Mount Fuji’s spectacular beauty captivates the hearts of many visitors to Japan, and those who see it even once will never forget its beauty.
However, there are still many fascinating sights in the surrounding area that many people do not yet know about.
From ancient Japanese history to breathtaking natural scenery, this article will help you carefully explore the abundant charms hidden in the area surrounding Mount Fuji.
About Mount Fuji 🗻
Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, rises 3,776 meters. Us Japanese call it “Fuji-san” (meaning “Mount Fuji”).
With its nearly perfect cone shape, it is exceptionally beautiful and has influenced numerous works of art and cultural expressions.
The period when its summit is capped with snow, in particular, is incredibly picturesque, and its visage can be admired from distant places.
Travelers using Tokyo’s airports may also have the opportunity to view Mount Fuji from an airplane, and the view from the sky is equally stunning.
Different seasonal Mount Fuji looks 👀
Snowless ⛰️
A common image is Mount Fuji covered in snow, but the naked Mount Fuji in the summer offers a different charm. This sight, which adorns half of the year, is also a memorable scenic view.
Dawn 🌅
Around dawn, as the colors of the sky shift, the profound silhouette of Mount Fuji gradually becomes infused with light, and experiencing this transformation is breathtakingly beautiful.
Daytime 🌞
On a clear day, Mount Fuji stands out with the vibrant blue sky, green foothills, and white clouds providing a striking contrast. The details on the mountain’s surface are also vividly visible, leaving one in awe of its grandeur.
Dusk 🌄
As the sun descends low and its light bathes Mount Fuji in a red glow, the phenomenon known as ‘Akafuji’ (Red Fuji) is a momentary, extraordinary spectacle. Its enchanting beauty captivates the heart and makes time fade away.
Recommended Places to Visit 👍
1. 5th Stations of Mount Fuji 🗻
Four distinct paths lead to the summit of Mt. Fuji, with the Yoshida Trail from the Yamanashi Prefecture being the most frequented. Mount Fuji is segmented into 10 “stations,” with every path starting at its own 5th station.
At the Yoshida Line Fifth Station, you’ll discover a wealth of souvenir shops and delightful dining spots, making it a breeze to find charming mementos. The views from up here are absolutely breathtaking, and the pleasant climate turns it into a favourite summer getaway spot.
Accessing the Fifth Station is incredibly convenient, whether you’re driving or taking a bus.
Furthermore, you’ll encounter unique lava rocks scattered about, each bearing the marks of Mount Fuji’s volcanic history with intriguing hollows and bubbles. I urge you to pick them up and take a closer look; they’re truly captivating.
2. Arakura-Fuji Sengen Shrine ⛩️ / Photo Spot 📷
I wouldn’t be surprised if many of you have seen photos of Mount Fuji taken from this very spot. It’s not an exaggeration to say it’s one of the most famous views of Mount Fuji and one of the most popular spots to visit in Japan.
This place holds a special significance as the spiritual heart of Mount Fuji, a shrine where prayers have been offered for the mountain’s safety and the tranquility of its volcanic activity.
From the observation deck, you can simultaneously admire the vibrant red Chureito Pagoda, the grandeur of Mount Fuji, and, especially in spring, the enchanting cherry blossoms in full bloom. It truly is a remarkable spot where you can take in Japan’s iconic beauty all at once.
I made my way up the 400 steps to reach the shrine, taking breaks along the way. When I finally reached the top and turned to look back, I couldn’t help but let out an exclamation at the magnificent view that stretched out before me. It’s the kind of view that captures the hearts of everyone who comes here.
To ensure you can fully immerse yourself in this stunning scenery, there are seats available at the observation deck. I stayed for about 30 minutes, watching as Mount Fuji gradually transformed with the setting sun, savoring every moment of this breathtaking view.
I highly encourage you to witness this incredible sight with your own eyes.
While heading back from the shrine, I had the pleasure of encountering the stunning Mount Fuji, just like in the picture above. The juxtaposition of Japan’s charming old-town atmosphere with the grandeur of Mount Fuji was a perfect blend, creating a place where the harmony between tradition and nature was palpable.
Seeing many others with their cameras capturing the moment, I was certain that I wasn’t the only one profoundly touched by this view.
3. Oshino hakkai
Oshino Hakkai, nestled in a village that feels like a snapshot from Japan’s timeless past, is famous for the pure, spring water that flows from Mount Fuji’s snowmelt. The village’s serene atmosphere and the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji create a scene that practically begs everyone to snap a photo.
The water that springs here boasts an astonishing level of clarity. Take a moment to guess the water depth from the photo above.
Would you believe it’s a staggering 8 meters deep?
Despite its considerable depth, the fact that you can see the bottom so clearly is truly astonishing.
Right around the central souvenir shops, there’s a wonderful thing – you can actually taste the water that springs from here, and it’s absolutely free. It’s a special experience reserved for visitors, so don’t miss the chance to savour the unique flavour of this remarkable water firsthand.
4. Miho no Matsubara 🌲
At Miho-no-Matsubara, you’ll find a stunning stretch of coastline spanning about 7 kilometers, adorned with roughly 30,000 pine trees. The striking contrast between the azure sea, the vibrant pine forest, and the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji is truly a sight to behold. Sunset visits are particularly enchanting, as Mount Fuji transforms under the soft hues of the evening sky.
This place holds a special distinction as one of Japan’s New Three Views, recognized for its extraordinary beauty within the country. While it’s a bit over an hour’s drive from the base of Mount Fuji, the breathtaking scenery makes it well worth the journey.
There’s a generously-sized free parking lot, and you can even enjoy a complimentary foot bath in addition to exploring the souvenir shops – a perfect way to rejuvenate and unwind from your travels.
5. Mishima Skywalk 🌉
At Mishima Skywalk, they boast Japan’s longest suspension bridge, stretching over 400 meters. On the day I visited, it was a brilliantly clear sky, and from the bridge, I had a crystal-clear view of Mount Fuji that left an indelible impression.
Beyond the bridge, there are trails for a nature stroll, adventure activities for outdoor enthusiasts, and facilities including restaurants and cafes. It’s a beloved spot, especially among families with kids, given its family-friendly amenities.
During my visit, I decided to embrace the thrill of the zip line here. It cost me around 2,000 yen for three exhilarating rides.
While strolling on the bridge and soaking in the view of Mount Fuji was already a remarkable experience, it was the zip line adventure, with the majestic Mount Fuji as my backdrop, that truly etched itself into my memory.
You can check details from this official website.
6. Panorama platform 🏔️
Here, you can savor the breathtaking sight of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi in perfect harmony. Mount Fuji is encircled by five lakes, formed through its volcanic history.
Among them, Lake Kawaguchi shines as a prime tourist destination with a variety of leisure options. The Asakura Fuji Sengen Shrine I mentioned earlier and my cherished restaurant, which I’ll introduce shortly, both find their place along the picturesque shores of Lake Kawaguchi.
As part of my visit, I opted for a trekking adventure. When I explored the area at the end of January, the landscape was adorned with fields of susuki grass, creating a soothing rustling sound as I trekked.
What added to the charm was the fantastic location – with Mount Fuji in the background as I looked back. It was an incredibly enjoyable experience.
Regrettably, Mount Fuji’s summit was veiled in clouds that day, but I couldn’t help but envision the even more breathtaking sight it could have been on a clear day.
7. Owakudani 🚠
At Owakudani, the volcanic activity is quite active. When you stand there and witness the billowing white sulfuric smoke and steam rising from the ground, it’s almost as if you can directly sense the Earth’s pulse.
Of course, the entire area is tinged with the distinct scent of sulfur, but that’s all part of the unique experience that comes with this volcanic terrain.
Around the observation points with designated walking paths, informative signs offer insights into geothermal activity and the inner mechanisms of volcanoes. It ended up being a truly captivating and educational journey, where I felt intimately connected to the Earth’s remarkable vitality.
Even if you don’t have a rental car, you can easily visit Owakudani using mountain railways, cable cars, or buses. The cable car, in particular, provides a fascinating vantage point to observe this volcanic activity from directly above.
The highlight here is undoubtedly the black boiled eggs. You might be wondering why they’re black when boiled eggs are typically white.
Well, they’re cooked in the hot springs that bubble up in this area, and the minerals from those springs give them their striking black color. It’s like a little culinary magic, courtesy of the geothermal and volcanic chemistry at play.
According to local legends, consuming one of these eggs is said to extend your life by a remarkable 7 years. It’s quite an extraordinary boiled egg! Hearing that, there’s no doubt – trying one is a must.
Make sure not to miss the incredibly tasty black dried pickled plums.
Are you familiar with the traditional health very sour food known as ‘umeboshi’ or pickled plums? Well, imagine those umeboshi dried, with the addition of a delightful brown sugar twist.
I have to say, these are not an exaggeration when I claim that they’re the most impressive dried plums I’ve ever had.
And if you want to experience a unique Japanese food item, trying these dried plums is something I highly recommend. It’s a delightful taste of Japan’s unique culinary culture.
Once you step off the cable car, a train transfer awaits, and it will bring you to Gora Onsen, a charming part of the Hakone hot spring region. And from there, another train ride will lead you to the Hakone hot spring town I’ll be introducing shortly.
From the front of the cable car, you can enjoy stunning views, especially during the autumn foliage season when this ride becomes a popular choice for many.
8. Hakone Yumoto Station 🚉
Hakone Onsen: Tokyo’s Favorite Day Trip! Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Tokyo, this hot spring haven is a local favorite. You don’t even need to spend the night to bask in its charm.
The area around Hakone Yumoto Station is bustling with a vibrant mix of eateries and souvenir shops. Whether you’re tempted by the aromas wafting from street food stalls or prefer to savor your meal in a cozy restaurant, you’re in for a culinary adventure.
Yuba, a silky tofu skin rich in protein yet low in calories, paired with piping hot rice, was simply heavenly.
This yuba, lovingly made with fresh spring water, had a melt-in-your-mouth quality, with the savory broth adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
The scenic riverside view added to the serene dining experience.
Despite the restaurant’s popularity and over an hour’s wait, it was painless. You can sign up and explore nearby shopping street while waiting, making the time pass pleasantly. It’s a popular spot, so a little wait is worth the wait for this.
9. Fuji Motosuko Resort 🌸
This place holds a special spot in my heart for its breathtaking views of both Shibazakura flower fields and Mount Fuji.
With over half a million vibrant pink flowers covering the landscape like a vivid carpet, it’s a sight to behold, especially when contrasted against the tranquil backdrop of Mount Fuji.
During the peak blooming season in April and May, the scenery is simply magical, just like what you see in this photo. And to make the experience even better, there’s a festival celebrating delicious local cuisine from the Mount Fuji region at the same time.
It’s truly a luxurious treat to indulge in mouthwatering dishes while surrounded by such stunning natural beauty.
10. Narusawa Ice Cave 🧊
Imagine stepping into a natural cave formed by the ancient eruptions of Mount Fuji over a thousand years ago. Here, you’d experience the marvels of nature firsthand.
Despite the summer heat outside, once inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by temperatures hovering around 0°C, with ice persisting year-round—a rare sight indeed.
This ice, shaped by the interplay of light and water droplets, creates a spectacle that’s nothing short of magical.
But how does this ice come to be?
Over the course of many years, natural water seeping from the cave walls and ceiling gradually freezes, forming into majestic icicles. When illuminated by soft blue light, these icicles create a truly enchanting spectacle.
With an entrance fee of just around 200 yen, it’s an accessible and affordable adventure for anyone looking to connect with the wonders of Japanese nature.
11. Shiraito Falls 💧
This waterfall is a unique creation, formed by the rainwater and snowmelt from Mount Fuji that gently emerges from the ground. Unlike the typical powerful waterfalls, it resembles delicate threads of water cascading down, almost like flowing white ribbons.
It might not be the tallest waterfall, but it certainly creates a serene and calming atmosphere.
Interestingly, there’s said to be a viewpoint where you can witness both this waterfall and the majestic Mount Fuji simultaneously. Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite find it during my visit.
Recommended Experiences 🏂
12. Climbing Mt.Fuji 🥾
The chance to conquer Mount Fuji is like a fleeting whisper in time, a mere two months from July to September 10th. Yet, within this narrow window, countless climbers seize the moment to venture into the realm of this peak.
Mount Fuji, a solitary giant, grants you unparalleled vistas with nothing to block your sight. Depending on the weather, its summit can transform into a ‘cloudscape paradise’, unveiling a glimpse of an enchanting sea of clouds. It feels as if you’ve stumbled into a parallel universe, immersing yourself in a sensation like no other.
Particularly, embarking on the ascent to the summit from midnight, watching the sky gradually light up as dawn approaches at the peak, and witnessing the sunrise is truly a remarkable experience that most people aspire to have at least once.
Throughout the journey of climbing Mount Fuji, there’s this famous tradition with a special walking stick. We can buy this stick at the souvenir shop at the fifth station.
They say that if you climb Mount Fuji with this stick and make stops at four mountain huts, you can collect branded stamps.
It unquestionably becomes a treasured keepsake, guaranteeing that you’ll forever recall the fantastic moments of ascending Mount Fuji.
13. Hot springs where you can soak while enjoying the view of Mt.Fuji ♨️
Hottarakashi Hot Springs ♨️
At an elevation of 700 meters, this hot spring isn’t easy to reach without a rental car. The journey with my own car took me along winding roads deeper into the mountain than I expected, and for a moment, I wondered if I had lost my way.
But as I continued, a hidden gem revealed itself – the hot spring. The admission fee was 900 yen, a small price to pay for what was ahead.
One of the highlights of this hot spring is its early opening, an hour before sunrise. I arrived just before 5 am, and to my surprise, I wasn’t alone.
A few fellow early risers were already relishing the soothing hot spring, the tranquil morning, but we couldn’t see Mount Fuji. It was the unexpected turn of events – Mount Fuji hidden beneath a blanket of clouds.
It left me yearning to return to this hot spring, with high hopes of enjoying the warm waters while gazing at a cloudless Mount Fuji.
At the hot spring facility, they have a dining area where many folks indulge in a comforting Japanese home-cooked dish called ‘Tamago Kake Gohan’ right after their soak. It’s a simple pleasure – just placing a raw egg on a mound of rice and drizzling soy sauce.
Trust me, experiencing this unique Japanese food culture is a must during your visit. Japanese eggs are top-notch, so you can enjoy them raw without any worries.
And if you’re curious about more distinctive Japanese foods, feel free to check out this page “11 unique delicacies Japanese food” for further insights.
Onsen-Fuji Yurari Hot Spring♨️
Starting the day early with a dip in this hot spring is a real treat. The scent of the baths, each unique in its own way, is quite delightful.
Personally, I have a soft spot for the carbonated bath; they say it does wonders for your skin by boosting blood flow. It’s amusing how you emerge from it all bubbly after just a short soak.
As for the entrance fee, it fluctuates a bit but generally hovers around 1500 yen. Worth every penny, I’d say.
Yamanakako Onsen Benifuji no Yu hot spring♨️
I wish they opened early in the morning for a sunrise dip, but that’s not the case. However, the variety of baths they offer more than makes up for it. The best part is, you get a lovely view of Mount Fuji from every single one of them.
As for the entrance fee, it’s quite reasonable, around 900 yen. Just keep in mind they’re closed on Tuesdays.
For more Hot Spring greatness, check out my best onsen in Japan recommendations.
14. Paragliding with a view of Mt.Fuji 🪽
This experience around the Mount Fuji area is something I’ll cherish forever. The weather can make or break this adventure though.
On the day I visited, luck was on my side with clear skies, allowing me to glide through the air with a jaw-dropping view of Mount Fuji. However, just a few days prior, the mountain was hidden under a blanket of clouds.
I had the opportunity to bring my phone during the paragliding, and I made sure to capture that awe-inspiring moment. This photo serves as a cherished memory of that unforgettable experience.
I had this experience at Sky Asagiri. (📍Google map)
15. Stay in a cottage at a popular campground while viewing Mt.Fuji ⛺️
Nestled at the majestic foothills of Mount Fuji, ‘Fumotoppara Campground’ is a paradise for camping enthusiasts, a must-visit spot for anyone who loves camping.
The view of Mount Fuji from here is simply breathtaking. Situated in an open space with nothing to obstruct the view, every corner of this campground offers a stunning vista of Mount Fuji. Surrounded by forests, at night, all you see is the moonlight and the glow from the tents, creating an enchanting silhouette of Mount Fuji.
Here’s the best part: even if you don’t have camping gear, you can still enjoy a comfortable stay in cozy cottages. Spending time here, with the view of Mount Fuji as your backdrop, promises to be a truly magical experience.
Recommended Foods 😋
16. Houtou Fudou 🍲
I love this dish so much that I always visit the restaurant every time I visit the Mt.Fuji area.
The broth, simmered with pumpkin, mushrooms, pork, and other ingredients, has a concentrated flavor of the ingredients, which is perfectly entwined with the noodles.
It is a well-balanced dish that provides vegetables, meat, and carbohydrates. Served in an earthenware pot, it has a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.
There are several restaurants, some traditional and some with modern architecture.
Traditional Japanese armor and large lanterns adorn the entrance, and the building itself is constructed with elements reminiscent of Japanese storehouses, creating a truly authentic Japanese ambiance for you to enjoy.
Imagine a modern establishment with an exterior designed to resemble clouds enveloping Mount Fuji, offering a fascinating contrast as you savor traditional cuisine.
Inside, the layout resembles a donut shape. Situated along a major road, there’s hardly anyone who wouldn’t notice this place while driving.
17. Ebisenbei-no-sato (rice cracker factory) 🍘
Various types of senbei(rice cracker) are produced here, Ebisenbei-no-sato. Senbei (rice cracker) is a popular traditional Japanese snack made from rice.
The attraction is that you can sample all of the dozens of different types of senbei sold here and find the flavour you like best.
Some of the more unusual flavours sold here include “chocolate and mayonnaise”. My recommendation is the karinto flavour, which is introduced on this page as a recommended Japanese traditional confectionery. My foreign friend also raved about these karinto rice crackers.
Free coffee is also prepared at the rest area here, and you can enjoy coffee time with your purchased rice crackers.
Since a manufacturing plant is located next to this place, visitors can also observe the manufacturing process.
18. Sawayaka hamburg steak 🥩
Sawayaka Hamburger is a very popular hamburg steak restaurant, with lines forming every day at all of its locations. But there are actually several restaurants in this area, and when I want to know how long the wait is, I usually check their Twitter accounts. It’s a handy trick to avoid unnecessary waiting.
As a hamburg steak restaurant where customers are willing to wait to try the food, everyone comes to the restaurant knowing that they will have to wait.
Many of my friends have driven for about three hours just to savor the hamburg steak at this place.
A hamburg steak is a patty inside a hamburger that is served with a special sauce as the main dish. It sizzles on the griddle.
A sizzling hot plate carrying a freshly cooked hamburger steak is brought to your table, its tantalizing aroma and the sound of sizzle making your mouth water.
The server prepares a freshly cooked hamburger steak right in front of us, giving it that final touch. At that moment, our appetites are at their peak.
Since there are several restaurants around Mount Fuji, you should definitely give it a try.
Since there is one store near the Ebisenbei-no-sato introduced above, please visit it as well.
19. Nanaya’s matcha gelato 🍵
Matcha (powdered green tea) is world-famous as a unique Japanese flavor. Here you can enjoy gelato made with an abundance of high-quality matcha green tea.
There are seven different flavours (also called “levels”) available depending on the matcha content, with the highest content gelato being the richest in flavour. The deeper you look into the showcase, the higher the matcha content in the gelato.
After trying various kinds, I would recommend going for the level 6 gelato.
This store is located near Miho no Matsubara, which I mentioned earlier, and I recommend visiting these one after the other.
20. Soft ice cream made from milk at the foot of Mt.Fuji 🍦
The rich nature, clean air, and good quality water at the foot of Mount Fuji allows cows to grow up healthy and produces high quality milk.
Compared to milk from other regions, it is said to have a very creamy and rich flavor. The soft ice cream made with this milk is very smooth and very popular.
Asagiri Food Park‘s soft serve ice cream, made locally with fresh milk, is available for 450 yen.
21. Wasabi soft ice cream 🍦💚
Wasabi is widely loved as a dense flavor to be enjoyed with sushi. The production of delicate wasabi flourishes at the foot of Mount Fuji under the blessings of its pure spring water.
Freshly rubbed wasabi is attractive for its overwhelmingly pungent flavor. And then there is a novel dessert that combines the intense pungency with the smooth sweetness of soft ice cream.
There are two types of wasabi: one with wasabi served with soft ice cream and the other with wasabi kneaded into the soft ice cream. Recommend soft ice cream shops are Tamaruya Honten and Izu Panorama Park.
Enjoying this unique flavor is definitely an unforgettable experience.
