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At an impressive 3,776 meters Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and an iconic symbol of the country. Whether just photographing it from afar or hiking to the peak – it draws countless of visitors to Japan every year. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your Mount Fuji trip!
1. About Mount Fuji
Although often thought of as just a mountain, this peak is actually a stratovolcano and is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. The top is a perfectly symmetrical cone and is often capped with snow. This scene has captivated artists, poets, and visitors for centuries, making it a world-renowned natural wonder and cultural treasure. Mount Fuji is also revered as one of the country’s “Three Holy Mountains.” and is considered a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism. The mountain has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013 for its “outstanding universal value” and inspiration to humanity.
Check out these hassle-free Mount Fuji tours from Tokyo:
2. Climbing to the Summit of Mount Fuji:
The summit of Mount Fuji is the highest point in Japan, but reaching it is no easy feat. Your biggest obstacle, however, will be juggling weather and crowds. The official climbing season for Mount Fuji runs from early July to mid-September, hitting peak crowds as the heat cools off in mid-August.
Early July
- Fewer crowds before school vacations start around July 20
- Weather can be more unstable and unpredictable
- Recommended for those looking to avoid peak crowds
Mid-July to Early August
- More stable weather conditions
- Crowds start to build up as school vacations begin
- A good balance between decent weather and moderate crowds
Mid-August (Obon Week)
- Peak crowds and long queues, especially on weekends
- Weather is usually good, but can be very hot
- Best avoided unless you don’t mind the largest crowds
Late August to Early September
- Crowds thin out after Obon Week
- Weather remains favorable
- A great time to climb with smaller crowds and milder temperatures
3. How to Get to Mount Fuji
From Tokyo
Taking the Shinkansen is the fastest journey to Mount Fuji from Tokyo, taking only about an hour – although it requires transferring to another mode of transport once you’ve reached the nearby station. On the other hand, the highway bus is the most economical option for a direct route to Kawaguchiko Station, while driving offers the most flexibility but can be impacted by traffic, and private vehicles are not allowed at the 5th Station trailhead during peak season.
From Osaka
For the fastest route, take the Shinkansen bullet train from Osaka to Mishima, then transfer to the local Izuhakone Railway line to Fujinomiya Station. This gets you closest to the mountain in around 3 hours. If you have a bit more time and want to save money, the direct highway buses from Osaka to Kawaguchiko Station or Fuji-Q Highland Station are a good option, though the journey takes an additional 2 hours or so.
4. Must-See Spots Near Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is surrounded by many natural wonders and cultural attractions that make the region a must-see for all kinds of visitors. From the iconic Fuji Five Lakes to unique geological formations like the wind and ice caves, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Japan’s fascinating history and traditions at recreated ninja villages, quaint towns like Oshino Hakkai, and the hot spring havens of Hakone.
1) Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Shoji, Motosu)
The Fuji Five Lakes are a group of five scenic lakes situated at the northern base of the iconic Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. These lakes were formed by previous volcanic eruptions of Mount Fuji, creating a breathtaking natural frame for the mountain.
Lake Kawaguchi is the most accessible and popular of the five lakes, known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji’s symmetrical cone. Found at the base of Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi‘s tranquil waters reflect the mountain peak, creating the iconic “Reverse Fuji” reflection. From scenic boat rides and panoramic cable car views to hot spring resorts and traditional ryokans, the area around the lake offers a wide variety of experiences that showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Lake Yamanaka is the largest and easternmost of the five lakes and offers panoramic vistas of Mount Fuji from its northern shore. It is also a popular spot for water sports, camping, and hiking during the warmer months.
2) Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park located in the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji, in the Fuji Five Lakes region of Yamanashi Prefecture. This thrilling theme park is famous for its record-breaking roller coasters, including Fujiyama, which was once the world’s tallest and fastest coaster, and Takabisha, the current steepest roller coaster. Beyond just the adrenaline-pumping rides, Fuji-Q Highland also offers a diverse range of attractions including anime-themed experiences and a dedicated ‘Thomas Land’ area for kids. The park is part of a larger entertainment complex that includes the Highland Resort Hotel and Spa, and the Fujiyama Museum, showcasing artwork inspired by Mount Fuji.
3) Wind & Ice Caves
The Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave are two unique natural attractions located near the base of Mount Fuji. The Fugaku Wind Cave is a lava tube formed by the eruption of Mount Fuji around 1,000 years ago. Visitors can descend into the cave and experience the chilly winds that constantly blow through it, creating an eerie atmosphere. The Narusawa Ice Cave on the other hand, is a natural ice cave where ice formations persist year-round due to the cave’s unique structure and airflow. Exploring this frozen wonderland is a surreal experience, with icicles and ice sculptures adorning the cave walls.
4) Oshino Hakkai
The 8 pristine ponds of Oshino Hakkai are fed by the crystal-clear waters that filter down from the iconic Mt. Fuji. The ponds, revered by locals for their spiritual significance, offer a serene escape where one can marvel at the stunning reflections of the mountain. Surrounding the ponds is a charming traditional village with thatched-roof houses, quaint shops selling local delicacies like kusa mochi and dango sweets, and a small open-air museum showcasing the region’s farming and samurai history.
5) Hakone
Hakone is a popular tourist destination near Mount Fuji, renowned for its natural beauty and traditional hot springs. The area boasts several captivating attractions that make it worth visiting. Lake Ashi offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days and unique experiences like cruising on a pirate ship or renting swan-shaped boats. The iconic Hakone Shrine with its floating torii gate on the lake’s shores is also a must-see. Visitors can also explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which features impressive outdoor sculptures and exhibits, or the volcanic valley of Owakudani, famous for its black egg cooked in the natural hot springs. With its scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and relaxing onsen resorts, Hakone offers a quintessential Japanese experience.
We hope this guide has helped you plan your perfect trip to Mount Fuji! To discover even more of the best things to do in Japan, visit Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!
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