Mount Fuji is the symbol of Japan’s natural beauty. Commonly called "Fujii san"its the country's tallest peak, At 3776m high, the tallest mountain in Japan and one of the most recognized mountains around the world.
Mt. Fuji’s volcanic activities have made it the subject of art, adoration, and worship as a sacred mountain throughout the history of Japan.
Located west of the Kanto plain, near the midpoint of the country, Mt. Fuji is easily accessible from Japan’s largest cities. On the north side, the mountain is surrounded by the Fuji Five Lakes region, also known as Fujigoko, which is known for its lake resorts, a plethora of outdoor activities, and hot springs.
There’s much more to do in the region surrounding this great mountain.
1. Sengen Shrines Shinto is the indigenous religion in Japan. Shinto shrines are dedicated to the worship of various deities or “kami” and can be found in nearly every town across the nation. Among several popular types of Shinto shrines, the Fuji Sengen shrines are a collection of over 1300 shrines all over the country that worship Mount Fuji and the deity associated with the mountain,
The head shrine of the 1300+ Sengen shrines is the Fujisan Sengen Shrine, which is located in Fujinomiya city, at the southwestern base of Mt. Fuji.
The shrine has a history of over 1000 years, but most of the shrine’s current buildings were built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 1600s. Historically, the Fujisan Sengen Shrine was the entrance point for the climb up Mount Fuji However when the nation’s center of political power shifted from Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo) the northern trail up Mt. Fuji was easier to access and eventually became the most popular route. The Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine on the north side of the mountain was the original starting point for the Yoshida trail and is still used by a small number of purist hikers today, but a majority of climbers now chose to start climbing at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, which leads to the Yoshida trail up the mountain. Many other smaller sengen shrines can be found around Mt. Fuji including the Arakura Sengen Shrine which is famous for the Chureito pagoda and breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji Which is especially enhanced by the sakura blossoms during spring and fall foliage in autumn.
2. Fuji-Q Highland Located to the north of Fuji near Lake Kawaguchiko, Fuji Q Highland is one of Japan’s leading amusement parks. Rivaled only by Nagashima Spaland near Nagoya, Fuji Q Highland is well known as Japan’s premier thrill ride destination and is home to multiple world record-breaking roller coasters, such as Takabisha which has the steepest drop angle of any coaster on Earth at 121 degrees
Eejanaika which has 14 inversions, and Fujiyama which held four records when it was first completed including “tallest coaster in the world”. The park opens new rides regularly and has a wide variety of unique experiences such as anime themed attractions, seasonal events, and Thomas Land for the kids to name.
Next to Fuji-Q Highland is the Highland Resort Hotel and Spa. Guests here enjoy unobstructed views of Mt.Fuji and benefits such as early access to the park each day and free entry to the neighboring Fujiyama Museum and the Fujiyama Onsen.
3. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is located along the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko and showcases the Tsujigahana technique for decorating silk kimono. Tsujigahana is an intricate process for tie-dying long-sleeved silk kimono which requires a high level of mastery to perfect. It was famous during the Muromachi period but eventually gave way to less labor-intensive methods of decorating kimono.
The museum has exhibits of Kubota’s creations including an unfinished work called “Symphony of Light” made of 80 individual kimono that together will form an image of Mt. Fuji and the four seasons.
The grounds of the museum are also interesting to explore and include gardens designed by Kubota, a waterfall, an outdoor stage for occasional performances, artwork from around Asia and Africa, a tea room, as well as a unique building made of Okinawan coral and limestone.
4. Climb Mount Fuji, climbing Mt.Fuji is one of the most common ways of experiencing the mountain. Like other Japanese mountains, Mt Fuji is divided into 10 stations. Although it is possible to hike from the base of the mountain all the way to the 10th station at the summit, the most common starting point for nearly everyone is at the 5th station about halfway up the mountain. On the popular trails, there are mountain huts where hikers can seek shelter, pay to use the restroom, buy food, and even sleep.
There are four main trails to choose from: the Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba. The most popular by far being the Yoshida whose 5th station has the most shopping options and is accessible by direct bus from the widest variety of locations, including downtown Tokyo Trails and mountain facilities are only open during the official Fuji climbing season which is generally from Early July to mid-September when the trails are free of snow. Outside of this period during the offseason, hiking is not recommended due to extreme weather and an elevated risk of rock slides. However during peak climbing season, especially in mid-August, there will be large numbers of people on the trails. The recommended method is to hike from the 5th station to the 7th or 8th station on the first day, sleep for several hours in a mountain hut which should be reserved ahead of time, and then continue to view the sunrise. When attempting to climb Fuji, make sure to be prepared for a range of temperatures, wear sturdy footgear, and pack plenty of water and food. Also, to avoid altitude sickness climb slowly, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks.
5. View Mt Fuji, the best way to experience Mt. Fuji is simply to take in it’s inspiring natural beauty. Throughout the ages, artists have been moved by its form and size; creating countless works showing the mountain from every angle, in all conditions, and in each season. While climbing Fuji is an unforgettable experience it does not offer the best view of the mountain itself. It is debatable which scenic spot is, in fact, top of the list, but here are some of the stand out locations to view Mount Fuji from The northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko Shizuoka City the Bunkyo Civic Center in Tokyo with the shinkansen Inside the shinkansen An airplane Lake Ashinoko in Hakone the Chureito Pagoda the Fuji Shibazakura Festival Izu Peninsula with the ocean in between an onsen around the Fuji Five Lakes region ski slopes such as found at the Fujiten Snow Resort a golf course and many more...
As for the best season to view Mt. Fuji. In the spring, cherry blossoms make an excellent frame for the mountain and in winter Fuji’s trademark, white snow cap makes a majestic crown. However during the summer, although the Fuji Five Lakes Region will be green and lush the humidity, clouds, and occasional typhoons often block Mt. Fuji making it the hardest season to get a great view.
We hope this Top 5 list gives you a good place to start when planning your trip to the Fuji area.
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