Best Guide to Japan's Mt. Fuji: View Points, Accommodations, Restaurants, Transportation
BIWA Travel- May 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26, 2024
Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and has been worshiped as a spiritual place for thousands of years. To fully experience the beauty of Mt. Fuji, here is the best guide to maximizing your time for your dream journey in Japan.
Transportation
First and foremost, you would like to get to the northern side of Mt. Fuji if you are to best experience the magnificence of Mt. Fuji. Mt. Fuji is located between Shizuoka Prefecture (southern side) and Yamanashi Prefecture (northern side), and the Yamanashi side is where all of the best-viewing spots and Japanese-style inns ("ryokan") are located.
What's the easiest access from Tokyo?
By train
By car
You can conveniently hop on an express train going to a hub location, Kawaguchiko Station, in Yamanashi Prefecture. For the best flexibility and access to less crowded spots around Mt. Fuji, renting a car is the best option. Either you can rent a car near Kawaguchiko Station once you get there by train or rent a car in Tokyo and go straight to your destinations. If you aren't into driving in Japan, you can take the train and stay around Kawaguchiko Station.
Fuji Excursion & Fujikyu Express
An express train directly takes you from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station in about two hours.
JR Pass: You can take a Fuji Excursion train with a JR pass partially between Shinjuku Station and Otsuki Station with a seat reservation at no additional cost. Beyond Otsuki, the train continues on the Fujikyu Railway (privately held) and a fare for this part is needed.
Fujikyu Express Pass: Alternatively, you can purchase a Fujikyu Express Pass, which allows you to get on and off as unlimitedly as you like for 2 days to stop by view points between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. The pass includes a non-reserved seat on Fujisan View Express and Fujisan Express.
Best View Points
【Between Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station】By train or car
Arakurayama Sengen Park
The iconic five storied Chureito pagoda is a globally known scenic spot. It's a 15 minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station.
Fujimi Kotoku Park
Fujimi Kotoku Park, one of the “Fujimi 100 Sceneries of Kanto,” offers a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and seasonal plants and trees. It's a 10 minute walk from Yoshiike Onsenmae Station.
【Beyond Otsuki Station】By car
Oshino Hakkai
Located near the foot of Mt. Fuji, the view of Mt. Fuji from Oshino Hakkai is spectacular. The view from the Oshino-Hachikai area is called Oshino Fuji, and is a very popular power spot.
Lake Motosu
Lake Motosu, located at the northwestern foot of Mt. Fuji, and has the deepest water depth among the Fuji Five Lakes. It is well known for its natural scenery, which can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Lake Kawaguchi
Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi, which, depending on its position, can be seen on the lake's surface, creating a fantastic atmosphere that attracts many people.
Luxury Accommodations
Here are the few best accommodations around Lake Kawaguchi.
Ubuya (5★)
Ubuya is a luxury hot spring ryokan inn at Lake Kawaguchi, where all guest rooms have a view of Mt. Fuji from your balcony and private onsen. Website
(Credit: Ubuya)
FuFu Kawaguchiko
Fufu Kawaguchiko is a forest resort in the heart of Lake Kawaguchi's natural splendor. You can fully enjoy luxurious moments in a private space steeped in forest atmosphere.
(Credit: Fufu Kawaguchiko)
AWAUMI Fujikawaguchiko Resort
AWAUMI Fuji Kawaguchiko Resort is a resort villa and glamping facility with 16 guestroom buildings located on a vast land between Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
(Credit: Awaumi Fujikawaguchiko Resort)
Restaurants / Cafes
Zoo (Okonomiyaki)
3606-11 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko,
Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake dish with sweet savory sauce, often cooked with meat or seafood in wheat flour batter.
At Zoo, a chef cooks your dish on a teppan right in front of you.
BRAND NEW DAY (Cafe)
Fuji Oishi Hanaterrace 2F
1477-1, Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko,
Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, 401-0305
Located in Oishi Park, this cafe offers the best view of Mt. Fuji with coffee, pastries, pizza and many more to just take a break and relax.
(Credit: Brand New Day Coffee)
Whether you are to enjoy Mt. Fuji for a day or a week, craft a good travel plan ahead lets you make the best out of your time there by making sure that you hit the best viewing spots, staying at the best accommodation, and enjoying Japanese dishes with a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji.
A Japan Journey expert at BIWA Travel is here to help you experience the authentic natural beauty of Japan around Mt. Fuji. You can start today with an initial planning call at no cost.
