Interesting Things To See Near Mt. Fuji

An Overview of Mt. Fuji

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic features in Japan, Mt. Fuji is an imposing and beautiful active volcano found southwest of Tokyo. Often called “Fuji-san,” the mountain is the country’s tallest peak and one of its most sacred pilgrimage sites. While climbing and hiking are both extraordinarily popular activities, there are many other interesting things to see near Mt. Fuji and the surrounding communities. The mountain has appeared in Japanese artwork throughout the culture’s history and continues to serve as a sight for inspiration to this day.

Fujiyoshida Town is the Tourist Access Town at the base of the mountain. It’s one of the easiest towns to visit from other regions and many of Mt. Fuji’s attractions are nearby this community. Other great access communities include Gotemba, Fujinomiya and Fujikawaguchiko.

Note that due to the expenses of lodging around the base of Fuji, guests visiting the mountain often reside in nearby communities and take public transportation to the mountain itself during daylight hours.

Interesting Things To See Near Mt. Fuji

Fuji Five Lakes

Found in a single region around the base of Mt. Fuji, these lakes are popular destinations for their beautiful aesthetics, as well as the numerous attractions around them. The five lakes which make up this region include Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shōji and Motosu Lakes.

Yoshida Fire Festival

This annual festival in August marks the end of Fuji’s climbing season. The festival, which involves massive bonfires at the base of Mt. Fuji is famous for being among Japan’s “most unique festivals.”

Chureito Pagoda

Found atop the hilly Arakurayama Sengen Park, this is an iconic pagoda facing Mt. Fuji. The red, gorgeous pagoda provides perfect views of Fujiyoshida below and Mt. Fuji above on days with clear visibility.

Kawaguchiko Music Forest

Located on the banks of Lake Kawaguchi, this is a European-influenced garden space with an antique music-box museum, occasional music performances and several vintage organs.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Though not especially close to Mount Fuji and located in the nearby town of Hakone, in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this is a fantastic outdoor museum. The outdoor exhibits include a lovely sculpture park, numerous indoor exhibits and access to a natural hot spring. The museum is a good place to visit in around Hakone, which is also known for Mt. Hakone, several other art museums, the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (Glass Forest), and the Lake Ashi Hakone Shrine.

Gotemba Premium Outlets

Found in Gotemba, this premium outlets mall has views of Mt. Fuji and over 200 shopping locations. It’s a good place to seek out gear and a handy transportation hub when moving around the cities that ring Mt. Fuji.

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival

This festival is held from mid April through early June annually, and the celebrations are focused around the vivid fields of blossoming pink moss found around Mt. Fuji. The flower festival is extraordinarily bright, with moss pink, moss phlox, or lawn cherry blooming bright colors, as Mt. Fuji serenely looms in the background.

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen

Found just outside of Fujiyoshida on the lower slopes of Mt. Fuji, this is a large Shinto shrine complex with stone lanterns lining trails leading into the forest.

Fugaku Wind Cave

Located in Aokigahara National Forest, this long tunnel is actually the largest of several long-dormant lava tubes which emanate from Mt. Fuji.

Oshino Hakkai Springs

These are some of the most gorgeous springs found in Japan. The Eight Springs of Oshino are supplied by aquifer waters emerging from Mt. Fuji. The springs are some of the most interesting things to see near Mt. Fuji. The springs are a national monument of the country and part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site.

Gotemba 5th Station

While there are several routes leading up the slopes of Mt. Fuji, Gotemba 5th Station is the trailhead for the Gotemba green trail. This is once of the newest and least-crowded methods for climbing Mt. Fuji. The sloping path is uniquely gentle and created from shifting volcanic gravel.

Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha

This is a Shinto shrine found in the city of Fujinomiya, a community on the southwest slopes of Mt. Fuji. The shrine is considered the head shrine site for the approximately 1,300 Asama shrines found throughout Japan.

Sakana Park

This is a small and surprisingly excellent nature-appreciation theme park with a focus on celebrating forests and waters around Mt. Fuji. The venue is inexpensive with pamphlets in English. It’s a good activity for those resting after exploring the fantastic slopes and nature around Fuji.

Read more about interesting things to see near Mt. Fuji and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.

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