Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, standing 3776 meters. With its nearly perfectly shaped volcano, Mount Fuji has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and one of the most famous landmarks in the country. It is Japan’s most iconic and instantly recognisable natural feature, frequently depicted in art and photography. Lying around 2.5 hours from central Tokyo, Fuji attracts countless visitors each year. Visibility of the mountain tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours than during the middle of the day.
Group Attractions
Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station
Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is the entrance to Yoshida trail and the most popular base for Mt Fuji climbing. It is also the most developed with parking lots, coin lockers and a few restaurants and shops. At 2300 meters above sea level, the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station offers a commanding view of the Fuji Five Lakes area below, making it a popular spot even for those who are not intent on climbing the mountain. An observation point with unobstructed views of Fujiyoshida City and Lake Yamanaka can be found at Komitake Shrine behind the shops.
Activities: Mt Fuji viewing Fee: None Time required: 30-40 minutes
Fujiten Snow Resort
Fujiten Snow Resort is a small ski resort along the northern base of Mount Fuji which offers good facilities and views of the mountain. Fujiten has a respectable selection of runs with something to suit every ability from beginners to professional skiers and snowboarders. Fujiten also has a large kids park where children can sled, innertube, jump on a trampoline, learn to ski or just play in the snow. This facility is safe and fun for everyone from groups to small children.
Activities: Mt Fuji viewing, Snow activity Fee: JPY 4800 (full day) Time required: Minimum 1 hour
Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti
Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti is a small ski resort on the southern slope of Mount Fuji. The resort has two lifts and four runs. Its two main runs are each about 1000 meters long and well suited to beginner skiers and snowboarders. The shorter (500 meters) secondary runs are steeper and narrower and closed during night skiing. The resort also has a small terrain park with jumps and rails, and a separate snow play area for kids, sledding and beginner skiers. (Image via official website)
Activities: Mt Fuji viewing, Snow activity Fee: JPY 3500 (full day) Time required: Minimum 1 hour
Nearby Areas
Fuji-Q Highland is a popular amusement park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan. It has a number of record-breaking roller coasters, as well as two haunted attractions: the Haunted Hospital, the world’s first and largest haunted attraction and the newly built Hopeless Fortress. Other attractions include Thomas Land, a children’s area with a Thomas the Tank Engine theme and attractions themed to Mobile Suit Gundam, Hamtaro and Neon Genesis Evangelion. (Image via Voyagin)
Of the five lakes near Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest to access. On a still, clear day, you can see a perfect mirror image of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake. As with the other Fuji Five Lakes, the area is a popular resort, with many lakeside hotels, windsurfing facilities, campsites, and excursion boats.
Iyashi no Sato is a fun outdoor “museum” of a reconstructed traditional Japanese house, with Mount Fuji standing impressively in the background. Visitors can also try various traditional Japanese clothes such as kimono, samurai clothes, yukata, and so on for an affordable price.
Hakkai, or “Eight Seas,” refers to the eight pools of water that are the main attraction at Oshino Hakkai. Bridges and pathways lead you around and over these tranquil ponds which surrounded by traditional thatched roof buildings, slowly spinning water wheels and an amazing view of Mt. Fuji.