18 Best Things to Do in Mt Fuji: Must-Visit Spots & Unforgettable Activities

As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, Mount Fuji is not only a sacred symbol of Japan but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This active volcano with an altitude of 3776 meters (12388 feet) is renowned for its perfect conical form.

Mount Fuji has its unique charm in each season: cherry blossoms in spring, the climbing season in summer, red leaves in autumn, and the snow-covered landscape in winter.

This guide will provide you with a detailed introduction to the 18 best things to do in Mount Fuji, from sightseeing, cultural experiences to adventures.

1. Enjoy the Best Views of Mt Fuji

If you are in search of breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, you can consider the top Mt Fuji attractions, such as Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, and Chureito Pagoda.

Fuji Five Lakes is a great viewing spot of Mount Fuji. Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka are famous for the clear reflection of Mount Fuji, which is called "upside-down Fuji". It is easier to capture at dawn or sunset. From December to February, the visibility of Mount Fuji is at its highest, allowing you to enjoy the clearest views of Mount Fuji and the reflections on the lake surface.

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine has postcard-like scenery and is a place for photography enthusiasts. When cherry blossoms or maple leaves are in full bloom, the Chureito Pagoda, with the distant Mount Fuji, forms an iconic composition.

2. Soak in an Onsen with a View

Taking a hot spring bath is one of the most relaxing things to do in Mt Fuji. Mount Fuji has abundant hot spring resources. Many traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) have open-air baths, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Mount Fuji while soaking in the water. You can find some ryokans and public bathhouses in the Fuji Five Lakes area.

Oshino Hakkai is renowned for its eight sacred springs, with the melting snowwater of Mount Fuji. Oshino Hakkai also has several traditional ryokans, providing Japanese-style tatami rooms, kaiseki dinners, and hot spring experiences.

3. Visit Mt Fuji for Cherry Blossoms & Red Leaves

Spring is the best time to visit Mt Fuji. Due to its high altitude, the cherry blossom season on Mount Fuji usually arrives later than in Tokyo, usually from early April to mid-April. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the pink flowers and the majestic Mount Fuji create a picturesque scene.

Another attractive time of a Mount Fuji tour is in late November for autumn. The landscape around Mount Fuji has turned into hues of red, orange, and yellow. The "Maple Corridor (Maple Tunnel)" by the shore of Lake Kawaguchi is particularly popular.

You can capture Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji surrounded by cherry blossoms or maple leaves. Take part in the Mt Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival or the Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival being held.

4. Go Kayaking on Lake Kawaguchiko

If you want some fun things to do at Mount Fuji, kayaking on Lake Kawaguchi is undoubtedly an excellent choice. You can appreciate Mount Fuji from a unique perspective on the lake that is completely different from viewing on the shore. This lake excursion allows you to avoid the crowds of tourists.

5. Savor Authentic Udon Noodles

When exploring Mount Fuji, tasting hoto noodles (ほうとう) is a part you shouldn't miss. Hoto noodles are a famous local dish that is stewed with seasonal vegetables such as pumpkin and mushrooms in miso soup.

Around Lake Kawaguchi, there are many restaurants specializing in hoto noodles, such as Houtou Fudou Higashi koiji and Momiji Tei. When you sit in the shop and taste a steaming hoto noodle dish, you may catch a glimpse of the scenery of Mount Fuji outside the window at the same time.

6. Bike around Lake Yamanaka

Lake Yamanaka is the largest lake among the Fuji Five Lakes. Lake Yamanaka Cycling Road is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. Cycling around Lake Yamanaka is also a family-friendly thing to do near Mount Fuji.

It would take you about 1.5 hours to cycle around the lake. You can rent a bicycle on the northwest shore of the lake. On the way, you can stop at any time to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and Mount Fuji.

7. Explore Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a popular attraction near Mount Fuji. Eight springs are clear, and even water plants and swimming fish can be seen on the bottom of the ponds. Here, you can immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere while enjoying the magnificent view of Mount Fuji from the village.

Oshino Hakkai preserves the traditional Japanese village style, with thatched roofs and clear springs forming a pastoral scene. In addition to strolling leisurely around the ponds, you can also visit local shops and food stalls to experience Japan's traditional culture and history. Oshino Hakkai Sengen Shrine is also worth exploring.

8. Visit Narusawa Ice Cave

If you enjoy adventuring, exploring Narusawa Ice Cave is one of the best things to do around Mt Fuji. Narusawa Ice Cave is a peculiar cave formed by volcanic activity. The cave remains cool all year round. Even if you're exploring in the summer, you still need to bring warm clothing and non-slip shoes.

Passing through some low and narrow passages, you will see ice pillars, stalactites, and stalagmites. The ice pillars inside the cave are illuminated like a crystal palace. You can also visit the Fugaku Wind Cave together. The two caves are not far apart.

9. Take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Spend about 3 minutes taking the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway directly to Kawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park. During the ascent, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery around. From the observation deck, you can overlook Mount Fuji, Kawaguchi Lake, and the cityscape of Fujiyoshida.

Kawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park is also a great place for a walk. After enjoying the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji, you can also visit the shrines and souvenir shops within the park. If you walk down the hiking trail, you can enjoy another beautiful scene, such as hydrangeas in summer or colorful leaves in autumn.

10. Experience the KABA BUS Amphibious Bus

KABA BUS is an amphibious sightseeing bus at Lake Yamanaka. This unique transportation vehicle can travel on land and in water, allowing tourists to enjoy Mount Fuji while experiencing the fun of boating. The moment the bus switched from land to water would make you cheer excitedly! This is a very interesting experience, suitable for families with kids and tourists seeking novel experiences.

11. Visit the Traditional Village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Do you want to experience the rural life and culture of ancient Japan? You can travel to Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. It's a traditional Japanese village with stunning views of Mount Fuji, located by Lake Saiko.

Although it was damaged by the typhoon in 1966, it was later rebuilt. The thatched houses in the village have now been transformed into various handicraft experience workshops and specialty stores.

You can gain a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle at the foot of Mount Fuji by visiting the art galleries, museums, and handicraft workshops here. Enjoy a stroll in the vintage village in a kimono and feel the peaceful atmosphere.

12. Walk around Fujiyoshida

Fujiyoshida City is a major city located at the northern foot of Mount Fuji with traditional Japanese street scenes. The straight and seemingly endless streets stretch to a distant place, with Mount Fuji at the end. You can feel the obvious contrast between Mount Fuji and the streets.

Hikawa Clock Shop is a place to capture a scene where Mount Fuji blends perfectly with the street view. While taking photos, it is also important to be careful of the passing vehicles. The street is also full of a nostalgic atmosphere. You can select your favorite souvenirs from the shops here.

13. Enjoy the Fireworks Display

During your time in Japan, watching fireworks is a must-do experience. Mount Fuji holds fireworks festivals many times a year! Brilliant fireworks burst in the sky, with the snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background.

The Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival in winter is held in January and February. The best places for Kawaguchiko Fireworks are Oishi Park, the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, and Tatamiiwa. In addition, from August 1st to August 5th every year, Fuji Five Lakes region holds a five-day fireworks festival.

In addition to fireworks, you can also purchase various street snacks from the nearby food stalls, such as takoyaki (Japanese fried octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), and yakitori (Japanese skewered chicken).

14. Fuji-Q Highland: Adrenaline Overload

For those seeking thrill and joy, Fuji-Q Highland is an attraction that you must visit, with various world-record rides. Get ready to be stimulated! The world's fastest and most thrilling roller coaster brings you unprecedented speed and challenges. Besides, there are also family-friendly, gentler areas, such as Thomas Land and Naruto-themed attractions.

15. Attend a Local Festival

For those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Mount Fuji, participating in local festivals is the best thing to do in Mt Fuji.

From mid-April to late May, locals will hold the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. 800,000 stalks of shibazakura in various colors will cover the ground, forming a huge "flower carpet" with pink, purple, and white. This vibrant sea of flowers creates a beautiful picture with the distant Mount Fuji.

During the Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival on August 26th and 27th every year, you can witness traditional fire rituals.

16. Climb Mt Fuji: Conquering the Summit

The season of climbing Mount Fuji takes place from early July to early September every year. The fee for hiking Mount Fuji is 4000 yen per person.

Mount Fuji hike usually begins at Mt. Fuji 5th Station. It is recommended to book a mountain hut to spend the night on Mt. Fuji. There are four hiking routes to Mount Fuji, including Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba Trail.

17. Day Trip to Hakone

Mount Fuji is close to Hakone and has convenient transportation, making it very suitable for a day trip. You can take a pirate ship to visit Lake Ashi, where you may appreciate Mount Fuji. Owakudani is a relic of volcanic activity with a sulfur volcanic landscape and kurotamago (black eggs). Experiencing hot springs is a must. You can stay overnight in Hakone at an onsen ryokan.

18. Admire Mt. Fuji from Tenku no Torii

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a historical shrine for Fuji worship. Strolling through the shrine, you can immerse yourself in the serene religious atmosphere. After visiting the shrine, you can hike to Tenku no Torii, a great spot to capture the breathtaking Mt Fuji with the torii gate.

Plan Your Mt Fuji Trip with Hi Five Trip

No matter which thing to do in Mount Fuji you choose, it will leave you with a deep impression with its unique charm. You can consider booking our Japan tours including Mount Fuji. Contact us, and our professional travel consultants will plan a comfortable itinerary with you.