Fujisanroku Electric Railway to Launch the “Fujimichi Trail Stamp Rally”

Fujisanroku Electric Railway Co., Ltd., a Fujikyu Group company, will launch the participatory “Fujimichi Trail Stamp Rally” on May 16, 2026, offering visitors a way to enjoy both the history of Fuji and hiking. Along the Fujikyu Line, there are many hiking routes where visitors can experience the nature, history, and culture of the Mount Fuji foothills, including routes with views of Mount Fuji, ridge walks, and historic old roads. In cooperation with Yama-to-Keikokusha, a media company specializing in mountains and nature, the company has selected four courses suitable year-round for everyone from beginners to advanced hikers, regardless of age or gender. These routes are branded as the “Fujimichi Trail” and will be featured in a stamp rally event. “Fujimichi” refers to the historic pilgrimage road to Mount Fuji that flourished during the Edo period. It is the traditional route from Otsuki Station, the starting station of the Fujikyu Line, toward Fujiyoshida and Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Mount Fuji. The Fujikyu Line runs parallel to this historic road. To allow participants to enjoy seasonal scenery, the stamp rally is divided into two periods, with two courses offered in each. Participants who visit checkpoints on each course and apply through the app will be eligible for prizes, including original novelty items by lottery. The event will run from May 16, 2026, to March 14, 2027. Participants can join easily using a smartphone with the YAMASTA mountain stamp rally app provided by Yama-to-Keikokusha. The first period, from May 16 to September 30, features the Mitsutoge Course and the Nijumagari Pass / Mt. Ishiwari Course. The second period, from October 1 to March 14, features the Tsuru Alps Course and the Tokai Nature Trail / Koyodai Course. Participants who complete one course will receive a completion certificate at the goal point. Limited commemorative can badges and the “Fujimichi Trail Guidebook,” which compiles routes along the railway line, will also be given on a first-come, first-served basis, with 500 guidebooks available per course. Participants can also enter a lottery through the YAMASTA app to win one of 100 original Fujimichi Trail special pins. The Mitsutoge Course visits Mitsutoge, a popular Mount Fuji viewpoint, and follows the Omotesando route, where the history of religious mountain worship remains strongly visible. The close-up view of Mount Fuji from the summit of Mitsutoge is especially impressive. Checkpoints are Kawaguchiko Station, the summit of Mitsutoge, Hachijuhachi Daishi, and Darumaishi. The Nijumagari Pass / Mt. Ishiwari Course starts at Nijumagari Pass and visits Mt. Ishiwari, the highest mountain in Yamanakako Village, as well as Ishiwari Shrine, from which the mountain takes its name. The course offers varied attractions, including Mount Fuji views, a massive rock about 15 meters high, and a hot spring near the finish. Checkpoints are Nijumagari Pass, the summit of Mt. Ishiwari, Ishiwari Shrine, and Ishiwari-no-Yu. The Tsuru Alps Course is an accessible ridge-walking route through the mountains surrounding the castle town of Tsuru City. Visitors can see Mount Fuji and the cityscape through the trees, while Rakuzan Park offers seasonal plants such as cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and maple leaves. Checkpoints are the Mount Fuji Observatory, Panorama Observatory, Kajiyazaka Aqueduct Bridge known as Pi-ya, and Rakuzan Park. The Tokai Nature Trail / Koyodai Course offers sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes, and the Aokigahara forest. Visitors can also explore wind caves and ice caves formed by the environment around Mount Fuji. Since most of the route follows gentle forest roads, it is also recommended for beginner hikers. Checkpoints are Kawaguchiko Station, Mt. Ashiwada, Sankodai, and Narusawa Ice Cave. Details on the courses, checkpoints, and how to apply for benefits are scheduled to be announced on the event page from May 16. YAMASTA is a stamp rally app for mountains and nature that issues location-specific digital stamps when users press the check-in button at designated places such as summits and sightseeing spots. It currently operates 74 stamp rally events across Japan and has recorded more than 1.13 million cumulative visits.