Ōsawa Car Park, 4th Station, Mount Fuji
Fuji Subaru Line In autumn, I want to hop out at the 4th Station and look back at the mountain road I just drove up
On an autumn drive along the Fuji Subaru Line, I’d like to stop for a break at Ōsawa Car Park at the 4th Station. Clouds stretch beyond the forest, and the slope below offers a view of the road you've just driven. Leave yourself a little time to get out and take in the view again on your way up.
It's October, just as the evening light starts to fall. I've put my jacket back on the passenger seat at Ōsawa Car Park, and I'm lingering a little longer to enjoy the autumn view.
AutumnOctober, as the evening light falls
I only meant to put my jacket away, but somehow my break keeps going
I parked at Ōsawa Car Park and walked over to the viewpoint. Back at my red car, I folded my jacket and set it on the passenger seat. All I had to do was get in, but then I looked up and the clouds caught my eye again.
Beyond the railing, the slope falls away, and I can see the road below. A little earlier, I was focused on moving forward, but from up here I can see the route I took through the mountain. Stopping to look back gives me a chance to take in today's drive.
Clouds spread out beyond the forest. I can pick out the nearby trees one by one, while the clouds merge into a single sweep in the distance. With a view this vast in front of me, I want to take a deep breath before I even reach for my camera.
Still wearing my orange vest, I rested a hand on the car door and thought for a moment. Maybe I'll head back to the viewpoint one more time. I want to hold on to this view in this light, even after I set off again.
I can still remember the Yoshida udon I had for lunch at the foot of the mountain. I took my time chewing those thick noodles before heading up. It's fun how the same trip feels different down there, where I ate, and up here, where I am now.
Even after I'd put my jacket away, I didn't sit down straight away. I took in both the car in its parking space and the clouds beyond the railing. It's not just the time spent driving; even a little stop like this has become one of my favourite moments of the day.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
What to Try Here
Yoshida udon
Yoshida udon in Fujiyoshida, at the foot of the mountain, is known for its thick, firm noodles and cabbage. I'd like to make a proper lunch of it before heading up the mountain.
Places I Want to Stop
Ōsawa Car Park at the 4th Station
There's an observation deck at Ōsawa Car Park, about 2,020m above sea level. After driving up the mountain, I walked a little and spotted the road I'd just driven along below me on the slope. Back at my car, I put my jacket away, but the clouds kept catching my eye, so I didn't get in just yet.
A Stop to See October Foliage
The best time to see autumn leaves around Ōsawa Car Park is from early to late October. I want to spot signs of autumn in the trees along the road too, not just in the clouds beyond.
Mountain Drive on Mount Fuji
Fuji Subaru Line
- Route Distance: Lake Kawaguchi to the 5th Station
- About 30km
- Elevation Gain: Foothills to the 5th Station
- About 1,500m
The route climbs through the forest zone, with a detour to Ōsawa Car Park at the 4th Station.
The distance and elevation gain are approximate for the full route from the foothills to the 5th Station. Today's break is at Ōsawa Car Park, at the 4th Station along the way.
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