Top 10 Things to Do Around Mount Fuji

As one of Japan's most famous landmarks, a full Mount Fuji experience is more than just a glimpse from afar. Feel the breeze from the lake, climb the mountain as the snow melts, or take the time to explore the area and frame the magnificent mountain from different angles and backgrounds. Find a hotel nearby and start your Japan tour to Mount Fuji with the top things to do in detail!

Capture the Upside-Down Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi

If you're looking for the perfect spot to capture snow-capped Mt. Fuji and its stunning reflection in the water, Lake Kawaguchi is highly recommended. Conveniently located just a 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo, it offers easy access to breathtaking views.

Bring your camera on a clear sunny day. Rise early to capture the morning sunlight filtering through the clouds, or start your adventure after enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea. With opportunities for lakeside camping and fishing in a gentle breeze, the stunning mountain scenery provides a perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.

Upside-Down Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi

Arakurayama Sengen Park Hanami

Visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the top things to do when you're near Mt. Fuji. This iconic location offers stunning views, featuring a five-storied pagoda framed by cherry blossoms and a breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Fuji.

The observation deck is particularly popular at sunrise or sunset when the sakura and the mountains are bathed in golden light. April is the best time to witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom, but if you're looking to enjoy the Cherry Festival, a visit in mid-March is also highly recommended.

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Explore Fuji-Q Highland

If you're looking for excitement and activities to enjoy with family and friends, Fuji-Q Highland at the base of the mountain is an excellent choice. Just a 10-minute drive from Lake Kawaguchi, it’s a perfect destination to visit after your lake sightseeing.

This renowned amusement park features a wide range of attractions, including thrilling record-breaking roller coasters with a maximum drop of 121 degrees, the world's largest haunted attraction, the Haunted Hospital, engaging anime-themed events, and breathtaking mountain views from the observatory.

Stroll Through the Momiji Corridor

Also known as the Maple Corridor, this is the site of the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Foliage Festival, where you can see the blanket of fall foliage covering the whole area during your autumn trip.

Apart from the leisurely stroll during the day, with the mottled shadows sparkling through the branches, don't miss the romantic illuminated 7-10 pm, with bustling street stalls of food and handicrafts, always the top things to do during your Mt. Fuji sightseeing.

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Unwind a Cruise Through Lake Yamanakako

A leisurely boat ride beneath Mt. Fuji is another must-do activity. Just a 30-minute drive from Lake Kawaguchi is the tranquil Lake Yamanakako, the closest lake to Mt. Fuji and a popular starting point for a relaxing cruise.

Board a swan boat and glide towards the center, getting closer to the majestic mountain while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you may encounter graceful swans drifting by, nurturing their cygnets, or preening their feathers. Just capture this moment with the background of Mt. Fuji!

Enjoy a Hot Springs Bath

The rich geothermal energy around Mt. Fuji makes a soothing hot spring bath a must-do, especially the open-air onsen, where you can also take in the distant Mt. Fuji as you soak in the warm water.

The hot springs hotels around the Fuji Five Lakes are usually the best bet, with more choices of rooms and baths, as well as excellent views of the sacred mountain right outside your window. Or head to the tranquil onsen town of Hakone, where you can enjoy different types of water with the misty backdrop of Mount Fuji.

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Taste the Special Black Egg at Owakudani

Owakudani is a volcanic valley formed around 3,000 years ago, and you can still see its steaming vents and boiling springs, giving you a glimpse of the earth's natural pulse.

Take a cable car ride for the best views of the steaming valley to the natural hot springs where the special eggs are boiled. Experience the magic of watching a white egg go in and a black egg come out, and don't miss the chance to enjoy the hard-boiled eggs cooked in mineral-rich waters.

Take a Mount Fuji Panorama Ropeway

For a more leisurely way to experience Mt. Fuji, the Panorama Ropeway offers a unique perspective of the entire mountain.

Starting from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the short 3-minute ride, interspersed with the folk tale of Kachi-Kachi-Yama, takes you to a 1,000-metre-high observation deck with stunning views of the sacred mountain. If you have time, take a leisurely 30-minute forest walk down the mountain for an even closer look at the natural beauty, hidden shrines, and local stories.

View of Mt. Fuji from the Observation Deck

Feel the Tranquillity of Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai, consisting of eight ponds situated between Lake Kawaguchi and Yamanakako, is a beautiful byproduct of ancient volcanic eruptions. Here, you'll find ponds filled with melted snow from Mt. Fuji and charming traditional thatched houses that evoke the spirit of ancient Japan.

Take your time to explore the unique ponds, wander through the village while admiring the slowly turning water wheels, and sample the crystal-clear spring water at Waku Pond - refreshing and pure, it makes a great souvenir to take home.

Hike to the Summit of Mt. Fuji

It's a nice experience to climb Mt. Fuji during the summer months, from July to September. It gives you a chance to view the beautiful sunrise and surrounding landscapes from the summit. There are several different trails accessible to the top of Mount Fuji for climbers of all abilities.

Every trail varies in distance to the top of the mountain. The trails take 5-10 hours to make an ascent and 3-6 hours to make a descent. You can choose one of the trails to experience the different sights according to your ability and preferences.

• Yoshida Trail: the easiest and most popular trail with glorious summit sunrises and easy access from Tokyo.
• Subashiri Trail: the second-easiest trail, with refreshing tree lines and a trek through the forest to offer.
• Gotemba Trail: the longest trail with the least steep ascent and crowds, but one that demands great strength.
• Fujinomiya Trail: the second-most popular and shortest trail, with more steep ascents and rocks.

  Sunrise at Mount Fuji

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Fulfill Your Mt. Fuji Experience With the Top Things

The snow-covered Mt. Fuji is always a source of imagination for visitors, and a simple change can reveal another wonderful aspect of the mountain. How would you like to experience the beauty of Mount Fuji? Tell Odynovo about your requirements and let us help you add them to your to-do list! From the basic travel guide to the detailed information, start your wonderful trip to Japan with easy planning.