Things to do and see around Mount Fuji: Best activities & Day trips
Dreaming of discovering the area around Mount Fuji and its hidden gems during your trip to Japan? Don't panic, Trip.com is here to share our top recommendations and activities so you can make the most of the Fuji-san region, Japan's sacred mountain!
Whether you're a nature lover, a fan of relaxing onsens, or in search of spectacular views, the Mount Fuji region is packed with unforgettable experiences you simply have to try!
Top Activities Around Mount Fuji 🎫
- 🗻 Chureito Pagoda ⭐ Free (400 steps) - Iconic view of Mount Fuji 📸
- 🏞️ Lake Kawaguchiko 🚡 Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway: £6.97 - Perfect reflections of Mount Fuji 🌊
- ⛩️ Hakone & Lake Ashi ⛴️ Cruise: from £36.22 - Shrines and onsen 🛁
- 🏘️ Oshino Hakkai 💧 Free - Traditional village and sacred ponds 🏡
- 🎢 Fuji-Q Highland 🎪 From £32.04 - Extreme theme park 🎢
What to Do Around Mount Fuji by Time Available 🧭
Length of Stay | 💑 Couples | 👨👩👧👦 Family | 👯♀️ With Friends | 🎒 Solo |
1 day | Lake Kawaguchiko + Chureito Pagoda at sunset | Oshino Hakkai + lakeside stroll | Fuji-Q Highland + street food | Chureito Pagoda + Kawaguchiko photo spots |
2–3 days | Hakone onsen stay + Lake Ashi cruise + ropeway | Kawaguchiko + Aokigahara Ice Caves + Gotemba Outlets | Mount Tenjō hike + village exploring + onsen | Cycling around the Fuji Five Lakes + onsen + ryokan stay |
4–5 days | Full Five Lakes tour + ryokan + Hakone highlights | Fuji Safari Park + museums + shopping + Lake Yamanaka | Mount Fuji climb (seasonal) + cycling + full area tour | Hiking routes + temples + quiet retreat |
1 week | Full region + trips to Mishima & Izu Peninsula + spa time | Grinpa Park + museums + water activities + easy hikes | Fuji climb + Five Lakes + Hakone + outdoor adventures | Full exploration + photography + onsen hopping |
Now, let's dive into the must-see sights and activities around Mount Fuji!
Top things to do at Mount Fuji
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Top 7 Activities and Places Around Mount Fuji 🗺️
Chureito Pagoda: the most iconic view of Mount Fuji
It's impossible to talk about Mount Fuji without mentioning the Chureito Pagoda, which offers THE most photographed postcard view in Japan!
Located in Fujiyoshida in the Yamanashi Prefecture, this five-storey pagoda stands majestically on the heights of the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine.
To get there, get your calves ready: you'll need to climb about 400 steps from the main shrine, but the visual reward is well worth the effort!
📌 Trip.com's top tip: the site is particularly spectacular in spring during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April), when the pink sakura create a magical setting around the pagoda with the snow-capped Fuji-san in the background.
👆Good to know: built in 1963 as a peace memorial following the Second World War, this 13.5-metre pagoda symbolises the five elements of the Buddhist universe.
Lake Kawaguchiko: a contemplative spot with views towards Mount Fuji
Lake Kawaguchiko is the unmissable jewel of the Mount Fuji Five Lakes region and the most accessible from Tokyo.
Located in the Yamanashi Prefecture, about 100 km west of the capital, this majestic lake offers perfect reflections of Mount Fuji on a clear day, creating breathtaking panoramas!
Around the lake, a multitude of activities await you, catering to all tastes and ages:
- Hire a bike and cycle the full loop around the lake (it's about 20 km and takes 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace),
- Take the famous Kachi Kachi Ropeway, a cable car that whisks you up to the summit of Mount Tenjō at an altitude of 1,075 metres for a 360° panoramic view of the lake and Mount Fuji (approx. ~£5.20),
- In winter, the area even offers skiing and sledging with a view of the sacred volcano!
The neighbourhood is also packed with fascinating museums, should time permit:
- Itchiku Kubota Art Museum showcases magnificent traditional kimonos set within peaceful Zen gardens,
- Music Museum showcases a unique collection of antique music boxes,
- Katsura Hamura Art Museum celebrates Japanese Buddhist art.
Hakone: the ultimate onsen destination
Hakone, located southwest of Mount Fuji in Kanagawa Prefecture, is THE legendary hot spring destination in the region.
This historic city offers the perfect blend of total relaxation, deep culture, and spectacular views of Fuji-san. It's the ideal relaxing getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo while soaking up the surrounding natural wonders!
Trip.com recommendation:
- Start your journey with a cruise on Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) aboard a unique, decorative pirate ship (£10-15, approximately a 30-minute crossing).
- On a clear day, you'll enjoy an absolutely stunning view of Mount Fuji reflecting majestically in the calm waters of the crater lake.
- Next, visit the famous Hakone-jinja Shrine, founded in the 8th century, with its iconic vermilion torii gate standing in the lake waters, often shrouded in a mystical, highly photogenic mist.
But that's not all! How could we talk about Hakone without mentioning its must-visit onsens? Relax in the natural thermal baths while taking in the stunning mountain scenery.
💡 Top tip: traditional ryokans offer private baths with panoramic views of the surrounding nature. Don't miss the volcanic Ōwakudani Valley ("Great Boiling Valley"), accessible by cable car, where you can see sulphurous fumes escaping from the ground.
Finally, be sure to try the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) cooked in the volcanic hot springs – legend has it that eating one adds seven years to your life!
Oshino Hakkai: the traditional village with eight sacred ponds
Peacefully nestled between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako, Oshino Hakkai is a preserved village that looks like it's been plucked straight from a traditional Japanese folktale or a Studio Ghibli film.
Its poetic name literally means "eight seas of Oshino" and refers to the eight sacred ponds fed by pure meltwater from Mount Fuji, which has been naturally filtered for decades through multiple layers of porous volcanic lava.
Perfect itinerary:
- Take a peaceful stroll among traditional houses with magnificent thatched roofs (kayabuki), authentic wooden watermills, and rustic little bridges, all with the majestic Mount Fuji as a backdrop on a clear day.
- If time permits, take a moment to see the eight ponds (Deguchi, Okama, Sokonashi, Chōshi, Waku, Nigori, Kagami, and Shōbu). The crystal-clear water has been recognised as one of the "100 Purest Waters in Japan" since 1985, and the locals drink it straight!
Finally, don't leave without tasting the local artisanal specialities, such as silky tofu made with pure pond water and grilled mochi, served in the village's small, family-run restaurants.
Aokigahara Forest and its mysterious ice caves
One last unmissable spot: the Aokigahara Forest (青木ヶ原), also known as the "Sea of Trees", is a dense, ancient forest located on the north-western slopes of Mount Fuji.
It grows on extremely rugged volcanic soil formed by the eruption of 864 AD. This mysterious forest is famous for its absolute silence, caused by the dense vegetation that absorbs all sound, creating a unique and peaceful atmosphere.
💡Trip.com tip: the real treasure of Aokigahara is hidden underground! Explore the ice and wind caves formed by ancient lava flows. Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave are open to the public and offer a truly fascinating adventure.
📌 Trip.com recommendation: Exploring the caves requires a good level of fitness as there are no paved walkways. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes and warm clothing, even in summer!
Fuji-Q Highland: thrills guaranteed
Fans of extreme rollercoasters won't want to miss Fuji-Q Highland, one of the most spectacular theme parks in Japan!
Nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, this park features world-record-breaking attractions such as Fujiyama (79 metres high), and Takabisha (with a 121° drop angle, once the steepest roller coaster in the world).
Price: from £36.22 (entry ticket + unlimited rides).
Gotemba Premium Outlets: shopping with a view
Shopaholics will love Gotemba Premium Outlets, Japan's largest outlet shopping centre, featuring over 200 international and Japanese brand stores.
Located in Gotemba with spectacular views of Mount Fuji on a clear day, you'll find discounts of up to 70% on brands like Gucci, Armani, Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, and many more.
Our Top Picks
5 star
Amazing271 Reviews
Gotemba|1.77km from city centre
The room we booked for triple bed is very huge and spacious. It is very well maintained and the staff is ready to welcome you right from their entrance. The check-in and check-out process are smooth n seamless. We booked the room with mount Fuji view and we were very luckily to get to see it on the day we checked out. The viewing room at level 12 offers a clearer view of Mount Fuji. The hotel is also very near to the bus stop where you can take the free shuttle bus to Gotemba premium outlet or highway bus to Tokyo. Overall it is a very pleasant stay and we will definitely choose it again if we ever come back to Gotemba.FromUS$160
Very Good203 Reviews
Gotemba|1.84km from city centre
A perfect hotel to stay if you want the best view of Mount Fuji! I opened my eyes with Mount Fuji view! Pyjamas provided and is super comfy! Premium outlet located at 10mins away! I will stay at this hotel if I were to visit Mount Fuji again. Just one disadvantage, this hotel is located an hour away from a few tourist spots.FromUS$210
Great1226 Reviews
Gotemba|2.95km from city centre
I happened to experience a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in the Fuji Five Lakes area. The whole room shook violently, and all the bottles and jars on the table fell to the floor. Surprisingly, the hotel was completely fine after the quake. The earthquake resistance is truly impressive! 👍
If it hadn't been for the earthquake, I'd say this hotel is incredibly convenient. It's easy to get to Gotemba for shopping, and the bus service to and from Tokyo is also very accessible.
My only regret is that I didn't get to see Mount Fuji 🗻FromUS$108
Great483 Reviews
Gotemba|3.88km from city centre
Highly recommend this hotel, though the building looks weird but the view from the hotel rooms, onsen and the free lounge was amazing. However this place is only accessible if you have a vehicle. The public Bath had two outdoor tubs with beautiful view of the Mt fuji. I have stayed with the hotel next to outlet before, in comparison, this was so much quieter, less crowds and better view.FromUS$143
Very Good395 Reviews
Gotemba|1.48km from city centre
Things i like:
Location super good, just around 5mins walk to the bus terminal for the shuttle to Gotemba Premium Outlet.
Staffs are friendly and helpful
The hot bath is quite nice
Free drinks and udon
If the weather is good sky is clear, Mount Fuji can be viewed right away.
Things i don’t like:
Bathroom is compact and the toilet is so tiny that unless you have a micro D, you are going to manual drive every time you sit on it
The ventilation is weak almost none, so the room is moist and smellFromUS$37
Hot spring
Great692 Reviews
Gotemba|2.61km from city centre
Overall, I had a great stay at Dormy Inn. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. The onsen was definitely a highlight, clean, relaxing, and well maintained, great view of Mount Fuji!
The only downside was that there wasn’t a restaurant open for dinner, which would have been really convenient after a long day out.
Other than that, everything was excellent and I would happily stay here again.FromUS$81
Very Good90 Reviews
Gotemba|1.48km from city centre
In order to climb Mount Fuji, I had to walk, so I stayed at this hotel near Gotemba. The location is not convenient, but it has the advantages of price and service. I checked in late and the front desk was very polite and explained the hot spring opening hours and breakfast time. Although the room is not big, the overall feeling is very clean. Breakfast It's very authentic Japanese food and it's delicious.FromUS$78
Very Good8 Reviews
Gotemba|0.78km from city centre
地點就是在御殿場 JR 站出口，往前走5分鐘。地點是方便的，但附近都好像比較寧靜，餐廳選擇也不多。
幸好民宿內提供煮食工具，我們就是去買一些食材回來烹調。FromUS$114
Very Good52 Reviews
Gotemba|8.3km from city centre
Every year when I visit Tokinosumika, I see this accommodation. I've always wanted to stay there, and my dream finally came true. The inside was spacious, and the kids absolutely loved it! Being able to use the Kirakubo baths as much as we wanted was the absolute best part! The only thing was that the lighting felt a bit dim, but that was fine too. I definitely want to stay here again!!FromUS$43
Very Good13 Reviews
Gotemba|7.7km from city centre
This is a hotel on the court, all aspects are better than domestic five-star hotels, the room size is large, the quality of toiletries is very good, the design and layout of the hotel lobby and other public spaces are also very good! Unfortunately, I didn't make an appointment in advance, and I didn't eat the special dinner of the 25th anniversary event. I must develop the habit of making an appointment in advance when I go to Japan in the future. Playing on this stadium has always been at the foot of Mount Fuji, and the view and scenery are very beautiful!FromUS$81
Family friendly
Very Good44 Reviews
Gotemba|2.99km from city centre
It was such a lovely experience staying at this place. The staff were friendly and helpful. Our dome tent had a superb view of Mt Fuji, we just had to pull the blinds in the morning and admire the view. The private onsen was a great start to our day as it was a little cold in the morning. The tent was nice and cosy, well equipped with a heater, board games, speaker and a hammock that you have to assemble yourself just next to the tent. The location is not difficult to find and it's a few minutes drive away from the little town.FromUS$160
Outstanding1 Reviews
Gotemba|3km from city centre
お世話になりました。
御殿場アウトレットからとても近く、最高でした。
ホテルへ行く途中に、鈴廣かまぼこ屋さんもありお土産を買う事ができました。
夜遅くにホテル到着しましたが、とても親切にご対応して下さり助かりました。ありがとうございました。
またアウトレット行く際は宿泊させて頂きます。
ありがとうございました。FromUS$51
Very Good251 Reviews
Gotemba|0.52km from city centre
PROS
- For this price, the rooms are considered large/adequately spacious, not squeezy or cramped at all, which we think is a steal!!
- We especially love the triple bed room, it comes with a mini room consisting of a table and sofa for sitting.
- While the triple room we had didn't have a Mt. Fuji view, the twin room we booked did, so we are glad that at least one of the rooms has the Mt. Fuji view.
- The staff at the reception are friendly and welcoming to us. They can speak English too.
- Amenities like tea bags, toothbrushes, combs, shavers, etc., are available at the first floor for you to take, there's no need to bring your own.
CONS
- Hardly any, maybe the flat pillows, but you can take extra pillows from the level 1 area.
We were initially worried about the odd smell mentioned in some other reviews, but luckily our rooms are fine and are also pretty clean -- this is the most important factor for us, as we have a toddler. Everything was perfect, except maybe the location is slightly far, but still walkable (7 to 10min). Do bring an umbrella with you though, as there is no shelter from the station to the hotel. Overall, this is a very decent hotel that exceeded our expectations, we highly recommend it and would definitely stay again next time!
PS: Attractions reachable from Gotemba Stn (within 20min-1hr) include Gotemba Premium Outlets, Fuji Safari Park, Komakado Kazaana Cave, Lake Yamanaka, Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium, etcFromUS$34
Very Good52 Reviews
Gotemba|0.83km from city centre
Business style room that is ok sized for the price u pay. Staff was helpful to move our items up to our room prior to check in. They offer an eco friendly room cleaning option, and if selected, you will receive tokens for a free can of beer.
The hotel is surrounded by many restaurants and easily accessible by car.
There is free onsen but I didn't manage to tryFromUS$42
Great82 Reviews
Gotemba|2.87km from city centre
Spacious room
2 double bed
Everyday Housekeeping
Location near to Premium Outlet.
Near to Highway Acess because I'm driving
2 minute walking distance to Halal Local Japanese Food Restaurant.
Have in room Sauna which is a surprise, a bathtub and mineral water cooler in the rooms.
Very happy to choose this Hotel for our 4 nights stay.FromUS$54
Local Food to Try Around Mount Fuji 🍜
What would a trip around Mount Fuji be without discovering the region's gastronomic delights?
Yamanashi Prefecture and its surrounding areas are packed with unique local specialities that are often overlooked by tourists! Trip.com has selected the must-try traditional dishes for your exploration around Fuji-san:
- Hōtō (ほうとう): this is THE must-try speciality of Yamanashi! These thick wheat noodles simmered in a miso broth with seasonal vegetables (pumpkin, mushrooms, cabbage) make for the perfect comfort food after a day of exploring.
- Freshwater trout (Masu/Iwana): the crystal-clear rivers fed by Mount Fuji's snowmelt are home to some truly exceptional trout.
- Koshu Chicken (Koshu Tori Motsu-ni): This stew of chicken and giblets, simmered in a sweet and savoury sauce, is a traditional Yamanashi speciality, often enjoyed with a glass of local sake.
- Ōwakudani's black eggs (Kuro-Tamago): these eggs, boiled in the volcanic sulphur springs of Hakone, take on a spectacular black colour. Legend has it that eating one will extend your life by 7 years! (4 eggs for ¥500.)
- Mount Fuji cakes (Fuji-san Cake): these local pastries shaped like Mount Fuji are perfect as delicious souvenirs. Be sure to also try the mochi filled with red bean paste.
Best Day Trips Around Mount Fuji 🏔️
If you're staying for a few days around Mount Fuji, take the opportunity to explore the fascinating surroundings!
Mishima and the Mishima Taisha Shrine
- Travel time: 30-45 mins from Hakone
- Transport: JR Tokaido Line train
- Must-sees: the historic Mishima Taisha Shrine (free), the Rakujuen Park spring, and fresh local wasabi
Izu Peninsula
- Travel time: 1–1.5 hours from Hakone
- Transport: Izu Kyuko Line train
- Must-sees: stunning beaches, seaside onsen, the spectacular Jogasaki cliffs, and the thermal spa towns of Atami and Ito
Best Time to Visit Around Mount Fuji 🌤️
The Mount Fuji region can be visited all year round, but every season offers a radically different experience. The mountain climate is characterised by cool, pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters.
Here's a complete overview to help you choose the best time to visit, based on your priorities and the activities you have in mind.
Season | Weather | What to Expect | Fuji Visibility | Top Activities |
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) | Mild (8–20°C) | Cherry blossom season (late Mar–early Apr) | Medium (50–60%) | Chureito Pagoda, hanami, light hiking |
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm (20–30°C) | Climbing season (Jul–Aug) | Low (10–30%) | Climb Mount Fuji, festivals, lake trips |
🍂 Autumn (Sept–Nov) | Cool (10–22°C) | Red autumn leaves (best in Nov) | Good (65–75%) | Photography, onsen, scenic walks |
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold (-2 to 10°C) | Snow-capped views, fewer crowds | Excellent (75–80%) | Onsen, photography, winter lights |
💡 Trip.com recommendation: November to February are the best times to see Mount Fuji clearly (visibility 75-80% of the time).
Flights to Japan
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How to Get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo? 🚄
Towards Lake Kawaguchiko
- By direct bus: from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo), take the Highway Bus express service (approx. 2 hours, ¥2,000–¥3,000 / £10–£15).
- By train: take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko (approx. 2.5 hours, ¥2,800).
Heading to Hakone
- By train: from Shinjuku, take the direct Odakyu train to Hakone-Yumoto (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥2,300).
- With the Hakone Free Pass: a combined ticket including train + all local transport (bus, ropeway, boat) - excellent value for money for 2-3 days.
Heading to Gotemba
- By bus: from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, take a direct bus to Gotemba (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥1,700).
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Have a wonderful trip around Mount Fuji! 🗻✨
FAQ – Things to Do Around Mount Fuji ❓
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