Attractions Near Mount Fuji

Visiting Mount Fuji is not just about visiting the 5th station to admire the snow-capped peak. As Mount Fuji is a part of the larger Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it has plenty to offer. 

The Mount Fuji area is filled with natural beauty, cultural sights to experience the local folklore, and much more. 

From amazing spots framing the snow-covered peak, Fuji Five Lakes, and plenty of naturally occurring springs to admire the grandeur of Mount Fuji, the Fuji area holds unbound natural beauty for travelers who dare to explore.

Visitors are highly recommended to plan their itinerary to allow ample time to explore the surrounding areas for a rewarding and enriching Mount Fuji tour.

However, you will be out of your water if you try exploring the Fuji area independently, as there is so much to explore. 

So, read on to learn in detail about all of the activities and attractions near Mount Fuji that travelers can add to their list.

Top Activities and Attractions Near Mount Fuji

A few of the obvious things one should explore near Mount Fuji include the famous Fuji Five Lakes and the various small shrines along the way. 

Beyond these, the Mount Fuji area is filled with hidden gems of natural beauty, serene water bodies, shrines and delicious food spots to get introduced to the local culture and delicacies. 

Arakurayama Sengen Park 

It is a park on a hill close to Lake Kawaguchiko. The park features long winding stairs, allowing visitors to get to the top. 

At the bottom of the hill, visitors should stop by a shrine with a large vermilion torii gate called Shiogama Shrine. It perfectly frames Mount Fuji. 

A little further up, visitors can buy Omamori (Japanese amulets/charms for luck and protection) and snacks from a small food truck at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. 

The highlight is the Chureito Pagoda, which sits at the top of the hill and visitors have to climb nearly 400 stair steps to reach it. But the view is absolutely worth it. 

From the viewing platform at the top, visitors can spot Mount Fuji and the shrine simultaneously. 

The unparalleled scenery from this height is poster-worthy, so click a few for Instagram! 

Check out the amazing Mount Fuji Combo ticket that allows you to explore Arakurayama Sengen Park and Oshino Hakkai, too. 

Oshino Hakkai 

It literally translates to “Eight Seas of Oshino.” Oshino Hakkai are the eight ponds or springs that can be found near Mount Fuji.

You don’t need to pay anything to visit these ponds. It is believed that the water of these ponds came from the Mount Fuji snow that melts and filters all the way down here. 

Visitors can easily walk the area to explore all eight if they have time or visit popular ones like Chu-ike and Waku-ike. 

If you want to visit less crowded ponds, consider Shobu-ike and Deguchi-ike, which are located away from the main area.

There is also the Hannoki Bayashi Folklore Museum. Sokonashi-ike, the largest pond of Oshino Hakkai, is a part of the museum and requires a minimal entry fee.

It is an open-air museum and visitors can enjoy a tour of the traditional Japanese home and a short tranquil walk. 

Get the Oshino Hakkai and Hot Springs Tour from Tokyo to Mount Fuji for a memorable visit that allows you to dodge the travel hassle. 

Lake Kawaguchiko Ropeway 

The Kawaguchi Ropeway is a must-experience activity on your visit to the Fuji Five Lakes. 

Visitors can take a short, steep ropeway up a hill from Lake Kawaguchiko with a nice view of the surrounding area. 

At the top of the ropeway is the Kawaguchiko Tenzojan Park, where visitors can take photos, get some delicious Local food, and enjoy the scenery. 

From the top, visitors can witness a clear, unobstructed view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko right below. 

Keep in mind that the line for going down isn’t the same. All you have to do is line up in the queue to get down once you enjoy the view and snacks. 

The round-trip ropeway costs ¥500 for children and ¥900 for adults. However, getting a combo Mount Fuji tour with the ropeway is smarter.

For a unique experience, get the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway & seasonal fruit-picking tour that allows for sweeping views, the thrill of ropeways and fruit picking.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and Tenku no Torii 

The Asama Shrine is located to the north of Lake Kawaguchiko. It is one of the hidden gems that is worth visiting. 

Visitors should make their way to the back of the Asama Shrine for a small walk. In this temple ground, there are seven sacred giant Japanese cedar trees. 

These trees are surely majestic, but what makes them so special is their age, which is over 1200 years old.

Depending on the weather, you can continue your way to  Tenku no Torii, just a short 30-minute hike up the hill behind Asama Shrine. 

Tenku no Torii means Torii gate in the sky. It perfectly frames Mount Fuji, offering stunning views.

However, visitors should know that they need to pay a nominal fee to get a picture and face possible queues due to its immense popularity.

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Kawaguchiko Music Forest is located on the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchi. It is more of a European garden in aesthetics and looks rather than a museum. 

It is a small theme park and museum devoted to automatic musical instruments. The main hall displays antique music boxes, mechanical organs and other musical instruments from European countries.

It looks particularly stunning when all lights are illuminated, a sight struggling from fairy tales. It closes around 5 pm, so make sure to reach it before 4 pm. 

If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli, then you must stop by the Donguri Republic Store, which sells anime merchandise by Studio Ghibli.

Another thing to catch on your visit is the beautiful fountain show, which runs 3 minutes every hour at the garden.

There is a nominal fee of ¥1,000 for kids and ¥1,800 for adults. However, if you visit after 4 pm it is only ¥500 for adults, and kids go for free. 

Fujisan World Heritage Center 

It is a must-visit attraction near Mount Fuji Tour if you want to explore the nearby attractions. 

The Fujisan World Heritage Center is a perfect place for guests who want to learn about Mount Fuji and what effects the mountain has had on the area surrounding it. 

The best part is the entry is absolutely free. Visitors don’t have to pay anything to visit the Fujisan World Heritage Center. 

Learn about the Funatsu Lava tree molds, another attraction you should visit. 

Besides this, visitors should stop at the Souvenir shop to pick a gift for friends and family and something to bring back home.

Make sure to reach early as it closes from 4.30 pm to 6 pm, depending on the time of the year.

Funatsu Lava Tree Molds 

Located only a short walk away from the Fujisan World Heritage Center, it is a unique place to visit that should be on your list.

When Mount Fuji erupted, the lava flowed out, coating and burning the giant trees surrounding the mountain. 

As the time went by, the lava cooled down and turned solid. The tree remnants gradually rot away, but the lava molds of the tree trunks are still there.

These molds created cool caves and tunnels that are big enough to fit people and make for an exciting exploring opportunity.

There is a nominal fee to enter and the tunnels are well-lit, so you don’t have to worry about darkness. 

Fujiyama Twin Terrace 

This is a great alternative for witnessing the views of Mount Fuji from many of the places that are usually crowded. 

Fujiyama Twin Terrace is rated highly by many visitors as the best place to see Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. 

It is a 40-minute drive from Kawaguchiko station. Visitors can take a taxi or rely on a free shuttle from the nearby town of Fuefuki. 

One thing to remember is there are no amenities in the area, including restrooms, restaurants, shops, and more. 

Visitors can bring their own snacks and water to the spot. However, the benefit is there is no fee or entry tickets to the spot. 

Visitors need to check in advance whether the road leading to Fujiyama Twin Terrace is accessible during the winter. 

Take a Mount Fuji Private Tour, such as the Mount Fuji Area Private Guided Tour in English, to witness nature up close and personal. 

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba 

It is an ancient Japanese farming village that was destroyed by a landslide in the 1960s. 

Twenty of the houses have been reconstructed and re-opened as an open-air museum. These houses are now converted into shops, galleries, and museums. 

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba is really easy to reach due to convenient accessibility from the Kawaguchi Station. 

Take the green omnibus, which will take 40 minutes to Iyashi-no-Sato. Make sure you reach early as it tends to close by 4.30 pm depending on the time of the year. 

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park is one of the most popular parks in Japan and a must visit attraction near Mount Fuji. 

It is a must-visit attraction near Mount Fuji to experience some of the world record-holding rides. 

If you are traveling with kids, then they will surely like the place. Besides the thrilling and adventurous rides, visitors will be able to spot Mount Fuji in the background as well. 

Get the Mount Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park One Day pass to make the most of your visit.

Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park

Hananomiyako Park is a popular attraction particularly during the spring and autumn for the tulip festival. 

It takes place in spring from late April to mid-May. In August, you can see sunflowers, and in autumn, you can see bright zinnias. 

For the winter season, there is an illumination event that looks stunning. The park is also a perfect spot to witness a phenomenon called Diamond Fuji. 

Diamond Fuji is a phenomenon that occurs when the rising or setting of the sun aligns with the peak of Mount Fuji, causing the peak to shine bright like a diamond. 

This phenomenon is observed year-round and from many different places. The time and place change depending on the time of the year. 

It is also visible from the Fuji Five Lakes area from October to February. There are several other Mount Fuji phenomena to watch out for. 

• Beni Fuji– This happens during sunrise and sunset when the sunlight turns the snow-capped Mount Fuji red. 
• Sakasa Fuji – Double Fuji, which occurs when the conditions are clear and the lake is absolutely still, which causes a mirror effect. 
• Pear Fuji – When the Moon roses at the peak of Mount Fuji, similar to Diamond Fuji.

Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom

The Fuji area has plenty of flora and fauna. One of the highlights is the iconic cherry blossom, which further elevates the aesthetic appeal of the area.

The cherry blossoms happen during the spring season, which typically peaks around mid-April. There are plenty of spots to witness the cherry blossom. 

Fuji Five Lake region is the most popular spot to witness the cherry blossom. 

Beyond this, the Chureito Pagoda, located on the hilltop facing Mt. Fuji in Arakurayama Sengen Park, is one of the most popular places to watch the pink cherry blossom. 

The northern and eastern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko are another popular spot for seeing cherry blossoms in the Fuji area. 

Shibazakura Festival – Visitors who are looking to visit during the months between April and June can also look forward to the Shibazakura Festival, also known as the Moss Pink. 

Soak in the scenic views from all directions as you walk among the 800,000 blossoms of Shibazakura or Pink Moss. 

The towering sight of Mount Fuji in the background as you walk on the carpet of flowers is the experience of a lifetime. 

Guests need to head over to the Ryujin-ike near the Fuji Motosuko Resort. There is a nominal fee to enter as well. 

Visitors can get Mount Fuji 5th Station, ropeway, cherry blossom and five-story pagoda tour for a rewarding tour to Mount Fuji. 

Mount Fuji 5th Station

When looking to explore places near Mount Fuji, the 5th Station of Mount Fuji is always high on everyone’s bucket list. 

This is especially true for people who aren’t keen on climbing Mount Fuji. Guests can simply take one of the Mount Fuji tours that take you to the Mount Fuji 5th Station. 

There are four Mount Fuji 5th Stations and these are the starting point of the four trails or routes leading to the Mount Fuji Summit. 

The four Mount Fuji 5th Stations are Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, Gotemba Trail New 5th Station, Subashiri Trail 5th Station, and Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station. 

All of these are located at various altitudes on the different sides of Mount Fuji. These 5th Stations are major attractions that receive millions of visitors yearly. 

These 5th Stations feature observation decks to see the majestic Mount Fuji, places for shopping, restaurants, shrines, and much more. 

Thus, it’s a must-visit for everyone who wants to witness Mount Fuji. Here is a list of our top five recommended Mount Fuji tours to pick so that you have a pleasant and memorable experience exploring Mount Fuji. 

Mount Fuji Tickets	Features	Price
#Mt Fuji, Hakone Lake Cruise from Bullet Train	– Mount Fuji Tickets (Subaru 5th Station). – Lake Ashinoko Cruise.  – Hakone Ropeway tickets.  – One-way vehicle ride.  – One-way bullet train (Shinkansen) ride to Tokyo Station.  – Lunch optional upgrade available.	¥22,000 (US $158)/Adult ticket
#Mt Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise Bus trip from Tokyo	– Mount Fuji Tickets (Subaru 5th Station). – Lake Ashinoko Cruise.  – Hakone Komagatake Ropeway tickets. – An expert professional English-speaking guide.  – Lunch optional upgrade available.	¥19,500 (US $140)/Adult ticket
#Mount Fuji Full-Day Sightseeing Trip from Tokyo	– Mount Fuji Entry Tickets.  – Round-trip transportation.  – A bilingual guide, English and Chinese.	¥11,630 (US $82)/Adult ticket
#Scenic Spots of Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi 1 day Bus Tour	– A ten-hour long day trip to the Fuji area in an air-conditioned vehicle.  – Visit Chureito Pagoda to catch the iconic view of Mount Fuji in the background.  – A visit to Lake Kawaguchiko and Oishi Park.  – A visit to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba on the banks of Lake Saiko.	¥12,300 (US $89)/Adult ticket
#Hakone Fuji Day Tour with Cruise, Cable Car, Volcano	– A comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned bus.  – An expert bilingual guide in English and Chinese.  – Tickets for the sightseeing cruise in Lake Ashi.  – Tickets for the Hakone ropeway up to Mount Hakone.  – Visit Owakudani Valley.	¥14,174 (US $98)/Adult ticket

These Mount Fuji tickets will only take you to the starting point of Mount Fuji trails. Visitors who want to hike to the top of Mount Fuji can do it using the Mount Fuji guided trekking tour. 

These Trekking tours are group hikes led by an expert to help novice and less experienced climbers through the tricky portion of the Mount Fuji climb. 

We do not recommend climbing Mount Fuji on your own, either solo or in a group. You need an experienced hiker to safely climb it. 

Note: Read Tips for Visiting Mount Fuji to avoid making rookie mistakes. 
Besides this, read Mount Fuji Guidelines and Mount Fuji Help & Rescue to prepare for the Mount Fuji climb and a safe hike.  

Gotemba Premium Outlet

The Gotemba Premium Outlet is located approximately 16 km away from the Gotemba Trail New 5th Station. It is the largest outlet mall in Japan, with over 300 stores. 

It is located in Gotemba City near Mount Fuji and is a popular tourist destination for all Mount Fuji visitors who want to indulge in some shopping extravaganza.

Guests can shop anything from clothes, tours for kids, shoes, sportswear, Livingware, Cosmetics, and more. 

There are numerous high-end and popular brands to pick from, such as Gucci, Nike, Gap, Coach, LV, and more. 

Beyond this, it also has plenty of restaurants and cafes to just lounge and enjoy the local dishes. 

Among the highlights of why it is one of the popular places to explore near Mount Fuji is the 50-meter-high Ferris wheel and stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. 

The mall is separated into two parts known as the East Zone and West Zone. There is a bridge called the Great Dream Bridge that connects these two zones. 

Read Gotemba Premium Outlets for more detailed information about basic things like mall hours, how to get there, and what you can do on your visit! 

Aokigahara Jukai Forest

Aokigahara Jukai Forest, also known as the Sea of Trees, is a forest located on the northwestern flank of Mount Fuji on the island of Honshu in Japan. 

It is located at an altitude of 1000m. The forest is relatively untouched and retains its natural beauty and abundance. 

It is one of the hidden gems near Mount Fuji. One of the unique features of the Aokigahara Jukai Forest is the hardened lava laid down by the last major Mount Fuji eruption of Mount Fuji. 

For nature lovers and people who love spotting animals and birds they will love taking a guided walking tour to appreciate the nature. 

One thing to keep in mind is the High iron content of the forest, which interferes with GPS and cell reception, making it easy to get lost. 

A fact for people who love eerie things, the forest has a historical reputation as a home to Yueri, the ghost of the dead in Japanese.

Since the 1960s, it has been associated with suicide, making it infamous as a “suicide forest.” 

Narusawa Ice Cave

Beyond the lush greenery and abundant fauna, the Aokigahara Jukai Forest also features several other sites of interest. 

Among the most popular is the Narusawa Ice Cave, located on the western side of the forest. There are several caves that are filled with ice in winter. 

Along with the Narusawa Cave, the Fugaku Wind Cave is a must-see spot in the Mount Fuji area. 

The caves were formed when Mount Nagao erupted nearby, creating an underground cave. 

The geomorphic formations such as the stalactites and stalagmites are unique and look even enchanting during the winter when the ice pillars measure over 3 meters long. 

The average temperature inside the cave is about 3°C, making it a natural refrigerator. 

The cave’s temperature hovers around zero degrees Celsius year-round but goes even below it during the winter. 

Visitors can take a train and get off at the Kawaguchi Station on the Fuji Kyuki Line to get here. 

From Kawaguchiko station, take a mountain bus to the caves, which will take approximately 30 minutes. 

Sakana Park

Sakana Park is a water and forest-themed park located in the Oshino village in the Yamanashi Prefecture. 

It is a popular attraction near Mount Fuji. It is based on the rich water and forest of Oshino village, featuring rivers and ponds with underground water from Mount Fuji. 

The park offers plenty of activities and rides for people of all ages. There is a Jabujabu pond, famous among visitors, where you can play in the water. 

There is a long slide and plenty of athletics equipment in the pond to make it more engaging and fun. 

Beyond this, there is a learning center called the Oshino Village Forest Learning Center that makes guests aware of the abundant natural life from a variety of perspectives.

The learning center is free for all visitors. There is a Yamanashi  Prefecture Fuji Spring Water Village Aquarium that houses approximately 3000 freshwater fishes in the spring water from Fuji 

The Sakana Park hours of operation are from 9 am to 5 pm. The park is only one kilometer away from Oshino Hakkai. 

Visitors can take the Fujikyuko route bus and get off at the Oshino Shinobi no Sato stop. To navigate easily, put the Sakana Park address in Google Maps. 

There are plenty of Mount Fuji Combo tickets that allow you to explore Oshino Hakkai thoroughly at your own pace. Pick one and add it to your itinerary. 

Mount Fuji Snow Activities 

The winter season is great for experiencing plenty of snow activities in Mount Fuji. There is plenty to do and explore. 

For people who want to enjoy surfing and skiing in the scenic Fuji area should head to the Fujiten Snow Resort. 

The snow resort, beyond providing world-class slopes and facilities for snow activities, is a perfect spot to witness the grand Mount Fuji in the background.

The adventure and thrill of surfing fresh snow down the slope with snow-capped Fuji in the background makes for one social media-ready picture and a memory of a lifetime. 

Besides this, visitors can also head to the gorgeous Snow Town Yeti if they seek a thrill from winter sports. 

It is also known as the Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti. This, along with Fujiten, is the only ski resort in the Mount Fuji area.

Snow Town Yeti is relatively smaller in size and located on the southern slope of  Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. 

The advantage of choosing Snow Town Yeti is it opens earlier compared to most in Japan, typically around mid to late October with man-made snow. 

Visitors can take any of the mountain buses departing from the Gotemba Station, Mishima Station, or Fuji Station to reach Snow Town Yeti.

Ticket prices vary depending on the time of the week. Weekends are usually more expensive, ¥5000 for a full day on the weekend compared to ¥43000 on the weekdays. 

Visitors can also stay overnight by paying approximately ¥2900. All these prices are merely indicative and they can change on the spot as well. 

Note: Beyond the Fuji area, which is filled with numerous activities and attractions near Mount Fuji to enjoy on your visit, visitors can take the opportunity to explore Tokyo as well. 
Buy one of the Japan Passes and use it to the fullest to explore the unique, cosmopolitan, diverse mix of cultures and contemporary allure. 
Know all the exciting things one can do in Tokyo to make your visit truly unforgettable and rewarding. 

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