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
Amazing289 Reviews
Gotemba|1.77km from city centre
Excellent Stay at Hotel Mars Garden Wood Gotemba
We had a wonderful stay at Hotel Mars Garden Wood Gotemba. The hotel was clean, comfortable and well-maintained. Our room was spacious, beautifully designed and offered a relaxing outdoor onsen after a long day of sightseeing.
The location is convenient, with easy access to nearby attractions and shopping areas. The hotel facilities, including the onsen, were excellent and provided a perfect way to unwind.
Overall, this was one of the best hotel experiences we’ve had in Japan. We highly recommend Hotel Mars Garden Wood Gotemba and would definitely stay here again on our next visit.
Note to forget, view of Mount Fuji from the hotel made our stay even more memorable.From£130
Very Good274 Reviews
Gotemba|1.84km from city centre
This hotel is rather new. Only a 5 minutes drive to Gotemba premium outlet. Free parking at hotel. Spacious modern room with lovely Mt Fuji view. Breakfast is ala carte and limited variety. But yummy still. 7/eleven is a 5 minutes walk away. We stayed for 4 nights. and on the second night had a 5.6 earthquake experience. Building shook and everyone is safe. Thank God. Another good thing is there is a washing machine with dryer. Will come back and stay if I and back to Gotemba. The last trip we stayed at Clad hotel which is nice and very convenient as it's just at the premium outlet. If you drive I will recommend to stay at Edit X seven instead. From£133
Great1273 Reviews
Gotemba|2.95km from city centre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Wonderful Stay with an Incredible Mount Fuji View
I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Clad Gotemba and really enjoyed the overall experience. The hotel was very well equipped, comfortable, and had everything I needed for a relaxing stay.
One of the highlights was definitely the dinner and breakfast buffet. There was a great variety of food to choose from, and it was nice to have so many different options available for both meals.
But the absolute highlight has to be the open-air onsen with the Mount Fuji view — it is simply insane! 🗻♨️ Soaking in the hot spring while looking out at Mount Fuji was such an amazing and memorable experience.
A couple of small suggestions that could make the stay even better:
* Pillows: The pillows were a little too soft for my preference. It would be great if guests could choose from different pillow types or have a firmer option available.
* Onsen hours: It would be fantastic if the onsen could stay open later, especially for hotel guests. Since there isn’t a huge amount to do around Gotemba at night, having the opportunity to enjoy a late-night soak would be a wonderful perk. Perhaps the later hours could even be reserved exclusively for hotel guests after the public bathing hours end.
Overall, I really enjoyed my stay and would definitely recommend Hotel Clad Gotemba, especially for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway with an amazing Mount Fuji view and a fantastic onsen experience. I would happily stay here again!From£97
Great503 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.From£93
Very Good422 Reviews
Gotemba|1.48km from city centre
Overall, the experience wasn't great, maybe my expectations were a bit too high. Both the location and the hotel's facilities and service felt more like a Japanese version of a motel.
I booked this hotel a month in advance for ¥450/night, which isn't great value considering a similarly sized hotel in Tokyo's Ginza area is only ¥600/night. I found out the day before check-in that the price had dropped to ¥320/night.
The hotel windows can't be opened, making the room very stuffy. Many guests resorted to leaving their doors open for ventilation.
As for transportation, it's conveniently located at the only stop between Gotemba JR Station and the Gotemba Premium Outlets shuttle bus, about an 8-10 minute walk.
Regarding the location, there are hardly any tourist-friendly businesses within a 5-minute walk. The convenience store is across from the shuttle bus stop; walking there at night (an 8-minute walk) felt a bit desolate and creepy. On the other side of the hotel, an 8-minute walk away, there's a McDonald's, which was the closest dining option after checking in around 8 PM. If you cross the road and walk a few more minutes, you'll find an all-you-can-eat BBQ place and Hama Sushi. We had breakfast at the sushi restaurant, which was excellent value and very fast – definitely the highlight of our stay.From£28
Hot spring
Great711 Reviews
Gotemba|2.61km from city centre
One of our favorite places to stay! It’s just a 5‑minute drive from the premium outlet, which makes shopping super convenient. The snacks after a hot spring bath and the ramen for supper were such a nice touch and really added to the experience.
Be sure to opt for a room with a view of Mt. Fuji—we were lucky enough to see it every morning when we woke up, and you can also enjoy the view from the rooftop (w foot bathing if you’d like)
Overall, it’s a lovely place with great amenities and unforgettable views, and we’d definitely love to return next time!From£48
Very Good95 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.From£44
Very Good63 Reviews
Gotemba|8.3km from city centre
I recently stayed at Blueberry Lodge. The location was great, I could see Mount Fuji from my room in the morning. I also got a good deal since the plan included access to two different baths. There's plenty to see just within the grounds, including a winery. Plus, Gotemba Premium Outlets is less than a 20-minute drive away, so I really enjoyed my stay.From£31
Very Good14 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!From£80
Very Good108 Reviews
Gotemba|2.19km from city centre
Overall, I'm satisfied. The room was quite spacious and well-equipped, even featuring a private indoor hot spring tub, though I didn't get around to using it. I suspect it was a later addition, and from my photos, it looks like the hotel might have originally been in the building with the large logo in front, but the map hasn't been updated. It's actually in the building behind where I'm pointing now, so don't make the mistake of going to the wrong one! The main draw was the affordable price. We were exhausted from shopping at Gotemba and booked it last minute for less than 300 yuan. Some rooms, like ours, offered views of Mount Fuji, though they were partially obstructed by other buildings. If you walk a bit further from the hotel to the open field, you can capture a beautiful panoramic view of Mount Fuji. It's quite close to Gotemba Premium Outlets but a bit out of the way, making taxis inconvenient. However, you can walk about 1 km to catch the free shuttle bus for the Outlets; just follow your navigation.From£27
Family friendly
Very Good42 Reviews
Gotemba|2.99km from city centre
The environment was very comfortable and chill. The tents were spotless, the private bathroom was impeccably clean, and the shower had great water pressure. The BBQ dinner was delicious, and the simple breakfast was also well-balanced! Even if you cook yourself, the facilities are complete, which I'm very satisfied with 👍🏻 I really loved it!
The best part was waking up to a view of Mount Fuji from my room, and having breakfast with a view of Mount Fuji again – it made me so happy! 😃
It's convenient if you have a car; it's a 7-minute drive to Gotemba Premium Outlets and a 7-8 minute drive to the supermarket.From£124
Outstanding9 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。From£33
Very Good273 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, etcFrom£25
Very Good56 Reviews
Gotemba|0.83km from city centre
I wasn't particularly particular about what I wanted, but I just wanted a place to sleep in a bed and have breakfast, so I found this place and booked it that day.
There was a self-service coffee machine and ice maker, and plenty of amenities. There was a large public bath, so I enjoyed it with my children.
The breakfast had a good selection of Japanese and Western food. The receptionist was also kind, so I was able to stay there with peace of mind.
The view of Mt. Fuji from the window was beautiful, which was amazing.
I'd like to stay here again if I have the opportunity!From£39
Great84 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.From£41
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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