when lava that flowed from the northwest foot of Mt. Fuji cooled and solidified during the Great Jogan Eruption that occurred in the 6th year of Jogan (864) in the early Heian period.
The total length is approximately 156 meters, the width is 1.5 meters to 11 meters, the height is 1 meter to 3.6 meters, and it is shaped like a pit ring.
The temperature inside the cave is extremely low, with an average annual temperature of about 3℃, which remains almost the same in both summer and winter. Therefore, ice exists inside the cave all year round, and you can see beautiful sights such as icicles and ice walls.
Narusawa Ice Cave was designated as a natural monument by the Ministry of Education (currently the Agency for Cultural Affairs) in 1929. It is currently operated by Fuji Kanko Kogyo, a member of the Fujikyu Group, and is a popular spot for sightseeing in the Fuji Five Lakes.
Route to Narusawa Ice Cave
This time I rode a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide from central Tokyo to Narusawa Ice Cave.
The route I used at that time was to enter the Metropolitan Expressway No. 4 Shinjuku Line from the Metropolitan Expressway’s Inner Loop Line, exit via expressways such as the Chuo Expressway and the Kawaguchiko Line, exit at the Kawaguchiko IC, and enter National Route 139.
On this route, we covered a distance of about 120 kilometers in about two and a half hours, and we were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji and the Kofu Basin as we drove along the expressway. On National Route 139, you can see nature such as Mt. Fuji’s lava flows and forests on the way to Narusawa Ice Cave.
Narusawa Ice Cave is a natural ice cave created by the volcanic activity of Mt. Fuji, and ice exists all year round. The trip to Narusawa Ice Cave was a wonderful trip where I experienced the pleasure of riding a motorcycle and the splendor and exhilaration of nature.
Highlights of Narusawa Ice Cave
When you arrive at Narusawa Ice Cave, the first thing you need to do is buy a ticket. After buying the ticket, we walked to the entrance of the cave. The entrance to the cave is only about 1.5 meters high, so you have to bend down to enter. As soon as you enter the cave, you can feel the cold air. The temperature is around 0 degrees Celsius both in summer and winter, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket and towel. Also, water droplets may fall from the ceiling and the ground may be frozen and slippery, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and a hat.
Although some parts of the cave are dark and narrow, the passages are well-maintained and there are handrails and lighting. As you progress through the cave, you will see beautiful sights such as icicles and ice walls.
If you go around the cave, you will climb 21 meters from the exit. The stairs are steep and long, so be careful if you are not confident in your physical strength. You can see the view of Narusawa village from the exit. Narusawa Village is located on a plateau at the foot of Mt. Fuji, at an altitude of approximately 900 meters. Agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables are actively cultivated in Narusawa Village, and it is known as one of the leading producers of blueberries in the country.
Narusawa Ice Cave Motorcycle Parking Lot
Narusawa Ice Cave has a shared parking lot for motorcycles and cars. It is located a little far from the entrance of Narusawa Ice Cave, but you can get there in about 5 minutes on foot. Parking is available free of charge. It feels cool even in summer, but be careful of the cold in winter.
Summary
This time, we departed from central Tokyo and toured the Narusawa Ice Cave by motorcycle. Narusawa Ice Cave is a lava cave formed by the eruption of Mt. Fuji.The temperature inside the cave is around 0℃ throughout the year, and you can see mysterious scenery such as icicles and ice walls. You can also observe geologically valuable phenomena such as basaltic lava groups and tree-shaped lava inside the cave. Special products and goods made with blueberries are also sold in Narusawa Village, and are recommended as souvenirs. If you go by bike, there is a parking lot, but please be careful of the ground conditions. The Narusawa Ice Cave is one of the popular spots for sightseeing in the Fuji Five Lakes, but I think you can enjoy it in a different way if you go by bike. Please come and visit us at least once.
Thank you for reading until the end. Next time we look forward to!
*The word “Narusawa Ice Cave” translated into English is “Narusawa Ice Cave”.
