20 Things to Do in Mt. Fuji: Top Attractions Near Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is one of the iconic symbols of Japan. Many make trips to Japan just to get a glimpse of the mountain, while others who are more adventurous make an attempt to climb it. 

Other than trekking up the slopes, there are lots of things to do on and around Mt. Fuji — from soaking in a hot spring to touring a sake brewery, trying not to slip in an ice cave, strolling along Lake Kawaguchiko, dining at restaurants around Mt. Fuji, and much more.

1. Go Glamping Near Mt. Fuji

2. Climb Mt. Fuji

3. Visit Lake Kawaguchiko

4. Explore Lake Motosuko

5. Relax at Lake Yamanakako

6. Hike Minami Alps National Park

7. Ride the Bullet Train for a Food Tour

8. Visit a Tea Farm in Shizuoka

9. Go Fishing & Cook Your Catch

10. Tour Ide Sake Brewery

11. Make Hoto Noodles

12. Go to Fuji-Q Highland

13. Visit the Fujiyama Museum

14. Shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets

15. Soak in a Local Onsen

16. See Oshino Hakkai

17. Catch the Cherry Blossoms

18. Ride the Mt. Fuji Ropeway

19. Stop at Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station

20. Explore Ice and Wind Caves

Upgrade from camping to glamping in this unforgettable outdoor adventure near Mt. Fuji. Stay in cozy tents, enjoy the sounds of nature, and savor local Fujinomiya specialties just 40 minutes from Shin-Fuji station.

You’ll meet local residents, harvest local vegetables, taste Japanese sake, and share a delicious yakiniku barbecue under the stars. Don’t miss the morning walk to Shiraito Falls, a Japanese natural monument.

Ready for the ultimate adventure? Climbing Japan’s tallest peak is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The official climbing season runs from July to early September, when trails are open and mountain huts are available for rest.

Expect a challenging 4–8 hour hike each way — but the reward comes at sunrise, when the sky glows over Japan and the clouds drift far below your feet. It’s a moment every climber will remember forever.

If going to the base of Mt. Fuji simply won't do, then the premier Mt. Fuji attraction is, of course, to climb Japan’s tallest peak.

Be warned: It is not a climb for beginners. But if you want to experience being atop Japan, then climbing Mt. Fuji is an unmissable experience. You’ll be rewarded with absolutely stunning views.

Find out more: Climbing Mt. Fuji: Know Before You Go

Among the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is perhaps the most scenic, where Mt. Fuji’s reflection shimmers perfectly on calm, blue water. It is the second-largest lake in the region, which is a registered World Heritage site. 

Stroll through Oishi Park, visit the charming Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, or take a lakeside bike ride to capture the mountain from every angle. 

If you visit in autumn, the Lake Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor bursts into fiery shades of red and gold, framing Fuji in a postcard-perfect scene you’ll never forget. 

Find out more: The Best Places to Eat in Kawaguchiko

Famous for appearing on the old ¥1,000 bill, Lake Motosuko is one of the most picturesque of the Fuji Five Lakes. It’s perfect for camping, hiking, or fishing, and its deep blue waters mirror Mt. Fuji beautifully on clear days.

Formed centuries ago by a volcanic eruption that divided a larger lake into three — Motosuko, Saiko, and Shojiko — this tranquil spot combines stunning nature with a touch of Japanese history.

Find out more: Best Things To Do in Shizuoka

If you’re looking for something peaceful to do around Mt. Fuji, Lake Yamanakako is the perfect escape. Hop aboard the famous Swan Boat and enjoy a gentle 30-minute ride while taking in breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. 

It’s a calm, picture-perfect experience that feels worlds away from the rush of city life. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot real swans gliding across the water.

For those who love the great outdoors, Minami Alps National Park offers some of Japan’s most awe-inspiring mountain scenery. The park is home to Kita-dake, Aino-dake, and Akaishi-dake — Japan’s second, fourth-, and seventh-highest peaks — all surrounded by pristine forests and alpine meadows.

Climbing these peaks requires experience and preparation. But for seasoned hikers, the reward is truly spectacular: sweeping, panoramic views stretching across central Japan. Even if you don’t plan to summit, the area’s lower trails and mountain villages provide plenty of opportunities to soak in the region’s wild beauty.

Japan’s food, far more than ramen and sushi, is as famous as its scenery — and you can enjoy both food and scenery on the Flavors of Mt. Fuji Food Tour. Hop on the Shinkansen and join a 6–7 hour culinary journey through Fujinomiya and Shizuoka.

Try regional specialties from six local restaurants, including a soba-noodle lunch at an 80-year-old shop. Perfect for foodies who prefer eating over hiking!

If you are into photography or a fan of natural views, visiting a tea plantation is a great thing to do around Mt. Fuji. Shizuoka is Japan’s top tea-producing region, with tea fields offering stunning Mt. Fuji views.

Join a guided tea farm tour to learn about tea cultivation, pick tea leaves in spring or summer, or help plant new bushes in winter while learning about sustainable farming.

Visit between April and early May for the best possible view — when Mt. Fuji is still covered in snow, before the Japanese summer sets in. 

Find out more: Best Things To Do in Shizuoka

Slow down with a traditional satoyama experience — the Japanese countryside lifestyle.

The experience begins with a pick-up at JR Fujieda Station, followed by a short drive to the host's home. Spend a day in a mountain village fishing, chopping firewood, and cooking your catch over a sunken hearth with locals. The meal often includes grilled yamame trout and fresh vegetables, all enjoyed with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop. 

Learn about local customs, culture, and recipes while soaking in breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from their backyard. This peaceful escape offers a chance to reconnect with nature and embrace a simpler way of life.

Located near Kawaguchiko Station, Ide Sake Brewery uses pure Mt. Fuji water to make its sake. Take the English-language tour at 9:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. to learn about the brewing process. Or join a tasting session featuring four distinct sakes paired with Yamanashi delicacies that highlight the area’s local flavors.

Escape to the serene countryside of Yamanashi and experience a sake-tasting and food-pairing session in Fujiyoshida – a must for anyone interested in Japan’s brewing culture. 

Upon arrival, a friendly host and staff will guide you through the tasting, explaining the unique flavor profiles and brewing techniques behind each sake.

The carefully prepared food pairings — featuring seasonal ingredients such as Oshino tofu, Narusawa pickles, and minced tuna with sweet soy sauce — perfectly complement the drinks and offer a true taste of Yamanashi’s culinary traditions.

A beloved dish of Yamanashi Prefecture, Hoto is a thick, hearty miso-based soup that once fueled Japanese daimyo (feudal lord) Takeda Shingen. In this hands-on cooking class near Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll roll out fresh noodles from scratch, simmer them in savory miso broth, and taste the comforting flavors that locals have enjoyed for generations. 

Hoto can be found at restaurants throughout the Fujigoko (Fuji Five Lakes) region. Though sometimes believed to be udon, locals do not consider it as such, because it is prepared in a similar way to dumplings rather than noodles.  

Enjoy your homemade Hoto alongside local sides like tori motsuni (grilled chicken offal) or chewy mochi while chatting with your instructor about regional food culture. It’s a cozy, flavorful way to experience Yamanashi’s warmth and hospitality.

For adrenaline lovers, Fuji Q-Highland near Mt. Fuji is an absolute must. This iconic park is home to record-breaking rides like Takabisha, one of the world’s steepest coasters, and Fujiyama, a towering steel giant with incredible Fuji views. Each ride delivers heart-stopping drops and unforgettable thrills.

Don’t miss the Haunted Hospital, the world’s largest haunted attraction. As you wander through its 900-meter maze, eerie sounds and flickering lights will keep you on edge. Whether you love speed, fear, or both, Fuji-Q Highland guarantees an adventure you won’t forget.

After the excitement, unwind at the nearby Fujiyama Museum, where Mt. Fuji’s beauty takes center stage through centuries of Japanese art. From classic ukiyo-e woodblock prints to modern paintings, each piece reflects the mountain’s cultural and spiritual significance.

It’s a calm, inspiring stop that lets you see Mt. Fuji in a whole new way.

Set against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji, Gotemba Premium Outlets is a must-visit for shoppers. With over 200 stores, it’s one of Japan’s largest outlet malls, offering big-name brands, local boutiques, and great dining options.

You can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji as you shop, ride the 50-meter Ferris wheel, or unwind at the on-site public onsen. Whether you’re bargain-hunting or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Gotemba makes for a fun and relaxing day out.

Few experiences capture Japan’s spirit of relaxation quite like soaking in a hot spring with Mt. Fuji in view. The region is dotted with scenic onsen, each offering its own unique charm and mineral-rich waters.

Among the most popular is Hottarakashi Hot Spring in Kofu, where you can unwind in hillside baths overlooking Mt. Fuji and the valley below. Other top spots include Fujikawaguchiko Onsen, Yamanakako Onsen, and Hakone Onsen — each providing a blissful retreat after a day of exploring. No matter where you go, the mix of warm waters and mountain scenery is pure magic.

Find out more: 2-Day Hakone Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Between Lake Yamanakako and Lake Kawaguchiko lies Oshino Hakkai, a charming village famous for its eight crystal-clear ponds fed by the pure snowmelt of Mt. Fuji. The name Hakkai means “Eight Seas,” and each pond — from Bottomless Pond and Iris Pond to Mirror Pond and Exit Pond — has its own distinct shape, depth, and story.

Visitors can stroll along the peaceful paths that connect the ponds, watch colorful fish swim in the clear waters, and take in postcard-worthy views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a lovely stop for families, photographers, or anyone who wants to experience a slower, more traditional side of Yamanashi.

Spring around Mt. Fuji is pure magic. One of the most famous viewing spots is Arakurayama Sengen Park, where cherry blossoms, a five-story pagoda, and Mt. Fuji all align in one stunning view — a must for photographers and travelers alike.

If you’re visiting later in the season, don’t miss the Fuji Shibazakura Festival (mid-April to late-May). During this time, fields of moss phlox bloom in vibrant shades of pink and purple, creating a breathtaking carpet of color at the mountain’s base.

Just make sure you keep an eye on our latest Cherry Blossoms Forecast to match your travel with the best time to see sakura near Mt. Fuji.

Find out more: Sakura Near Mount Fuji: Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms

For unbeatable views, hop aboard the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway – a short but spectacular cable car ride that glides up Mt. Tenjo in just three minutes. From the top, you’ll see sweeping views of both Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji. 

Enjoy soft-serve ice cream, browse local souvenirs, and take photos at the scenic observation deck. 

Tip: Arrive early to beat the lines and catch the morning light on Mt. Fuji.

Perched 2,300 meters above sea level, the Fuji Subaru Line’s 5th station is the gateway for climbers heading up Mt. Fuji, but even non-climbers will love the view. The station offers cozy cafés, souvenir shops, and shrines where visitors can pray for safe travels.

The station is accessible most of the year, except during heavy snow. The panoramic views of the Fuji Five Lakes are breathtaking. You can even catch a bus back to Tokyo when you’re ready to head down.

Hidden in the mysterious Aokigahara Forest, these lava-formed caves stay icy cold throughout the year. The Narusawa Ice Cave glimmers with frozen pillars and walls of ice, while the nearby Fugaku Wind Cave showcases unique rock formations shaped by ancient eruptions.

Even in midsummer, the temperature inside hovers around 3°C, so bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes. The caves are small, fascinating, and full of natural wonder — a true contrast to the warm sunlight above.

Editor's note: This blog was first written by Eshlin Vedan and updated by the byFood team in November 2025.