Mount Fuji Travel Guide: How to Visit Japan’s Iconic Peak

Rising gracefully to 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan) is more than just Japan’s tallest peak—it's a symbol of national pride, spiritual power, and natural beauty. Perfectly symmetrical and often snow-capped, Mount Fuji is one of the most photographed places in the country and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 

Whether you're dreaming of climbing to the summit, capturing its reflection in nearby lakes, or visiting historic shrines at its base, Mount Fuji promises a powerful and memorable experience.

📌 Quick Facts About Mount Fuji

Location: Honshu Island, straddling Yamanashi & Shizuoka Prefectures

Height: 3,776 meters (12,389 feet)

Type: Stratovolcano (last erupted in 1707)

UNESCO Status: Cultural World Heritage Site (2013)

Climbing Season: Early July to early September

🌄 Top Things to Do Around Mount Fuji

1. 🧗‍♂️ Climb Mount Fuji

If you’re up for an adventure, climbing Mount Fuji is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are four main routes:

Yoshida Trail (most popular, easiest access from Tokyo)

Subashiri Trail

Gotemba Trail (least crowded, most challenging)

Fujinomiya Trail (shortest but steep)

Best Time to Climb: July 1 – Early September

Sunrise Summit: Plan an overnight climb to reach the top before dawn (known as goraiko, the sunrise pilgrimage)

⚠️ Note: Conditions outside the official season can be dangerous. Only experienced climbers should attempt it off-season.

2. 🏞️ Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)

Located at the northern foot of Mount Fuji, these lakes offer stunning reflections, easy access, and outdoor activities.

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) – The most accessible and tourist-friendly, with plenty of hotels and attractions

Lake Yamanaka – Ideal for water sports

Lake Saiko – Quieter with excellent hiking nearby

Lake Shoji & Lake Motosu – Most remote, scenic, and undeveloped

💡 Tip: Lake Kawaguchi offers some of the best Mount Fuji photo spots, especially in spring and autumn.

3. 🏯 Chureito Pagoda

Set against Mount Fuji, this red five-story pagoda offers the ultimate postcard view—especially in cherry blossom season. Climb the 400+ steps to the top for the full panorama.

Location: Arakurayama Sengen Park (Fujiyoshida)

Best Time: Mid-April (sakura) or November (autumn leaves)

4. 🚠 Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (Kachi Kachi Ropeway)

Ride this cable car up Mt. Tenjo for sweeping views of both Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji. A short hike leads to the viewpoint where the legend of the “Kachi Kachi Yama” folktale is told.

Location: Kawaguchiko

Round Trip Fare: Around ¥900

5. 🛀 Relax in an Onsen with Fuji Views

Soaking in a hot spring while gazing at Mount Fuji is pure bliss. Popular options include:

Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso

Hotel Mifujien (day-use option with open-air baths)

Fujiyama Onsen near Fuji-Q Highland

6. 🎢 Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park

For thrill-seekers, this park near the base of Mount Fuji has world-record-breaking roller coasters and anime-themed attractions.

Highlights: Eejanaika, Fujiyama, Takabisha

Tip: Buy a skip-the-line pass if you visit on weekends or holidays

🍽️ What to Eat Near Mount Fuji

🏨 Where to Stay Near Mount Fuji

Budget:

K’s House Mt. Fuji (Backpacker-friendly, central Kawaguchiko)

Cabin & Lounge Highland Station Inn (near Fuji-Q)

Mid-range:

Hotel Mystays Fuji Onsen Resort

Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso (with Fuji-view rooms)

Luxury:

HOSHINOYA Fuji (glamping with full Fuji views)

Fujisan Onsen Bessho SASA (luxury ryokan)

🧭 How to Get to Mount Fuji

🚆 From Tokyo:

By Train: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station

By Bus: Direct buses from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko (about 2–2.5 hours)

🚌 Local Transport:

Fujikyu Retro Buses: Easy hop-on/hop-off access around the lakes

Rent-a-car or bike: Good for flexibility, especially off-season

📅 Best Time to Visit Mount Fuji

Visibility Tip: Early mornings and winter months offer the clearest views of Fuji—clouds often roll in by midday.

📸 Best Mount Fuji Photo Spots

Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida)

Lake Kawaguchi North Shore

Oshino Hakkai (traditional village with spring-fed ponds)

Mount Tenjo Viewpoint (via ropeway)

Motosu Lake Panorama (featured on the ¥1,000 bill)

🎎 Cultural Significance of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is more than a natural wonder—it’s considered sacred in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Pilgrimages to the summit began centuries ago, and you’ll find shrines along climbing routes, especially at the base and summit.

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha: One of the oldest shrines dedicated to the mountain

Kompira Shrine: Located on the Subashiri trail

🧳 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1 – Scenic & Cultural

Travel from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

Visit Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda, and Oishi Park

Explore Kawaguchiko Music Forest or Tenjo Ropeway

Check into a Fuji-view onsen hotel

🗓️ Day 2 – Adventure or Relaxation

Climb part of Mount Fuji or hike nearby trails like Mitsutoge

Optional: Fuji-Q Highland or shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets

Enjoy a relaxing soak and head back to Tokyo in the evening

🔖 Travel Tips for Visiting Mount Fuji

Book Fuji-view hotels in advance (they fill quickly in spring & autumn)

Check Mount Fuji webcams for weather visibility before day trips

Bring layers—even in summer, mornings can be chilly

Stay overnight for a better chance of seeing Fuji in clear conditions

The mountain is often hidden by clouds after 10:00 AM—start early!

🙌 Final Thoughts

Mount Fuji is not just a mountain—it’s a symbol of Japan's spirit, strength, and serenity. Whether you're chasing sunrise from the summit, soaking in an onsen with a view, or simply admiring it from afar, Fuji leaves an impression that lasts a lifetime.

From cultural connections to outdoor adventures, visiting Mount Fuji is a must-do for any traveler in Japan.