Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, an active stratovolcano and Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters, is renowned for its symmetrically conical shape and revered as a sacred symbol of the country, offering breathtaking views especially when its snow-capped summit is contrasted against clear blue skies.
Best Time to Visit
The official climbing season for Mount Fuji is from early July to early September, when the weather is relatively mild, the mountain isn't covered in snow, and the mountain huts and other facilities are open. This is the best time to visit if you plan to climb to the summit.
However, if you want to enjoy the view of Mount Fuji from nearby areas, such as the Five Lakes region or Hakone, the mountain can be viewed year-round, weather permitting. Autumn (October to November) and late winter to early spring (February to March) are often considered the best times for viewing, as clear, crisp weather increases your chances of seeing Mount Fuji in all its majesty. It's worth noting that visibility tends to be better in the colder months than in summer, and early morning and late evening views are often better than those in the middle of the day.
Remember, Mount Fuji is notorious for its elusiveness and can be completely hidden behind clouds on certain days, so allow for some flexibility in your plans if your primary goal is to view the mountain.
How to Get There
Mount Fuji is accessible via several routes, depending on where you're starting and which part of the mountain you want to visit. The most common starting point for international travelers is Tokyo. Here are some common methods:
From Tokyo to the Kawaguchiko Station (Five Lakes area):
By Bus: Buses leave from the Tokyo Station or the Shinjuku Station to the Kawaguchiko Station. The bus ride takes about 2.5 hours. From the Kawaguchiko Station, you can take local buses to the Fuji Five Lakes area or the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
By Train: From the Shinjuku Station, you can take the Limited Express "Kaiji" or "Azusa" to Otsuki Station. At Otsuki, you transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line for Kawaguchiko Station. The total travel time is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
From Tokyo to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (to climb Mount Fuji):
By Bus: Direct buses operate from the Shinjuku Station to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station during the climbing season (early July to early September). The bus ride takes about 2.5 hours.
From Tokyo to the Gotemba 5th Station (to climb Mount Fuji from the Gotemba Trail):
By Bus: Direct buses operate from the Shinjuku Station to the Gotemba 5th Station during the climbing season. The journey takes about 2 hours.
If you're coming from another city, like Osaka or Kyoto, you can take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to either Tokyo or Shin-Fuji Station and then take local transportation to Mount Fuji.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Mount Fuji, Japan
Top 10 Attractions when visiting Mount Fuji
The Mount Fuji area is full of natural beauty and cultural sites. Here are some top attractions you may want to consider:
Mount Fuji: The mountain itself is the main attraction. You can climb it during the official climbing season (early July to early September). The most popular route starts from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko): This area includes Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanakako, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko. These lakes provide wonderful views of Mount Fuji and offer opportunities for boating, camping, and hiking.
Chureito Pagoda: Located in Fujiyoshida, this pagoda is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and offers an iconic view of Mount Fuji, especially during cherry blossom season and in autumn.
Oshino Hakkai: A series of eight ponds in Oshino Village, known for their clear waters fed by Mount Fuji's snowmelt.
Aokigahara Forest: Also known as the Sea of Trees, this dense forest at the base of Mount Fuji is known for its quiet atmosphere and unique vegetation.
Shiraito Falls: Near Fujinomiya, these beautiful, wide falls are part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Hakone: This area is a bit further away but offers views of Mount Fuji, hot springs, Hakone Shrine, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Gotemba Premium Outlets: One of the largest outlet malls in Japan, offering shopping with a view of Mount Fuji.
Fuji-Q Highland: A theme park in Fujiyoshida known for its high thrill roller coasters and attractions.
Lake Ashi (Hakone): Known for its views of Mount Fuji, its hot springs, historical sites, and Hakone Shrine.
Top 10 Activities to do in Mount Fuji Area
There are many activities you can enjoy in the Mount Fuji area, ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Here are some suggestions:
Mountain Climbing: If you're visiting during the climbing season (early July to early September), climbing Mount Fuji is a popular activity. The most common route starts from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
Lake Activities: The Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko) offer a range of activities such as boating, fishing, camping, and hiking.
Hot Springs (Onsen): Relax in one of the many onsens located in the area. Hakone, in particular, is famous for its hot springs.
Cycling: You can rent a bicycle and enjoy a ride around Lake Kawaguchiko, taking in the beautiful views of Mount Fuji.
Photography: From the Chureito Pagoda and the Fuji Five Lakes, to the beautiful scenery of Hakone, there are plenty of opportunities for amazing photography.
Visiting Amusement Parks: Experience the thrill rides at Fuji-Q Highland, a theme park known for its record-breaking roller coasters.
Shopping: Visit the Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet shopping centers in Japan.
Cave Exploring: Explore the Ice Cave and Wind Cave in the Aokigahara Forest, created from Mount Fuji's past volcanic activity.
Hiking: There are several hiking trails around the area, including the paths around the lakes and the trails in Hakone.
Tea Picking: Visit a tea plantation in the Fuji area (like the Obuchi Sasaba fields), and try tea picking.
Best Shopping
Shopping in the Mount Fuji area ranges from traditional souvenirs to luxury brands. Here are some of the top places to go shopping:
Gotemba Premium Outlets: This is one of Japan's most popular outlets and offers a variety of domestic and international brands at discounted prices. The view of Mount Fuji from the mall is an added bonus.
Fujiyoshida's Sengen Shrine Omotesando Street: Along this street leading to the shrine, you can find traditional crafts and souvenirs unique to the Mount Fuji region.
Lake Kawaguchiko's Lakeside Shops: Around the lake, there are several shops where you can buy local products, snacks, and souvenirs.
Kawaguchiko Station's Gift Shops: The area around the station has numerous shops selling local produce and crafts, including the famous "Fujiyama Cookie".
Oshino Hakkai Village: The traditional village houses several shops selling crafts, snacks, and souvenirs. It's a great place to buy pickled vegetables and other local food items.
Fuji-Q Highland's Gift Shops: If you visit the theme park, don't forget to check out their shops for unique and character-themed items.
While shopping, look for local specialties like the Fujiyama Cookie, Yamanashi wine, and crafts inspired by Mount Fuji. These make great gifts to take back home.
Entertainment & Nightlife
The Mount Fuji area, being more of a nature-oriented and sightseeing destination, does not have a very vibrant nightlife compared to major cities like Tokyo or Osaka. However, there are still some ways to enjoy the evenings in the region:
Evening Onsen Visits: Many of the ryokans and hotels around Mount Fuji and Hakone have their own onsens (hot springs), which can often be enjoyed into the night. It's a perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Nighttime Sightseeing: Some attractions have nighttime activities. For example, during certain seasons, the Chureito Pagoda and Lake Kawaguchiko areas offer nighttime illumination events, which provide stunning views of sakura (cherry blossoms) or autumn leaves, often with Mount Fuji as a backdrop.
Dining: The Mount Fuji area has many excellent restaurants where you can enjoy dinner. Savor a variety of cuisines, including traditional Japanese food such as sushi, yakiniku (grilled meat), and soba (buckwheat noodles).
Bars and Izakayas: In the towns around the base of Mount Fuji, like Kawaguchiko and Fujinomiya, you can find a small selection of bars and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) where you can enjoy drinks and snacks in the evening.
Stargazing: On clear nights, the Mount Fuji area, being far from the lights of big cities, can be a great place for stargazing.
Traditional Performances: Occasionally, you may find traditional Japanese performances such as Noh or Kabuki held in the region, particularly in the Hakone area.
Local Cuisine
The Mount Fuji area offers a variety of local cuisine that reflects its natural setting and cultural heritage. Here are some local specialties you might want to try:
Yoshida Udon: A local variety of Udon (thick wheat noodles), characterized by its firm, chewy texture. It is typically served with a soy-based broth and various toppings.
Houtou: A popular local dish in the Yamanashi region, particularly around Lake Kawaguchi. Houtou is a hearty, comforting noodle soup made with flat, wide noodles and a variety of seasonal vegetables.
Fujiyama Cookie: A popular souvenir from the region, these cookies are shaped like Mount Fuji and come in a variety of flavors.
Rainbow Trout: The clear, clean waters of the Fuji Five Lakes region are perfect for rainbow trout, and the fish is a local specialty, often served grilled or in a sushi style.
Fujizakura Beer: An award-winning local craft beer, it's perfect for beer lovers looking to try something local.
Yamanashi Wine: Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mount Fuji is located, is one of Japan's leading wine-producing regions. The Koshu grape is a local variety used to produce refreshing white wines.
Fruit: Yamanashi is also known as the 'fruit kingdom' of Japan. Depending on the season, you can enjoy cherry picking (June), peach (July to August), grape (August to September), and apple picking (September to November).
Matcha-flavored treats: Given its proximity to Shizuoka, a region known for its excellent green tea, you'll find many sweets and treats flavored with high-quality matcha, such as ice cream, pastries, and mochi.
Wasabi dishes: As the region has pure water sources perfect for growing wasabi, you may find dishes featuring fresh, locally grown wasabi.
Accommodations
When visiting Mount Fuji, the best area to stay in can depend on what you want to do during your visit. Here are a few areas to consider:
Kawaguchiko: This is the most popular area for tourists. It's home to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, and offers the most options in terms of hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), restaurants, and tourist facilities. You'll get some of the best views of Mount Fuji from here.
Yamanakako: This area is home to the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Yamanaka. It's a bit quieter than Kawaguchiko but offers excellent views of Mount Fuji, especially from the lake. There are several hotels and ryokans in this area.
Fujiyoshida: This city is located near the base of Mount Fuji. It's less touristy than some of the other areas but offers easy access to the mountain. It's a good place to stay if you're planning on climbing Mount Fuji.
Hakone: Although it's a bit further from Mount Fuji, Hakone offers views of the mountain and is a popular hot spring resort area. There are plenty of accommodations here, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.
Gotemba: On the southeastern side of Mount Fuji, Gotemba is known for the Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet malls in Japan. There are a few hotels in the area, and it's also an access point for climbing Mount Fuji.
Fujinomiya: This city is home to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, the head shrine for worshipping Mount Fuji. Fujinomiya is also an access point for climbing Mount Fuji.
