Mount Fuji in Japan, the majestic 12.388 feet / 3,776-meter-tall active volcano is the tallest and most iconic mountain in Japan, and probably even in the world. Fuji is only 2.5 hours from the center of Tokyo and attracts countless visitors every year. Many come to admire the mountain for its size and beauty, and a few even come to climb it!
Things to do in Mount Fuji, Japan, we know a thing or two (actually 10) about that. We’ve been to this authentic and scenery area in Japan and we know exactly where you need to go. Follow our lead and your trip to Mount Fuji will be unforgettable! We highly recommend booking at least one night at Mount Fuji area to visit everything without having to rush, the entire area is quite big. And you don’t want to miss the sunset with a view of the volcano! Especially not a sunset view from an onsen (Japanese style bathhouse).
Additionally, be aware of the fact that the visibility of the volcano is at it's best in the colder months. Here you can read all about the best time to visit Mount Fuji.
Climbing Mount Fuji
If you want to climb the majestic volcano, keep in mind that this is only possible from the beginning of July to mid-September. This is the official climbing season and the trails and facilities are open.
“He who climbs Mount Fuji once is a wise man, he who goes up twice is a fool.” is a famous Japanese saying. The climb to the top of Mount Fuji is not known for its beautiful views or hike through impressive nature. In fact, climbing the volcano is a strenuous and tiring journey and not without risks, but every climbing season countless locals and tourists make their way up.
There are 10 stations on the volcano and most climbers start at number five. This is located halfway up the mountain and is easily accessible by car or public transport.
From here there are several routes up the mountain with varying degrees of difficulty. Mountain huts are available around the 7th and 8th stations, but very popular, so book well in advance!
The ascent is not for inexperienced hikers as the top of Fuji stands at just under 13.000 feet / 4000 meters. The air becomes considerably thinner during the ascent, you should be aware of this. Because of this, even in summer temperatures will be cold – possibly below 0 ° C – make sure you are well prepared for these conditions.
Gaze at the breathtaking view from the Chureito Pagoda
One of the most famous and beautiful views of the volcano is from the Chureito Pagoda. To get to Chureito Pagoda, hop on the train from Lake Kawaguchi station to Shimo-Yoshida station. From Shimo-Yoshida station, a sign indicates the walking route to the pagoda, it is a 20-minute walk. Upon arrival at the park, you must climb 400 steps to get to the pagoda. Quite a climb, but the view from the Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background is breathtakingly beautiful! In the spring and autumn, the view is even more spectacular because of the sakura blossoms and colored leaves in the park.
Pro-tip: Schedule your visit as early as possible so you can avoid the queue to take photos of this incredible view!
If you are also looking for a traditional ryokan near Mount Fuji, be sure to check out our recommendations!
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Take an insta-worthy shot of Mount Fuji in the old city of Fujiyoshida
To get to Fujiyoshida City, hop on the train from Kawaguchiko Station to Mount Fuji Station. Get off here and in Fujiyoshida City ask for directions to Mount Fuji's Instagram hotspot. The locals in the area are very aware of this Instagram photo hotspot. They sent us a route map with explanations and told us more information about the city and a nearby sanctuary.
You walk at your leisure through the old and traditional town. It's very nice to walk among the locals in this old but atmospheric town, especially comparing it to futuristic Tokyo. The spot is indicated with a sign: ” insta-hotspot ”, so you know when you are in the right place. You will then see Mount Fuji towering up close above the streets and cables of the city of Fujiyoshida. We think this is by far the number one of the Instagrammable spots around Mount Fuji.
Locals love the attention of their lovely town, but beware of the traffic and don't take photos in the middle of the street when it's busy. Be safe and respectful!
Pro-tip: Avoid the traffic by taking photos outside rush-hour. It's quite hard to get a clean shot with no cars.
Pro-tip: The Chureito Pagoda is near the photo spot, thus it is very easy to combine these two.
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Visit Oishi Park
Oishi Park is located on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. It is a small perfectly landscaped park with a superb view of both the lake and Mount Fuji. Depending on the season, various special flowers bloom in the park along the lake. There is a restaurant where you can get food, drinks, and blueberry ice cream. There are also public toilets and a gas station across the street, so you can enjoy some food or drink both inside and outside while looking out at Mount Fuji.
Admission is free and there is a large parking space which is also free. It is also nice to do a tour around the lake on one of the hop-on-hop-off buses of which Oishi Park is a stopping point. Who took this bus multiple times and it was quite nice to drive around these lakes and towns, with the always impressive Mount Fuji in the background.
Pro tip: Oishi Park is a great photo point to photograph both the lake and Mount Fuji.
Another breathtaking view at Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Ride the cable car ($8) to climb Kachi Kachi and be rewarded with spectacular views. From the observation deck, which is more than 3000 feet / 1,000 meters above sea level, you have a panoramic view of Lake Kawaguchi and the town of Fuji below, and of course the mighty Mount Fuji.
Mukashi-banashi, or fables, are popular in Japan, and mount Kachi Kachi has its own folk tale, “Kachi-Kachi-Yama”. This is a story about a young rabbit who tries to outsmart a tanuki, a Japanese raccoon dog. At the cable car and on the mountain you will find details from the story such as a small Usagi-jinja, or Rabbit Shrine, and a raccoon-themed cafe.
Also, visit the top floor of the cafe. Here is a rooftop terrace with beautiful Japanese-style cushions and rugs. For $0.80 you can sit here and take nice pictures of yourself on the terrace with Mount Fuji in the background. Hike further up the mountain to see majestic Mount Fuji from different heights. And you come across a gong that you can sound.
The funicular station is about a 15 to 20-minute walk from Kawaguchiko station. You can also take the bus on the red OmniBus line from the station and get off at the Yuransen Ropeway Iriguchi bus stop. The cafe and Mountaintop shop closes at 3 pm on the mountain. And the funicular is open daily from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Get your adrenaline rush at Fuji Q Highland
Want to get away from the peace of the countryside? Then visit Fuji-Q Highland, at the foot of Mount Fuji. It is one of the most popular amusement parks in Japan and is home to the best roller coasters in the world. It's the perfect place to drop the kids off and let them go wild! 😉
The park owns four major roller coasters: 1. Fujiyama – the world's fastest and highest once. 2. Dodonpa – one of the fastest accelerating roller coasters in the world. 3. Takabisha – the steepest roller coaster in the world. 4. Eejanaika – the park's “4th dimension” roller coaster, with swivel seats.
In addition, the park contains many other attractions that are suitable for small to old. Be aware of the low queues for the popular attractions, especially during peak season, weekends, and holidays.
Relax at an Onsen
Bathhouses in Japan, also known as an onsen, are an important part of Japanese leisure culture. As far back as the Middle Ages, Japanese hot springs were known for their medicinal properties, and sometimes entire temples were dedicated to an onsen that, according to legend, even have mythical powers. Mythical powers or not, it is well known that soaking for a few minutes in a warm bath is great for relaxing your muscles and stimulating circulation. And it is certainly relaxing after walking the Japanese streets all day;). In addition, many minerals in the natural spring water of a Japanese bathhouse are good for your skin!
Men and women are separated in the onsen. You will love the showers with the seat and the large cups. And by the way; you will be very naked too!
There are a number of hotels around Lake Kawaguchiko that have an Onsen with a view of Mount Fuji. Definitely worth booking your overnight stay here. The onsen is free when booking an overnight stay and these hotels are often not even more expensive than another hotel.
Pro-tip: We stayed at the ryokan hotel called Mifujien, which had a lovely onsen with a great view of Mount Fuji. They also had a very traditional breakfast, the rooms were all very traditional and authentic, and the whole hotel was just very atmospheric. We loved it!
If you are also looking for a traditional ryokan near Mount Fuji, be sure to check out our recommendations!
Experience a real Japanese Ryokan – Must do
n a traditional ryokan you can experience the special Japanese culture. In our opinion, a must-do during your trip through Japan. And around Lake Kawaguchiko there are several ryokans that are worth booking for a night.
A ryokan is actually a minimalistic traditional Japanese-style bed and breakfast. It is the most traditional way to spend the night in Japan. A ryokan in Japan can vary from very basic to super luxurious, from just a place to sleep to an all-inclusive experience including a tea ceremony. In the ryokans, you sleep on a futon bed on the floor, which is cleaned up every morning and prepared every evening by the staff. In the sleeping area, there is often also a low table with seat cushions and a Japanese tea set.
Sleeping on futon beds is less comfortable the bigger and/or heavier you are, but you can ask for an extra layer to make the weather softer.
In a ryokan in Japan, you don't wear shoes, but you get special slippers. The food in a Japanese ryokan is usually elaborate and very refined. For example, an extensive traditional Japanese breakfast was prepared for us every morning with fresh products.
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Oshino Ninja Village (Oshino Shinobi No Sato)
“Oshino Shinobi no Sato” is a ninja thermal village in the mountains overlooking Mount Fuji. It is a traditional village dedicated to ninjas. You can dress up as a ninja yourself or enjoy a ninja show, how cool is that?! 😀
Stroll through the Japanese gardens and enjoy a delicious meal of soba and soybean curd made with Oshino's famous water. But watch out for the ninjas in the trees!
Relax at Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the five lakes that surround the volcano. Kawaguchiko is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and offers some of the best views of the majestic volcano. Almost any spot on the lake is a great place to take great photos. In addition to tourists, you also spot many locals who are fishing by the lake. The whole area here is so much quieter and more rural, it is an excellent escape from the bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Lake Kawaguchiko is the most visited of the five lakes, which is why the lake is also surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and other activities. We recommend that you book an overnight stay here so that you are close to everything you want to do around Mount Fuji.
Pro-tip: get a rental bike for the day and enjoy cycling through the old villages surrounded by the lake.
Enjoy your stay, my friends. Sayonara! 🙂
More Travel Inspiration: The best time to visit Mount Fuji – An overview per season
