A complete guide to Mt. Fuji that even beginners can enjoy!

introduction

Overview and History of Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, with an elevation of 3,776 meters. This mountain, which straddles Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, has long been a beloved symbol of Japan. In 2013, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its beautiful appearance and magnificent natural environment have been highly praised both at home and abroad.

Why is Mount Fuji such a popular tourist destination?

Mount Fuji attracts many people with its magnificent scenery and the joy of climbing. During the climbing season, many climbers visit the mountain, aiming to enjoy the magnificent view from the summit. There are also many tourist spots around Mount Fuji, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in every season.

1. Access to Mount Fuji

How to get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo

Mount Fuji is very easy to reach, with many transport options available from Tokyo.

How to use trains and buses

To get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen, limited express trains, or buses. If you take the Shinkansen, go from Tokyo Station to Shin-Fuji Station or Mishima Station, then take a bus to the fifth station. There are also direct buses from Shinjuku Station that take you to the fifth station in about two and a half hours.

Access by car

If you want more freedom of movement, we recommend accessing the mountain by car. It takes about two and a half hours from Tokyo to the fifth station of Mt. Fuji using the Tomei Expressway. There is a parking lot at the fifth station, so you can park your car before starting your climb.

How to combine your visit with other nearby tourist attractions

After visiting Mt. Fuji, you can also enjoy the surrounding tourist spots. For example, there are natural spots such as the Fuji Five Lakes and Oshino Hakkai, and leisure spots such as Fuji-Q Highland. By visiting these spots together, you can enjoy the area around Mt. Fuji more fully.

2. Highlights of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji 5th Station

The fifth station of Mt. Fuji is known as the starting point of mountain climbing and is a spot visited by many tourists. From here, you can see the majestic view of Mt. Fuji up close, so even those who do not attempt mountain climbing can enjoy it. There are also restaurants and souvenir shops at the fifth station, so you can enjoy resting and shopping.

Spectacular views from the top of Mt. Fuji

When you reach the summit of Mt. Fuji, you will be greeted by a spectacular view that is beyond words. You can see a sea of ​​clouds from the summit, and many climbers start their climb early in the morning to see the sunrise. This spectacular view will be a memory that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Mount Fuji Hongu Sengen Shrine

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is a shrine that enshrines the god of Mt. Fuji and is the center of worship of Mt. Fuji. The shrine grounds feature beautiful gardens and pure spring water, allowing you to worship in a tranquil atmosphere. The view of Mt. Fuji from here is also exceptional.

Fuji Five Lakes

The Fuji Five Lakes is the collective name for the five lakes (Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Saiko, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu) that surround Mt. Fuji. Each of these lakes has its own unique charm, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery with Mt. Fuji in the background. Lake Kawaguchi in particular is famous as a spot where you can see the upside-down Mt. Fuji.

3. How to enjoy Mt. Fuji

Climbing routes and tips

There are several climbing routes to Mount Fuji, each with its own unique charm. For beginners, the Yoshida Route and Fujinomiya Route are recommended.

Yoshida Route

The Yoshida Trail is the most popular route among climbers, and the path from the fifth station to the summit is relatively well-maintained. There are also many rest areas and mountain huts, making it a safe climb for beginners.

Fujinomiya Route

The Fujinomiya Trail is the shortest route from the fifth station to the summit, and is popular among beginners. However, as it has many steep slopes, it is recommended for those who are confident in their physical strength.

Subashiri Route

The Subashiri Trail is a route where you can enjoy the natural scenery, and is characterized by a lot of sand on the mountain path. You can enjoy running on the sand on the way down, and it is especially popular with young climbers.

Gotemba Route

The Gotemba Trail is the longest route and may be a little hard for beginners, but it offers a quiet environment and a great sense of accomplishment.

Photo spots and tips

There are many photo spots on Mt. Fuji. Whether it’s the view from the fifth station, the spectacular view from the summit, or the inverted view of Mt. Fuji from the Fuji Five Lakes, you’ll be able to see picturesque scenery no matter where you take your photo. We especially recommend taking photos at sunrise and sunset, as you can take beautiful photos.

How to enjoy each season

Mount Fuji shows different beauty throughout the year.

Spring cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji

In spring, you can enjoy the spectacular view of cherry blossoms in full bloom with Mt. Fuji in the background. The cherry blossoms around Lake Kawaguchi are particularly famous.

Summer climbing season

Summer is the climbing season, when many climbers visit Mount Fuji. It is the best time for climbers aiming to reach the summit.

Autumn leaves and Mt. Fuji

In autumn, the trees around Mt. Fuji turn red, creating a beautiful landscape. The autumn leaves around the Fuji Five Lakes are also a highlight.

Winter snow scene

In winter, Mount Fuji appears fantastically covered in snow. Climbing the mountain is difficult during this time of year, but the beauty of the mountain seen from afar is exceptional.

4. Recommended spots around Mt. Fuji

Lake Kawaguchi and its activities

Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular tourist spot among the Fuji Five Lakes. There are hotels, hot spring facilities, and campsites around the lake, and you can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year. There are many ways to enjoy the lake, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. We also recommend taking a sightseeing boat or canoeing on Lake Kawaguchi.

Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a beautiful group of spring-fed ponds where underground water from Mt. Fuji springs forth. Each of the eight ponds has high transparency, allowing you to enjoy a mystical view. The old-fashioned scenery spreads around the ponds, and just walking around is soothing to the soul. It is also a popular photo spot with Mt. Fuji in the background.

Fuji-Q Highland

Fuji-Q Highland is a theme park with a variety of thrilling attractions. There are plenty of thrilling attractions, such as the roller coasters “Fujiyama” and “Dodonpa,” and the haunted house “Senritsu Meikyu.” It’s a great spot to visit with family or friends. Fuji-Q Highland also has a Ferris wheel with a view of Mt. Fuji, so you can enjoy the view.

Shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Fujinomiya City. The water that flows down from the 150-meter-wide, 20-meter-high waterfall looks like a white thread, hence the name. There are walking paths around the waterfall, making it a great spot to refresh yourself in nature. In addition, flowers bloom around the waterfall in every season, so you can enjoy different scenery every time you visit.

5. Practical Information

Climbing season and precautions

The climbing season for Mt. Fuji runs from July to early September. During this period, mountain huts are open and the mountain trails are well maintained. However, the weather can change drastically, so be sure to check the weather forecast in advance and be well prepared before attempting the climb. It is also important to climb at a slow pace to prevent altitude sickness.

Necessary equipment and belongings

Climbing Mount Fuji requires proper equipment. Basic climbing equipment includes hiking boots, rainwear, a headlamp, gloves, warm clothing, and plenty of drinking water and food. It’s also a good idea to bring a charger and spare batteries for your mobile phone.

Souvenir shops and recommended items

There are many souvenir shops around Mt. Fuji. Popular items include goods with a Mt. Fuji motif, local specialties, and sweets made with spring water from Mt. Fuji. Especially recommended are chocolates shaped like Mt. Fuji and mineral water made with water from Mt. Fuji. Be sure to buy some as a memento of your visit.

Nearby accommodation

There are various accommodations around Mt. Fuji. If you are planning to climb the mountain, we recommend mountain huts or accommodations at the fifth station. There are also many hot spring inns and resort hotels around the Fuji Five Lakes, where you can combine sightseeing with relaxation. In particular, hot spring inns on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi offer the luxury of soaking in a hot spring while gazing at Mt. Fuji.

summary

The charm of Mt. Fuji lies in its beautiful nature, magnificent scenery, and rich history. Use this article to plan your visit to Mt. Fuji and have a wonderful time. We have provided detailed information on access, highlights, and ways to enjoy the mountain so that even beginners can enjoy it, so we hope you will make use of it. You can also fully enjoy the charm of Mt. Fuji by visiting the tourist spots around the mountain. Your next trip to Mt. Fuji is sure to be an unforgettable memory.

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