One Day at Mt. Fuji: Where to Go and What to See
Short of going all the way to Nepal, Mt. Fuji is the most scenic mountain on this side of Asia. At this point, Mt. Fuji is a cultural icon and it’s been depicted on everything from postcards to brand logos. Tourist locations have a tendency to underwhelm travelers, but like all things in Japan, Mt. Fuji does not disappoint. We can say, with certainty, that seeing Mt. Fuji in person actually does live up to expectations.
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So it’s never a question of whether you should visit Mt. Fuji and its surrounding area. The real dilemma is how to get there. You could opt for a DIY trip and figure out transportation yourself, which is only really valid if you drive. While there is a train from Shinjuku Station to Mt. Fuji Station, it’s a one-way line that doesn’t pass by the countless tourist locations in the area. So, unless you rent your own car, the best way to get around Mt. Fuji and its surrounding areas is by bus.
Lucky for us, we signed up for one of the many Klook bus tours to Mt. Fuji. If you’re in Tokyo, set aside a one-day trip to Mt. Fuji. Here’s where to go.
Lake Kawaguchi
After the three-hour bus ride from central Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, start your trip at Lake Kawaguchi, the biggest lake at the foot of the mountain. Kawaguchiko’s small-town vibes are a welcome treat for tourists who need a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. At Lake Kawaguchi, get a good look at Mt. Fuji by taking the Panoramic Ropeway cable car to the top of Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park. The area has a good view of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding town, but Fuji is notoriously shy, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see the mountaintop yet. You’ll have other opportunities for that.
There’s plenty to do at Lake Kawaguchi, from splurging on souvenirs to taking a quick boat ride. But the real magic of Lake Kawaguchi is the vibes. Take in all that small-town energy.
Shinarakura Sengen Shrine
After the peaceful stroll along Lake Kawaguchi, time for some exercise. Shinarakura Sengen Shrine is one of the most scenic locations around Mt. Fuji… if you can make it up the 400-step hike. Located on top of a hill in Arakurayama Sengen Park, the pagoda is in direct sight of Mt. Fuji. So if the weather is in your favor, you can capture Shinarakura Sengen Shrine and Mt. Fuji in a single photo. And if you visit during cherry blossom season, you can get all three. Even in late April, when cherry blossom season nears its end, you can still see a few in bloom at Shinarakura Sengen Shrine thanks to its cooler weather. Good thing too because the cooler weather makes the 400-step hike a little more bearable.
Fujinomiya 5th Station
Coming from Lake Kawaguchi and Shinarakura Sengen Shrine, Fujinomiya 5th Station brings you closer and closer to Mt. Fuji. It’s also the closest you can get to the mountain without actually hiking it, and more often than not, the proximity ups your chances of catching Mt. Fuji free of clouds. The small lodge-style town is the last chance climbers have to get affordable food, water, oxygen, and supplies, which explains why the small town is fully stocked.
Tourists who don’t plan to climb the mountain can enjoy the several souvenir shops, food kiosks, and viewing platforms, the best of which is located on top of the main building. Whether it’s spring or summer when you visit Mt. Fuji, bring an extra jacket for Fujinomiya 5th Station. It gets chilly every time of the year.
Oshino Hakkai
Made up of eight ponds filled with water from Mt. Fuji, Oshino Hakkai will transport you back to old Japan pre-WWII. The small town maintains its old-world charm with its thatched roofs, cobblestones, and vintage water wheel. You’ll also find a number of small mom-and-pop-style restaurants, food vendors, ceramic shops, and more.
Enjoy Japanese street food like osenbei and manju while you stroll down Oshino Hakka’s cottage-core streets and enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji in the background. To wash it all down, drink from the special springs of Oshino Hakkai. The waters of Mt. Fuji are so clean you can drink it straight, and legend says that drinking water from Mt. Fuji will give you a longer life.
If you aren’t able to see Mt. Fuji from any of the locations above, don’t lose hope. Chances are, you’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji from your plane ride, anyway.
To get the full Mt. Fuji experience, sign up for this Mt. Fuji day trip exclusively on Klook.
