Standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest and most sacred mountain. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this perfectly symmetrical volcano symbolizes Japan, inspiring artists, pilgrims, and adventurers for centuries.
Whether you want to hike to the summit, admire its reflection in serene lakes, or explore nearby cultural gems, Mount Fuji offers unforgettable experiences.
What you need to travel to Mt. Fuji
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Hotels & Flight Tickets
HOSHINOYA Fuji: A Luxury Glamping Retreat with Unparalleled Views of Mount Fuji
Nestled in the serene forests of Lake Kawaguchiko, Hoshinoya Fuji redefines luxury camping (“glamping”) with its minimalist design, immersive nature experiences, and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. As part of the renowned Hoshino Resorts group, this adults-only retreat blends Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort, offering a unique escape for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure.
Designed by Azuma Architect & Associates, the resort features sleek, cube-shaped cabins inspired by traditional Japanese kominka (farmhouses), with floor-to-ceiling windows framing Fuji’s majestic silhouette.
Perched on a hillside amid red pine forests, ensuring privacy and unobstructed Fuji views. Minimalist yet warm, with cedar wood furnishings, heated floors, and private terraces equipped with fireplaces and daybeds.
Unique Glamping Experience
Cloud Cabins: Each cabin includes a “living canopy” (a netted balcony) for stargazing or lounging above the treetops.
Private Fireplaces: Guests can enjoy evening s’mores or morning coffee by their hearth.
Outdoor Activities: Guided forest hikes, canoeing on Lake Kawaguchiko, and horseback riding (seasonal).
Relaxation & Wellness
Onsen Baths: Shared indoor/outdoor hot springs with Fuji views (private baths available).
Forest Therapy: Guided meditation and aromatherapy sessions in the woods.
Address: 1408 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, 401-0305, Japan
How to Get There:
From Tokyo
By Train: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (1 hr), then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station (45 mins). A resort shuttle will pick you up (10 mins).
By Direct Bus: Fujikyu Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko (2 hrs), then shuttle.
From Kyoto/Osaka
Take the Shinkansen to Mishima Station (2.5 hrs), then a bus to Kawaguchiko (1.5 hrs).
Fuji Lake Hotel: A Classic Retreat with Hot Springs and Panoramic Fuji Views
Located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, Fuji Lake Hotel is one of the region’s most iconic hot spring (onsen) resorts. Established in 1956, this family-friendly hotel combines traditional charm with modern comforts, making it a favorite for travelers seeking relaxation and proximity to Fuji’s natural beauty.
The hotel sits directly on Lake Kawaguchiko, providing unobstructed views of Fuji from guest rooms, dining areas, and the open-air baths. The “Fuji View Rooms” (south-facing) guarantee postcard-perfect scenes, especially at sunrise.
Fuji Lake Hotel embodies the charm of old Japan while delivering modern comfort, making it a perfect base for exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region. Whether you’re soaking in the onsen or sipping tea as Fuji turns pink at dusk, this hotel ensures a memorable stay.
Kaiseki Cuisine: Multi-course dinners feature local specialties like hoto (miso noodle stew) and Yamanashi beef, served in a dining room overlooking the lake.
Tatami Rooms: Choose between Western-style beds or traditional Japanese futons (some rooms combine both).
Address: Funatsu 1, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, 401-0301, Japan
How to Get There:
From Tokyo
By Train: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (1 hr), transfer to Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station (45 mins). The hotel is a 5-minute taxi ride (¥1,000) or a 15-minute walk from the station.
By Direct Bus: Fujikyu Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko (2 hrs), then walk/taxi.
From Kyoto/Osaka
Take the Shinkansen to Mishima Station (2.5 hrs), then a bus to Kawaguchiko (1.5 hrs).
Other Hotels near Mt. Fuji:
Trip.com | Expedia
Discounted Air Tickets:
Trip.com | Expedia
Transportation to Mount Fuji
From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji
Direct Bus (Most Convenient)
Route: Shinjuku Station → Kawaguchiko Station or Fuji Subaru 5th Station
Operator: Fujikyu/Keio Bus or Highway Bus
Travel Time: To Kawaguchiko: ~1.5–2 hours / To Fuji 5th Station: ~2.5 hours
Cost: To Kawaguchiko: ¥2,000 (one way) / To Fuji 5th Station: ¥2,800 (one way)
How to Board: Buses depart from the Shinjuku Bus Terminal (Near JR Shinjuku Station).
Bus ticket: Shinjuku <-> Mount Fuji Station
Two-way e-ticket
Scan the code to get on the bus, no ticket exchange required
Train + Bus (Scenic Route)
Tokyo Station → Otsuki Station: Take the JR Chuo Line (Limited Express, ~1 hour, ¥2,500).
Otsuki → Kawaguchiko: Transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line (~45 mins, ¥1,140).
Kawaguchiko → Fuji 5th Station: Take the Fujikyu Bus (~50 mins, ¥1,540).
Total Cost: ~¥5,180 (one way).
Shinkansen + Bus (Fastest for Hakone)
Tokyo Station → Odawara Station: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen (~35 mins, ¥3,800).
Odawara → Hakone: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus (~30 mins, ¥1,000).
Best for: Hakone hot springs and Lake Ashi views.
From Kyoto/Osaka to Mt. Fuji
Shinkansen + Bus (Recommended)
Kyoto/Osaka → Mishima Station: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen (~2 hours from Kyoto, ¥11,000).
Mishima → Kawaguchiko: Take the Fujikyu Highway Bus (~1.5 hours, ¥2,300).
Total Cost: ~¥13,300 (one way).
Overnight Bus (Budget-Friendly)
Route: Kyoto/Osaka → Kawaguchiko
Operator: Willer Express or JR Bus
Travel Time: ~8–9 hours
Cost: ¥6,000–¥8,000 (one way).
How to Board: Buses depart from Kyoto Station or Osaka Umeda.
Best Time to Visit Mount Fuji
Climbing Season: July to early September (official trails open).
Best Views: October–April (clear skies, fewer clouds).
Cherry Blossoms: Early April (around Lake Kawaguchiko).
Autumn Foliage: Late October–November.
Tips for Visiting Mount Fuji
Best Viewing Spots: Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Hakone.
Climbing Fuji: Only July–Sep; start early (3–7 hrs to summit).
Weather Check: Fuji is often hidden by clouds—visit on clear mornings.
Stay overnight: Ryokans in Kawaguchiko or Hakone offer Fuji views.
Lake Kawaguchiko (Best Fuji Reflections)
Lake Kawaguchiko, the most famous of the Fuji Five Lakes. This lake has been a muse for artists and poets for centuries, capturing the essence of Japan’s natural harmony. Unlike the more rugged northern lakes, Kawaguchiko is easily accessible and surrounded by resorts, museums, and parks, making it ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The lake’s origins trace back to Fuji’s volcanic eruptions, which formed the basin thousands of years ago. Today, it serves as a recreational hub where visitors can enjoy boat cruises, lakeside cycling, and hot springs (onsen) with Fuji views.
At night, the lake transforms into a stargazer’s paradise, with Fuji’s silhouette faintly visible under clear skies. Many ryokans (traditional inns) offer lakeside rooms where guests can wake up to the mountain’s reflection on the water, a moment of pure magic.
Address: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi
Opening Hours: 24 Hours (Aattractions vary)
Chureito Pagoda (Postcard-Perfect View)
The Chureito Pagoda is one of Japan’s most breathtaking viewpoints, offering a picture-perfect frame of Mount Fuji that has become synonymous with the country’s natural beauty. Located within the grounds of the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida City, this five-story pagoda stands proudly on a forested hillside, surrounded by cherry trees that burst into delicate pink blossoms each spring.
The pagoda was built in 1963 as a peace memorial. Despite its relatively modern construction, its design follows traditional Buddhist architecture, with a vermilion-lacquered exterior that contrasts beautifully against the mountain backdrop. You must climb nearly 400 stone steps to reach the pagoda’s observation deck, but the effort is rewarded with an unobstructed panoramic view of Mount Fuji and the city below.
Address: 3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi
Opening Hours: 24 Hours (Best at sunrise or sunset)
Oshino Hakkai (Traditional Village)
Nestled between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako, the quaint hamlet of Oshino Hakkai feels like a portal to old Japan. Its name, meaning “Eight Seas of Oshino,” refers to eight natural springs fed by Fuji’s melted snow, filtered through porous lava rock for decades before emerging as pristine, mineral-rich water.
The village preserves its Edo-period charm with thatched-roof houses, waterwheels, and stone pathways. You can drink from the springs, which are believed to have healing properties, or sample local specialties like mitarashi dango (sweet rice dumplings) and freshly caught trout grilled over charcoal. The largest pond, Wakuike, is a mirror-like pool reflecting Fuji on calm days, while Nigoriike features emerald waters tinted by natural minerals.
Nearby, the Oshino Ninja Village offers family-friendly ninja shows and obstacle courses. Despite its popularity, the village retains a peaceful atmosphere, especially in the early mornings or on off-season weekdays.
Address: Shibokusa, Oshino, Yamanashi
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
Hakone (Hot Springs & Fuji Views)
Hakone, part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a legendary hot spring resort where travelers have soaked in volcanic waters while gazing at Fuji for over a thousand years. Unlike the Fuji Five Lakes region, Hakone offers a more diverse landscape: steaming valleys, cedar forests, and the cobalt waters of Lake Ashi, all with Fuji as a dramatic backdrop.
The area flourished during the Edo period as a post town on the Tokaido Highway, where weary travelers rested in onsen inns. Today, Hakone balances tradition with luxury, from rustic public baths like Tenzan Onsen to high-end ryokans with private open-air tubs. The Hakone Open-Air Museum blends art and nature, while the Hakone Ropeway glides over Owakudani, a sulfurous crater where visitors eat black eggs boiled in the acidic waters (said to add seven years to one’s life).
Hakone is also a haven for history buffs. The Hakone Checkpoint Museum recreates an Edo-era border station, and the Narukawa Art Museum displays contemporary Japanese paintings of Fuji. At dusk, pirate ships modeled after medieval vessels cruise Lake Ashi, offering sunset views of the mountain.
Hakone Day Tour
English Guide
Departs from: Hotel Pick up OR:
08:00 Shin-Marunouchi Building, Tokyo
08:30 SMBC Bank Shinjuku Nishiguchi
Shiraito Falls (Sacred Waterfall)
Shiraito Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a celestial ribbon of water cascading 20 meters (65 feet) down a curved rock face. Its name, meaning “White Thread Falls,” comes from the hundreds of delicate streams that resemble silken threads. Fed by Fuji’s snowmelt, the falls are at their fullest in summer, creating a misty oasis surrounded by maple and cedar trees.
The site has been revered since ancient times as a shugenja (mountain ascetic) training ground. A small shrine near the base honors the water deity, and visitors often toss coins into the pool for good luck. Wooden walkways allow close access to the falls, where the roar of water and negative ions create a meditative vibe.
Address: 2739-1 Kamiide, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
Opening Hours: 24 Hours (Best in summer)
Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (Climbing Base)
The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is the most popular starting point for those attempting to summit Mount Fuji. Perched at 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) above sea level, this bustling outpost marks the transition from civilization to wilderness. Even for non-climbers, the station offers awe-inspiring views of Fuji’s slopes and the surrounding clouds, often creating the illusion of floating above the world.
The station’s shops sell last-minute climbing gear, snacks, and omamori (protective amulets), while the observation decks provide a preview of the challenging terrain ahead.
During the climbing season (July–September), the area buzzes with hikers preparing for their ascent. Outside this period, the road is closed due to snow, but winter visitors can still reach the station via snowshoes or guided tours, witnessing Fuji’s frozen majesty in solitude.
The 5th Station is also a habitat for unique alpine flora and fauna, including the hardy Fuji thistle and occasional sightings of the Japanese serow (goat-antelope). Interpretive signs explain the mountain’s geology, including its last eruption in 1707. For many, standing here, whether to climb or simply admire, is a profound encounter with Fuji’s raw power.
Address: Narusawa, Yamanashi
Opening Hours: April–November: 08:00 – 17:00
Winter: Limited access (Snow-covered)
About Hiking and Mountaineering
In addition to sightseeing, Mount Fuji is also the goal of many mountaineering enthusiasts. Due to the large number of mountaineering tourists, the Fuji Yoshida route from Yamanashi Prefecture will implement crowd control measures and charge tolls from 2025. The toll is 4,000 yen (As of April 2025). If you plan to hike, you need to book a pass online first.
https://fujisan-climb.jp/en/index.html
Mount Fuji is more than just a mountain. It’s a cultural icon, a spiritual symbol, and a natural wonder. Whether you climb it or admire it from afar, its beauty will leave you in awe.
Mt. Fuji One Day Tour
Mount Fuji Private Tour By Car With Pick UP
English & Private Guide
From Tokyo or Hakone
Japan Tokyo Mt. Fuji Day Tour
English Guide
Pick-up point: 7:30-8:00 at hotels in 12 districts of Tokyo
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