What. A. View! Mount Fuji is an iconic landmark and seeing it or hiking it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At 3,776 metres high it features a snowy peak and is surrounded by lakes. And if you come at the right time, there’ll be cherry blossoms too. If you’re heading up to the top or just want a spiritual experience in the Japanese countryside, we’re here for it. And with our Tokyo to Mount Fuji guide you can start planning your trip – you’ll know how to get there, where to stay, where to eat and what to do.
How to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
Take your pick from:
Bullet train
Step on the bullet train (Tokaido Shinkansen) at Tokyo Station for the trip to Mishima – it will take you less than an hour. From here you can get local buses to Kawaguchiko which run every hour.
Direct buses during the climbing season
Hop on a direct bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station – the starting point of the Yoshida Trail. The journey will take you 2 hours 30 minutes.
Year-round direct buses
Jump on at Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal for the two-hour journey to Kawaguchiko. From here, change onto a bus direct to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station – these are seasonal, so you’ll need to check the schedule.
Fuji Excursion Limited Express Train
The quickest journey form Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Kawaguchiko. You’ll be on the train for 1 hour 53 minutes. Remember to book in advance to reserve your seat. Trains run at 7:30 am, 8:30 am, and 9:30 am. There’s also an extra 9:02 am departure on weekends and holidays.
Insider tip:
The access road up to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is closed to private vehicles for much of the climbing season. You’ll have to pay for a car park and hop on a bus for the final leg of your journey. Also, if you’re climbing Mt. Fuji, your sore legs might not thank you the next day if you’re planning on driving. Avoid the car and look for public transport. It’s much better.
Driving
You can hire a car or book a private driver. The latter is a better option if you’re not confident tackling the streets of Tokyo by yourself. The journey will take you around two hours – leave extra time if you need to tackle central Tokyo.
Helicopter
If your budget isn’t a consideration, a helicopter tour can take you from Tokyo to Mount Fuji and back in a few hours, though the weight of your wallet will be considerably lighter on return.
Viewing Locations
THE BEST SPOTS FOR INSTA PICS
You can’t miss Mount Fuji – not on a clear day. It dominates the skyline from every angle, but to truly make everyone at home jealous with your Insta shots, clamber up to:
CHUREITO PAGODA
Part of the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, it’s one of the most popular spots to view the mountain. Think pictures of the mountain in the background with the five storied red pagoda taking pride of place too. Visit during cherry blossom season and you’ll never want to leave. Although the crowds might ruin your tranquil vibe.
FUJI 5TH STATION
The start of the Yoshida trail, head here even if you’re not testing yourself up the mountain. You’ll have views of Mount Fuji on one side and the five lakes on the other.
MOUNT KACHI KACHI ROPEWAY
Located next to Lake Kawaguchiko, this cable car runs to the summit of Mount Tenjo. Expect stunning views of Mount Fuji from all angles.
Places to stay near Mount Fuji
4-STAR, BUDGET AND IN-BETWEEN
You can’t miss Mount Fuji – not on a clear day. It dominates the skyline from every angle, but to truly make everyone at home jealous with your Insta shots, clamber up to:
4-star Hotel Mt. Fuji
$214 A NIGHT
Ideal for families and with epic views of the mountain.
4-star Hotel Mt. Fuji
The Day Post General Glamping
Expect huge glamping tents at this upmarket campground that’s perfect for family trips.
The Day Post Glamping
Yamanaka-Lake Log House
Just 4km from Mount Fuji, it’s an ideal mountain escape. There’s just something about wood cabins and mountains.
Yamanaka-Lake Log House
Guesthouse Murabito
LESS THAN $100 A NIGHT
Expect clean and comfy dorms ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Guesthouse Murabito
Where to eat
BBQ, SUSHI AND ITALIAN (YES, ITALIAN)
Take a load off and load up with delicious Japanese morsels. We love:
- Fuji Tempura Idaten: fresh tempura made with seasonal ingredients is on the menu – think shrimp, vegetables, squid, and steak.
- Fujisan Pancake: check out this pancake spot in Kawaguchiko town. The pancakes are made in kilns crafted from lava from Mount Fuji. Cooked quickly at hot temperatures, they are fluffy and delightful.
- Sanrokuen: located in Fujikawaguchiko-machi in a building that’s 150 years old. It’s time for a barbie. Show off your skills at one of the restaurant’s sunken BBQ pits. You’ll cook your own food, which you buy from the restaurant. That’s if you’re not too tired after summiting. But you know, who’s ever too tired for a barbie?
- Chianti Como: load up on carbs in this traditional Italian restaurant in Yamanakako-mura. It’s homely and the pizza is great.
- Shaw’s Sushi Bar & Dining: just across the road from Kawaguchiko Station, it’s the best sushi in Mount Fuji. It’s beautifully presented too.
What to do near Mount Fuji
CLIMBING, RELAXING AND ROLLERCOASTERS
There are more things to do than just exploring Mount Fuji when you leave Tokyo for the mountain. There is a wealth of activates, walks and scenic beauty spots dotted around the foot of the mountain. While exploring Mount Fuji don’t forget to check out some other activates in the area.
1
Climbing
The most obvious thing to do in Mount Fuji is to climb it. Various trails will get you to the top, with the most popular being the Yoshida trail – beginning at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
Trails: Yoshida (Yellow), Subashiri (Red), Gotemba (Green), Fujinomiya (Blue)
1-way climb time: 4-8 hours
Season: July – September
2
Five Lakes
Ideal for hiking, fishing, camping, museums, and more. The five lakes are picture-perfect in their own right – what a picture with the mountain in the background too. Each of the five lakes – Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Lake Saiko, Lake Motosuko, and Lake Shoji – can be visited year-round and each have different views of Mount Fuji.
Fujiyama Fact File:
Opened: 1996
Height: 79 metres
Tallest rollercoasters rank: Fourth
Speed: Up to 130km/hour
3
Fuji Q Highland
Yes, a trip here isn’t just about serene walks and mountain scenery. Peaks can be scaled at Fuji Q Highland too – one of the most popular amusement parks in Japan. Test your mettle on the Fujiyama. At 79 metres tall it was once the tallest rollercoaster in the world.
4
Narusawa Ice Cave
Located in the Aokigahara Forest, there are ice pillars and an ice wall in this 153 metre cave. You can also go year-round.
5
Skiing
Clip on your skis or hop on your snowboard. You’ll find many ski resorts around Mount Fuji – you can hit them up on a day trip from Tokyo.
6
Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine
Surrounded by nature, this Shinto Shrine is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Take a minute alone with your thoughts.
Other things to do:
Other options available to you near Mount Fuji include whiling away the hours shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets and a visit to Fuji Safari Park.
What to pack for your trip
YOUR CLIMBING ESSENTIALS FOR EXPLORING MOUNT FUJI
Mt. Fuji is a serious climb. You’ll need:
- Sturdy climbing shoes: broken-in and waterproof.
- Rain jacket and pants: water and wind resistant with hood. Go for Gore-Tex if you have it.
- Light backpack.
- Socks and base layer: quick wicking fabrics are ideal.
- Gloves: to keep your hands warm at nights and provide protection.
- Light: head lamp or a hand flashlight – you may need to climb in the dark in-season.
- Trekking poles: you’ll have essential stability in the mountain side. Your knees will thank you for it, too.
- Warm clothes and a lightweight fleece.
Now you’ve scaled Mt. Fuji, it’s time to head back to Tokyo. Check out what to do in 48 hours, where to get the unique experience of a Tokyo fish market, and how to get around.
Thinking of travelling to Tokyo? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
