Mt. Fuji, located in Tokyo, is a must-see attraction and holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people as a sacred mountain.
Straddling Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, it is surrounded by famous sights such as Lake Kawaguchi, Toyotake Wind Cave, Narusawa Ice Cave, and Shinano Hachikai. A day trip to Mt. Fuji in Tokyo allows you to experience the must-try food and sights of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi without prior planning.
Standing at 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is not only the highest mountain in Japan but is also considered to be the most beautiful. It is a destination worth visiting for both hiking and viewing. If it is your first time visiting a foreign country and you plan to climb Mt. Fuji, it is recommended to choose the summer season, which is the optimal time for climbing. For those who love to climb, summiting Mount Fuji is a must-do activity in the summer, and for some, it is an annual pilgrimage. However, there are also many other activities that allow you to enjoy and experience this magnificent mountain.
Japanese public baths, akin to hot springs, can be found in small alleys of the city. These large public baths have long been rooted in local tradition and are a popular place for residents to gather and exchange feelings.
Mount Fuji is the most common theme for decorative murals in public bathhouses. These murals, known as paint paintings, are usually repainted every few years to depict Mount Fuji in a different light. If you can't visit the mountain, you can still soak in the comfort of a public bathhouse anywhere in Japan and experience the essence of this sacred mountain.
Hot spring bathing, once exclusive to Japan's aristocracy, has now become a national activity. Before visiting some of Japan's top hot springs at the base of the mountain, enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
For an authentic Japanese experience, stay at a local Japanese inn and soak in the open-air baths. You won't be disappointed with the unparalleled views of Mount Fuji. If you're on a budget and can't afford to stay at a high-end ryokan, choose a hot spring resort that offers same-day bathing.
Although the sacred Mount Fuji may represent peace and tranquility, the view from a towering roller coaster offers a unique experience. Visit Fujii-Q Highland to see Mt. Fuji from a very different perspective, or explore the Fuji Safari Park to see wildlife up close, including naturally free-ranging African lions and Asian elephants.
At the foot of Mount Fuji, you can also explore caves such as the Tomigatake Wind Cave, Saiko Bat Cave, and Narusawa Ice Cave. These caves, which are warm in winter and cool in summer, date back to the days when Mount Fuji was still an active volcano.
The Fuji Five Lakes area, situated on the northern side of Mount Fuji, is a popular outdoor destination. Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi are surrounded by resorts and ryokans that offer a wide range of water sports and hiking activities. The smaller lakes are less crowded, but the scenery is equally stunning. Boating, fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, and even paragliding are just a few of the many activities available here.
Climbing Mount Fuji is the ultimate experience, of course. As Mt. Fuji is open for a very short period of time, from July until early September, most of the hiking trails are crowded with people. The temperature at the start of many of the Gokyo trails is significantly cooler compared to the low-lying areas.
Staying at a mountain lodge on Mt. Fuji, you can wake up early the next day and start hiking to experience the legendary "Oraikou", or Sun Festival. Climbing Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most sacred and culturally significant mountains, is an experience you will never forget, so this description is quite apt.