The Perfect Guide of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, or “Fujisan” as it’s known in Japan, is a symbol of the mountain in Japan.

Everyone who wants to visit Japan surely knows about Mount Fuji. It stands as a symbol of Japan, shining brightly even today. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, it is also famous for being the tallest mountain in Japan. When you get close to Mount Fuji, you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by its grandeur and beauty.

In this guide, I will tell you about the spots around there, the amazing spots to take a picture of Fuji, the way to access there, and what you should do when you visit.

Climbing Mount Fuji is certainly a challenge. However, it is also an experience that brings a great sense of accomplishment. If you’re planning to visit Mount Fuji just to see it, I highly recommend also going to Hakone. The view of Mount Fuji from Hakone is absolutely stunning, and you can enjoy relaxing in hot springs there. So, if you want to make the most of your limited time, Hakone is definitely worth considering! And also there are some ryokans you can see mount Fuji.

What is Mount Fuji

It is the highest mountain in Japan and it was registered as a world heritage site in 2013. Before the registration, they were facing a lot of problems with garbage.

Due to their effort, it was registered as a world heritage site and people care about the garbage. Therefore I would like you to care about garbage when you visit there.

This is the official site of Mount Fuji.

How to access to Mount Fuji from Tokyo

There are many ways to travel from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. In this guide, I’ll introduce two main options: taking various trains, including the Shinkansen, and using the express bus.

Personally, I recommend taking the express bus. While it may take a bit longer, it’s relatively affordable, and the time difference is only about 1-2 hours compared to other options. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way, the express bus is the best option for you.

By Train

JR Chuo Line and Fujikyu Railway

This is the most common way to go to Mount Fuji.

Step 1: Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Otsuki Station.

Step 2: Transfer to the Fujikyu Railway at Otsuki Station and take the train to Kawaguchiko Station.

Total Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.

Cost: Around ¥2,500 – ¥3,000 one way.

Shinkansen

Step 1: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Fuji Station.

Step 2: From Shin-Fuji Station, take a bus to Kawaguchiko Station or other destinations around Mount Fuji.

Total Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.

Cost: Around ¥5,000 one way

How to book cheap tickets of Shinkansen??

Either way you need to use the bus to go there and If you would like to experience Shinkansen, you would rather use the Shinkansen. If not, you had better use JR Chuo Line.

By Highway Bus

This is the most reasonable way to go there and you can access there only one transportation which makes you less stressed from transportation.

And there is a direct bus from Tokyo to there and there are some stations that you can access.

Here is the link to book the highway bus.

1. Click the Arrival Point and click Yamanashi Prefecture.
2. Click the bus which is going to head Kawaguchiko Craft Park.

Travel Time: About 2 hours.

Cost: Around ¥2,000 one way.

The famous spots around Mount Fuji

Oshino Hakkai(忍野八海)

Oshino Hakkai is a picturesque village located between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, famous for its crystal-clear ponds fed by the melted snow from Mount Fuji.

Oshino Hakkai has eight sacred ponds, each with pristine water that’s been filtered over decades through the lava layers of Mount Fuji.

The ponds are surrounded by lush greenery, traditional thatched-roof houses, and small shrines, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

I was really impressed by the beauty of those ponds and the view of Mount Fuji. If you have a chance, you must go here!

The access from Kawaguchiko Station is using “Kawaguchiko Sta.-Omiyabashi-Gotemba Premium Outlet towards To Gotemba Premium Outlets” and getting off “Omiyabashi”

Lake Kawaguchiko

Next, let me introduce Lake Kawaguchi. There are five famous lakes around Mount Fuji, but Lake Kawaguchi is my personal favorite. The photo below was taken near Lake Kawaguchi, and you can see just how beautifully it captures the scenery. With many restaurants and cafes nearby, Lake Kawaguchi is an excellent spot for sightseeing and enjoying the view.

It is the most accessible of the five lakes and is renowned for offering some of the best views of Japan’s iconic mountain, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Fuji Oishi Hanateracce

Fuji Oishi Hanaterrace is a charming complex of shops, cafes, and gardens located along Lake Kawaguchi’s northern shore.

The terrace is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering visitors a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment to enjoy and those shops sell a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and specialty foods.

Here is the official site of this spot

Arakurayama Sengen Park

If you visit the Fuji Five Lakes area during the spring cherry blossom season, one must-see sightseeing spot is “Arakurayama Sengen Park.” From the observation deck, you can capture an iconic Japanese scene all in one photo: cherry blossoms, a five-story pagoda, and Mount Fuji. You’ll also get a view of the town of Fujiyoshida, making this truly one of the most breathtaking spots in the Fuji Five Lakes area.

The Recommended Restaurant around Mt.Fuji

Let me introduce one of my all-time favorite foods: hōtō. Hōtō is a traditional dish from Yamanashi Prefecture, similar to udon but with thicker noodles. The main difference is that hōtō noodles are wider and thicker than typical udon. The soup base is usually made from miso, creating a flavor that’s familiar and comforting for everyone. The restaurant I often visit also offers tendon (tempura rice bowl), so even if hōtō isn’t your favorite, there’s something for you to enjoy. Definitely give it a try!

Where you can see Mount Fuji in hot spring – Hottarakashi Onsen

This hot spring is famous for its stunning view of Mount Fuji. It’s accessible for adults at 900 yen and children at 400 yen. One of its standout features is that it welcomes guests with tattoos, which is relatively rare in Japan. If you’re coming by train, it’s about a 10-minute taxi ride from Yamanashi Station on the JR Chuo Main Line.