Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain, standing at 3,776 metres. Still considered an active volcano, although it hasn’t erupted since 1707, it’s located 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo.
While Mount Fuji is a treacherous hike in itself, many people venture to the nearby cities of Fujiyoshida and Fujinomiya to see the beautiful landform. I did this. I went to Fujiyoshida and stayed there for the night. The weather wasn’t ideal in December for hiking, but it was still an amazing experience I’ll never forget.
Now, there are some things you need to be aware of before you visit Mount Fuji, like transport, the best viewpoints and some other insider tips, which I’ll give you in this guide. Let’s begin!
Best Time to Visit Mount Fuji
You can visit Mount Fuji at any time of the year when you’re not hiking. I will say that I found it to be particularly special during winter; seeing the snow covering the peak and the mist, which added an intimidating feeling to it, was incredible.
If you want to hike Mount Fuji, the hiking season runs between July and September. July and August are the peak months, so it will be busiest then. It’s not advised to climb outside these months because it gets extremely cold at the top, increasing the chances of accidents much more.
Pro-tip: Consider visiting Mount Fuji during the off-season, especially if you’re not hiking. The cost of accommodation will be much lower than at other times of the year.
How to Get to Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is close to the Pacific Coast of Central Honshu, which is southwest of Tokyo. Before you visit Mount Fuji, you need to decide which city you want to base yourself. I would personally recommend Fujiyoshida. The city itself is extremely beautiful, and the views from the mountain are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
For this post, I’m going to stick to transport to Fujiyoshida because that’s where I went. The easiest and cheapest way to get there from Tokyo is by taking a bus from Shinjuku Station to Mount Fuji Station in Fujiyoshida. The journey takes between 1 hour and 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. Tickets cost between $14.10 and $15.19 based on the time you go.
You can also take the train to Fujiyoshida from Shinjuku Station, with a stopover at Otsuki Station, but this takes longer and is more expensive.
Pro-tip: Buy your bus tickets online beforehand to guarantee your seats.
Best Viewpoints for Seeing Mount Fuji
All around Fujiyoshida, you’ll find some great viewpoints to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. However, there are some that you can’t afford to miss.
When you touch down in Fujiyoshida, you should go straight to the city’s downtown area, Fuji Michi (Honcho Street), where you’ll get a full view of the mountain. Both sides of the street are usually lit with funky signs, adding a striking setting to the image. Just be careful when you’re down this way, though, because it is an open road, so traffic will be coming past.
In my opinion, the best viewpoint is the one at Chureito Pagoda at Arakura Sengen Shrine. You’ve probably seen photos of this one already, as it’s plastered all over the internet. This bright red pagoda was constructed as a peace memorial in 1963. To get there, you’ll have to take hundreds of steps to the top of a hill, but it will be all worth it when you see how good Mount Fuji looks in the distance.
Pro-tip: If you’re going to take on one of these viewpoints, I think it’s best to do so in the morning: fewer crowds and an unobstructed view; what more could you want?
Other Things to Do in Fujiyoshida
While Mount Fuji is clearly the highlight of Fujiyoshida, it’s not the only thing you can do in the city.
Lake Kawaguchi is only a short drive away from the city centre. It sits at the foothills of Mount Fuji and is a gorgeous place for a little walk when the weather is nice. Some people even camp there, and you’ll often find locals out with their fishing rods.
If you need a hit of adrenaline, well, then Fuji Q Highland should be on your radar. This amusement park is right in front of Mount Fuji itself. There are all kinds of rides you can jump on to release your inner child, from insane rollercoasters to spooky attractions like the Haunted Hospital.
Another brilliant experience at Fujiyoshida was the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. It’s a cable car that brings people up to the well-known Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park, which has a wonderful viewing platform at a whopping 1,075 meters. And yes, before you guess, you can see Mount Fuji from it.
There’s no better way to dive into the Japanese culture than by experiencing an onsen. One of the most revered of its type is the Fujiyama Onsen, which has indoor and outdoor baths where you can enjoy relaxing treatments that will make you feel like a brand new person following your adventures around Fujiyoshida.
Pro-tip: Hire a car for a day to see as many attractions in the area as possible.
Where to Eat in Fujiyoshida
Fujiyoshida may not be as big as Tokyo, but it sure does have its fair share of restaurants that are worthy of a splurge on some delicious Japanese cuisine.
If you try one thing in Fujiyoshida, you better make sure it’s the udon noodles at Miykai Udon. From the outside, this place may not look like anything special, but when you have your first mouthful of udon, you’ll understand what I mean: thick and chewy, just how I like them.
Since you’re in Japan, you’re pretty much guaranteed good sushi where you go, and Fujiyoshida is no exception. One restaurant I was mad about was this lovely little family-run spot called Sushi Yoshi. While I ordered a variety of bites here, the scallops were on another level; they had a light brininess to them with a delightful, sweet aftertaste.
Pro-tip: Anyone travelling on a budget should consider eating from 7-Eleven. Some of the microwavable meals there are delicious and very affordable.
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