Summers in Japan can be brutal. With temperatures often soaring past 35°C (95°F) and humidity levels that make the air feel even heavier, urban areas can become dangerously hot. For motorcyclists, the risks of heatstroke and dehydration are real, and long rides under the blazing sun aren’t ideal.
But there’s a way around it. Start early, plan to finish before noon, and head for higher altitudes. That’s exactly what I did on this day trip from Tokyo to Lake Yamanaka.
- Ride Route
- Beating the Heat with an Early Start: From Tokyo to the Chuo Expressway
- A Quick Break at Fujino PA
- Lake Yamanaka: Capturing Mt. Fuji and My Bike Together
- The Early Morning “Breakfast Dilemma”
- Breathtaking Views from Panorama-dai
- Smooth, Refreshing Curves on Yamanaka-ko Oyama Line
- Cooling Down at Michi-no-Eki Subashiri
- Straight Back via the Expressway
- Recorded Temperature Data
- Summary: Morning Rides Are a Summer Lifeline
Ride Route
Here’s the route I took for this early summer escape.
Beating the Heat with an Early Start: From Tokyo to the Chuo Expressway
At 5:19 AM in Koto Ward, Tokyo, my digital thermometer read 27.8°C (82.0°F). Already warm for this hour—and a little worrying. Still, I set off, hoping to stay ahead of the heat.
The ride from the Shuto Expressway onto the Chuo Expressway was smooth. Early morning traffic was light, and the breeze on the bike felt refreshing.
There’s a saying that “the wind chill while riding makes it feel about 5°C (9°F) cooler.” I’d say that felt about right.
A Quick Break at Fujino PA
I stopped at Fujino Parking Area for a short break.
Originally, I planned to rest at Ishikawa PA, but traffic updates showed congestion near the Kobotoke Tunnel. Skipping it turned out to be a smart move.
By just after 6 AM, traffic jams were already forming between Hachioji JCT and Kobotoke Tunnel. Next time, an even earlier departure might be worth considering.
Here, the temperature was 27.3°C (81.1°F). After rehydrating and a restroom stop, I was back on the road, heading for Lake Yamanaka.
Lake Yamanaka: Capturing Mt. Fuji and My Bike Together
Via Otsuki JCT, the Chuo Expressway Fuji-Yoshida Line, and the Fuji Five Lakes Road, I exited at Lake Yamanaka IC.
Riding along Marimo Street on the lake’s north side, I reached Yamanaka-ko Shin-Sui Park—a perfect spot to photograph Mt. Fuji and your bike together. Early morning meant few people, so I could take my time setting up shots.
Mt. Fuji was spectacular that day, its slopes visible all the way down. No matter how many times I see it, this view never fails to impress. Only about two hours from Tokyo, it feels like a privilege to experience such awe on a morning ride.
At 7:37 AM, the temperature was a cool 25.1°C (77.2°F). This is exactly why early rides are worth it.
The Early Morning “Breakfast Dilemma”
The downside of starting so early? Finding breakfast.
While Lake Yamanaka has plenty of cafes and restaurants, most don’t open until later. At 7 AM, my only option was a convenience store.
For a “leave early, return by noon” plan, this isn’t such a bad thing. A quick, light meal keeps you moving, and Japanese convenience stores are surprisingly reliable for this.
Breathtaking Views from Panorama-dai
Next up was Panorama-dai, a short climb from Lake Yamanaka.
This lookout offers a sweeping view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka—a favorite among riders and photographers alike. With the upgraded observation area, it’s even easier to enjoy the scenery.
At 8:14 AM, the thermometer read 27.6°C (81.7°F). The sun was climbing higher, and I could feel the day’s heat beginning to take hold.
Smooth, Refreshing Curves on Yamanaka-ko Oyama Line
Leaving Panorama-dai, I continued along the green, winding roads of Yamanaka-ko Oyama Line.
The cool mountain air and flowing curves were a perfect antidote to Tokyo’s stifling summer heat. Crossing prefectural borders—Yamanashi, Kanagawa, Shizuoka—via Mikuni Pass and Myojin Pass added to the sense of adventure.
Descending the mountain, I rode west past Fuji Speedway on Local Route 147 and then Route 151, heading for Michi-no-Eki Subashiri.
By now, I could feel the temperature rising.
Cooling Down at Michi-no-Eki Subashiri
I arrived just before 9 AM and waited for the doors to open. Once inside, the blast of air conditioning was blissful.
My recommendation here? The “New Summer Orange Jelly.” It’s fresh and citrusy, with a texture so close to real fruit that it feels like biting into an orange. Perfect for a summer cooldown.
When I left, the temperature was 27.1°C (80.8°F). Time to head back.
Straight Back via the Expressway
On the return trip, I made one mistake: heading back toward Lake Yamanaka on Route 138 for fuel.
By 9 AM, traffic had already picked up, and temperatures were climbing fast. This delay pushed my arrival later than planned.
Lesson learned: refuel early and get on the expressway as soon as possible.
The Chuo Expressway flowed smoothly, but the Shuto Expressway was a different story. By noon, traffic was crawling from Shinjuku to Miyakezaka JCT. I pulled into my driveway at 12:39 PM, where the thermometer showed a sweltering 34.1°C (93.4°F). Tokyo summers really are unforgiving.
Recorded Temperature Data
| Location | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo (Departure) | 5:19 AM | 27.8°C / 82.0°F |
| Fujino PA (Chuo Expwy) | 6:36 AM | 27.3℃ / 81.1°F |
| Yamanaka-ko Shin-Sui Park | 7:37 AM | 25.1℃ / 77.2°F |
| Panorama-dai | 8:14 AM | 27.6℃ / 81.7°F |
| Michi-no-Eki Subashiri | 9:19 AM | 27.1℃ / 80.8°F |
| Tokyo (Return) | 12:39 PM | 34.1℃ / 93.4°F |
Summary: Morning Rides Are a Summer Lifeline
An early start and a highland route kept this ride cool and enjoyable, even in summer.
One lesson for next time: plan refueling better to avoid traffic delays.
Key Takeaways
- Start early to beat the heat
- Refuel early
- Expect return traffic in urban areas
Next up: “A Cool Day Ride to Chichibu and Okutama.” Stay tuned!
FAQ
Q1. What is the best time of day for motorcycle touring in Japan’s summer?
A. The best time is early morning, ideally starting at sunrise and finishing by noon. This helps you avoid extreme heat and heavy traffic common in urban and tourist areas during summer.
Q2. How hot does Tokyo get in summer for motorcycle riders?
A. In summer, Tokyo’s temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F) with high humidity, making it challenging for motorcycle touring. Riders should plan short trips, stay hydrated, and wear breathable gear to avoid heat-related risks.
Q3. Can I see Mt. Fuji from Lake Yamanaka during a motorcycle trip?
A. Yes, Lake Yamanaka offers excellent views of Mt. Fuji, especially in the early morning when the skies are clearer. Shin-Sui Park and Panorama-dai are popular spots for riders to take photos with their bikes and Mt. Fuji in the background.
