Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji in autumn. On the northern flank of Mount Fuji is the Fuji Five Lakes region, an area of outstanding natural beauty that also provides superb views of the mountain.
The five lakes themselves - Lakes Shoji, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanako, and Motosuko - are worth the journey and offer a number of fun activities, from fishing to kayaking or a pleasant trip aboard a pirate-themed cruise ship. This interesting traditional Japanese village showcases the lives and livelihoods of the locals over past centuries. Lake Ashi. For a stunning watery environment with great views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, roughly 50 kilometers southeast of the summit, is a popular day trip from Tokyo.
It is reputedly one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world. Bordering all sides of this eight-kilometer lake are mountains and lush forested landscapes.
Popular activities at Lake Ashi include scenic boat rides, staying at nearby resorts, and simply enjoying the views out and over the water. The most convenient way to get to the shore of Lake Ashi is the Hakone Ropeway, a gondola ride that delivers elevated views. For a full-day adventure and healthy taste of Mount Fuji landscapes, the Mt.
Note that the colder months of the year tend to have the best view of the mountain backdropping the lake. Aokigahara Forest. Also known as the Sea of Trees, the Aokigahara Forest on the northern slope of Mount Fuji has a bit of a macabre association tied to it. Myths and other monikers aside, this dense forest of overgrown roots, moss, and light-reducing trees is a notable attraction in the area, much in thanks to the explorable caves and other hiking opportunities offered here.
One of the most popular tourist attractions within the forest and the surrounding Five Lakes region, the Ice Cave is a circular cave with ever-changing ice formations. The Wind Cave , on the opposite side of the forest, provides an easy minute underground tour with interpretive information. Both caves have their own visitor centers located near their entrances, where tourists can find souvenirs, various food stalls, and even some much-welcome ice-cream on hot summer days.
Japan Travel Guide. Written by Bryan Dearsley Nov 17, We may earn a commission from affiliate links Mount Fuji - or Fujisan in Japanese - is the highest peak in the Fuji volcanic chain in central Japan and is the country's highest and most beautiful mountain.
Mount Fuji Recognized as the very symbol and emblem of Japan, the often snowcapped Mount Fuji can, on a clear day, be seen from as far away as Tokyo some kilometers to the east. See also: Where to Stay near Mount Fuji Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Mount Fuji: Facts and Figures Mount Fuji: Facts and Figures Mount Fuji is a stratovolcano with a complex geological history spanning many millennia and a perfectly circular appearance.
Climbing Mount Fuji Hikers on Mount Fuji With more than , visitors arriving each July and August to make the approximately eight-hour ascent, the crowds climbing Mount Fuji can at times seem a little daunting.
Fujiyoshida Fujiyoshida beneath Mount Fuji Due to the increasing popularity among "casual" climbers - a group made up largely of tourists and day trippers - of simply wanting to say they've "done Mount Fuji," a number of older shrines, huts, and teahouses along the lower routes are once again becoming popular.
Lake Ashi Lake Ashi For a stunning watery environment with great views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, roughly 50 kilometers southeast of the summit, is a popular day trip from Tokyo. Where to Stay near Mount Fuji for Sightseeing We recommend these unique hotels near Mount Fuji, each of which boast beautiful mountain views: Konansou : This luxury hotel offers an authentic Japanese experience, along with lovely Mount Fuji views.
Highlights include its tatami rooms; an indoor pool; spa treatments; and for the kids, an amusement arcade. Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen : This highly recommended 3. Fuji View Hotel : A good choice for its mid-range pricing, convenient location, and helpful service, Fuji View Hotel also offers a great buffet breakfast plus a hot tub. Oike Hotel Honkan : A great option for those seeking budget-friendly rates, Oike Hotel features traditional Japanese-style rooms plus a handy shuttle bus service.
Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. More on Japan Japan Travel Guide. Climbing season falls during the summer months of July and August and sometimes into mid- September depending on the climate. The peak is some meters high and is known to give altitude sickness and takes an average of six hours to reach the summit.
Given that it is a very popular spot for tourists, the hiking paths can be quite crowded with both local and foreign climbers. Whether the intention is to climb, hike or just admire the stunning peak, the region is appealing during all seasons. In fact, based on the time of year, the peak can appear different but regardless it always worth looking at.
If travelling to Japan in the near future, Mount Fuji will certainly be a focal point while visiting. Regardless of the time of year, here are a few reasons to visit: Not just for climbers Mount Fuji and is easily accessible for tourists and can be enjoyed from the base of the mountain or from a variety of viewpoints.
Depicted for years, it appears in Japanese art and literature Artistic interpretations can be seen in both the past and present. A must-do for hikers and climbers Regardless of hiking abilities, climbing Mount Fuji is a powerful experience. Beautiful year-round Whether the intention is to climb, hike or just admire the stunning peak, the region is appealing during all seasons.
While you may want to avoid the Obon Week, we believe that by avoiding the crowds in general, you would miss out one of the most interesting aspects of climbing Mount Fuji , which is the camaraderie and unique experience of ascending the mountain among hundreds of equally minded people from across the world.
In order to encounter neither too large nor too small crowds, we recommend to climb Mount Fuji on a weekday in the first half of July before the start of the school vacations. The downside of a climb in early July is the weather, which tends to be somewhat more unstable than later in the season.
Public transportation, is considerably less frequent or non-existent outside of the official climbing season. While there is usually no snow on Mount Fuji from late June until October, temperatures at the summit can drop to far below zero in the shoulder seasons.
Only experienced hikers should consider the ascent in late June or September. If there is snow on the mountain, appropriate mountaineering equipment and experience is required. From October to around mid June, climbing to the summit is highly perilous due to extreme wind and weather conditions, snow, ice and a risk of avalanches.
Mount Fuji is divided into ten stations with the first station at the foot of the mountain and the tenth station being the summit. Paved roads go as far as the fifth station halfway up the mountain.
There are four 5th stations on different sides of the mountain, from where most people start their ascent:. Lots of mountain huts line the trail around the 7th and 8th stations, and there are separate trails for the ascent and descent. The sunrise takes place on this side of the mountain. More details Subashiri 5th Station Shizuoka Prefecture Subashiri Trail Altitude: about meters Ascent: hours Descent: hours This 5th Station is located only at meters above sea level and is the base of the Subashiri Trail.
The Subashiri Trail meets the Yoshida Trail around the 8th station. Gotemba 5th Station Shizuoka Prefecture Gotemba Trail Altitude: about meters Ascent: hours Descent: hours This is by far the lowest 5th Station, and the ascent to the summit is accordingly much longer than from the other 5th stations. The Gotemba Trail leads from the Gotemba 5th Station to the summit. There are about four huts around the 7th and 8th station.
Fujinomiya 5th Station Shizuoka Prefecture Fujinomiya Trail Altitude: about meters Ascent: hours Descent: hours The closest 5th Station to the summit, the Fujinomiya 5th Station is the base for the southern approach via the Fujinomiya Trail. It is easily accessible from stations along the Tokaido Shinkansen. There are about half a dozen mountain huts along this trail.
The ascent to the summit does not pose any major difficulties regarding climbing skills. Only at some points the terrain is rather steep and rocky. Abundant signs along the trail warn the hikers of other minor problems such as sudden wind gusts and falling rocks. However, the main challenge of the climb is the fact that it is very strenuous and the air gets notably thinner as you gain altitude. Because the hike is not technically difficult, and there are many other hikers during the climbing season, the average person will not need a guide.
However, inexperienced hikers or people who prefer to leave all the planning to somebody else may want to consider hiring a guide. There are several companies offering group or private tours, such as Voyagin. Most people try to time their ascent in order to witness the sunrise from the summit.
Also, the chances of the mountain being free of clouds are highest during the early morning hours. The recommended way of doing this, is to climb to a mountain hut around the 7th or 8th station on the first day and spend some hours sleeping there before continuing to the summit early on the second day. Note that the sunrise takes place as early as am to am in summer. Another popular way is to start climbing the mountain in the late evening from the 5th Station and hike through the night to reach the summit around sunrise.
This is a more tiring way of climbing the mountain and is discouraged by the local authorities as it brings an increased risk of altitude sickness see below and injury. Ascending and descending the mountain in a single day during daytime is also possible, but again it is not recommended for the same reasons as above.
Furthermore, the mountain provides very little shelter, leaving climbers fully exposed to the sun. Visibility also tends to be worse during daytime when the mountain is frequently wrapped in clouds. A walk around the crater of Mount Fuji takes about one hour. The mountain's and Japan's highest point is located immediately next to the weather station on the opposite side from where the Yoshida Trail reaches the peak.
The Yoshida Trail is lined by more than a dozen mountain huts between the 7th and 8th stations. Other trails have fewer mountain huts. An overnight stay typically costs around yen per person without meals and around yen per person with two meals. Expect the huts to be extremely crowded during the peak. The Fujiyoshida City website see below lists phone numbers for reservations.
Some mountain huts also allow non-staying climbers to take a rest inside at a cost of typically yen per hour. Most also offer paid toilets typically yen and sell food, water and other climbing provisions such as canned oxygen.
In addition, most of the huts have special branding irons they use to brand the wooden hiking sticks for a small fee that many hikers purchase when climbing the mountain. In order to enjoy a safe hike to the summit of Mount Fuji, it is crucial to bring the proper equipment. Some of the most important things to bring are listed below:.
Proper Shoes The rocky, steep terrain in some sections and the potential of sudden, strong wind gusts are reasons to bring proper hiking shoes which protect your ankles.
Proper Clothes Bring proper protection against low temperatures and strong winds. It can be below zero at the summit, and strong winds often make it even colder. Bring rain gear, as weather conditions can change very quickly on the mountain. Gloves are recommended both against the coldness and for hiking the steep, rocky passages.
Flashlight If you hike at night, a flash light is highly recommended in any season and essential outside of the peak season when the trail is not illuminated by other hikers. Most people choose head lamps, as they leave both of your hands free. Food It is important to bring enough water and food, particularly on the trails where there are few mountain huts along the way. Mountain huts offer various meals and drinks; however, note that prices increase with the altitude.
Also, be prepared to carry home all your garbage as there are no public garbage bins on the mountain. Money Cash is necessary to buy provisions on the mountain like water or canned oxygen and to use the toilets along the way.
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