Mt. Fuji, located in Japan, is a stunning and breathtaking mountain that attracts people from all around the world. Mt.
Fuji offers a variety of things to do and explore while visiting. From famous hiking trails to lake views, there are plenty of things to do at Mt. Fuji for everyone. Here are just a few activities you can enjoy when making your way up the mountain!
For the adventurous traveler, hiking is an obvious choice for things to do at Mt. Fuji. With its unique terrain and challenging peaks, it’s sure to provide ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.
There are several popular trails available such as the Yoshida Trail and Subashiri Trails that offer stunning views of the mountain and its surrounding areas.
If you’re looking to relax, there are plenty of things to do at Mt. Fuji that don’t involve hiking. The nearby Lake Kawaguchi is a great spot for fishing, swimming, and sightseeing while sipping on some local Japanese tea.
It’s also home to the famous Mount Fuji Five Lakes—Motosu, Saiko, Shōji, Yamanaka, and Kawaguchiko—and each lake offers different activities throughout the year from kayaking to camping under the stars.
For those who want an up-close view of Mt. Fuji without having to hike it, taking a cable car ride or driving up the mountain is a great way to experience it.
There are several ways to reach the top, and each option offers an incredible view of Mt. Fuji as you ascend up its slopes.
A visit to Mt. Fuji wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of the many souvenir shops located near the mountain. Here, you can pick up unique trinkets such as key chains or even some local snacks like mochi and sake that you won’t find anywhere else!
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to take in the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, there are plenty of things to do here for all types of travelers.
1. Visiting the temples and shrines
Visiting the temples and shrines at Mt. Fuji is an experience you won’t soon forget! As one of Japan’s three holy mountains, it features several prominent religious sites that are perfect for exploring. One such temple is Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which was founded in 788 AD and serves as a gateway to Fuji-san.
You can also admire the beautiful architecture of the nearby Oshino Hakkai Shrines, a series of ponds connected by a network of pathways that have been worshipped for centuries. Additionally, the Arakura Sengen Shrine near Lake Sai offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding area.
No matter what site you visit, these sacred grounds offer visitors a unique insight into Japan’s spiritual culture and history.
2. Exploring traditional Japanese gardens
Exploring the traditional Japanese gardens near Mt. Fuji is an unforgettable experience that’s not to be missed. These serene, tranquil spaces offer visitors a chance to appreciate nature and escape from everyday life.
The nearby Kawaguchiko Herb Garden features over 200 varieties of rare herbs and plants nestled in four distinct areas throughout its grounds. The garden also offers peaceful tea houses where visitors can sit down for a cup of tea while admiring the view.
For those looking for something a little more interactive, the nearby Chureito Pagoda stands atop Fujizakura Heights Park and offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding area—not to mention thousands of cherry blossoms come spring! Visitors can take the cable car up to the park and take a leisurely stroll along its pathways, filled with Japanese cedar trees and stone lanterns.
These gardens are an ideal spot for those looking to explore nature in a peaceful environment. So make sure to add this activity to your things to-do list when visiting Mt. Fuji.
3. Taking a tour of an onsen (hot spring)
Taking a tour of an onsen (hot spring) near Mt. Fuji is one of the best things to do in the area! Japan is known for its public and private hot springs, which are said to have healing powers and can help detoxify the body.
Tours are available year-round at nearby spas located just outside of Mt. Fuji’s base, such as Yudanaka Onsen or Shibu Onsen. Most tours offer a range of activities from soothing massages to relaxing footbaths, so you can get your fill of relaxation while still taking in all that beautiful scenery.
For those who want an even more luxurious experience, there are also VIP tours that include exclusive access to private hot springs and amenities.
No matter which tour you choose, an onsen is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a long day at Mt. Fuji. So don’t forget to add this experience to your things to do list when visiting Japan.
4. Hiking the trails
Hiking up Mt. Fuji is one of the most popular things to do in Japan—and for good reason! With several trails ranging from beginner-friendly routes to more difficult climbs, there’s something here for everyone.
The Yoshida Trail is the most popular route up Mt. Fuji, with beautiful views of its surrounding area along the way. For those looking for a bit of a challenge, the Fujinomiyaguchi Trail is a more difficult route with steeper climbs and challenging terrain.
No matter which trail you choose, hiking Mt. Fuji is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed. So make sure to add this activity to things to do list when visiting Japan.
5. Exploring its historical sites
For those looking for a cultural experience, the area has several important shrines such as Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha and Oshino Hakkai Shrines, both of which have been worshipped since ancient times.
The nearby Arakura Sengen Shrine offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding area. No matter what site you visit, these sacred grounds offer visitors a unique insight into Japan’s spiritual culture and history.
Exploring these historical sites is the perfect way to learn about Japan’s rich past while taking in the majestic beauty of Mt. Fuji. So don’t forget to add this experience to things to do list when visiting the area.
6. Eating local food specialties
Eating local food specialties while visiting Mt. Fuji is a must if you want to get the full experience! The area around Mt. Fuji is known for its delicious and unique cuisines, so make sure to sample some of them during your visit.
One of the most popular dishes in this area is Koshu beef, which is made from premium Wagyu cattle that are raised in the Yamanashi prefecture. This tender and flavorful meat can be found in several restaurants located near Mt. Fuji, as well as in local souvenir shops.
You can also find other local delicacies such as Yamanashi’s famous “Ogura toast” which consists of sweet bean paste and butter, or the popular “Koshu nabe” a hotpot dish made with Koshu beef.
Eating local food specialties while visiting Mt. Fuji is a great way to get an authentic taste of Japan and its culture, so make sure to add this activity things to do list.
7. Enjoying nature activities
For those looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure while visiting Mt. Fuji, there are several things to do such as exploring the area by foot or by bike, or taking part in some exciting water activities such as rafting down the nearby Fuji River.
Camping is also a great way to experience the area, allowing you to get close to nature and take in the stunning views of Mt. Fuji’s majestic landscape. There are several camping grounds located around the base of the mountain where visitors can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
For those who want an even more unique experience, there’s “sky camping” which involves pitching your tent on top of Mt. Fuji itself! This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows you to sleep among the clouds and wake up with breathtaking views of Japan’s highest peak.
No matter what activity you choose, exploring Mt. Fujis natural beauty is one things to do that should not be missed. So don’t forget to add this activity things to do list when visiting the area.
These are just a few things to do at Mt. Fuji, but with so much to explore and experience in the area, visitors can find something that fits their interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful getaway among nature, things to do at Mt. Fuji is sure to impress everyone. So don’t miss out on the chance to visit Japan’s most iconic mountain during your travels and make sure you add things to do at Mt. Fuji your things to do list.
8. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the summit of Mt. Fuji
For those wanting to take in the beauty of Mt. Fuji from its summit, catching a sunrise or sunset is one things to do that cannot be missed! Watching the sun rise or set over Japan’s highest peak is an experience you won’t forget.
The best time to view the rising or setting of the sun on Mt. Fuji is between July and early September when the conditions are clear for viewing. You can even see this stunning phenomenon from afar if you don’t want to climb up the mountain itself.
If you decide to make the journey up Mt. Fuji, look out for special events such as “Dawn at Fujinomiya” which takes place every October 1st. This event gives visitors an opportunity to join local climbers who make their way up the mountain to watch the sun rise over the peak.
With its stunning views and one-of-a-kind experience, things to do watching a sunrise or sunset from Mt. Fuji is something that should not be missed! Make sure you add things to do this activity things to do list for when visiting Japan’s highest peak.
Thoughts and Conclusion
From exploring local delicacies to an adrenaline-filled adventure, things to do at Mt. Fuji is sure to impress everyone! With so much to explore and experience in the area, visitors can find something that fits their interests and preferences.
Watching a sunrise or sunset from the summit of Mt. Fuji is also one things to do not be missed. So don’t forget to add things to do at Mt. Fuji your things to do list when visiting Japan’s highest peak.
You can also check out 1 Week in Japan Itinerary and Best Hiking Trails in Japan
