Things To Do
in Fuji
Fuji City sits at the foothills of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, offering sweeping mountain views and easy access to the surrounding lakes and hot springs. The area blends traditional rural charm with modern comforts, from friendly onsen towns to contemporary cafés and shops. Visitors can explore the Fuji Five Lakes region, hike forest trails, and savor fresh seafood and green tea.
The transport network, including trains and buses, makes day trips to Mount Fuji and nearby attractions convenient for travelers of all ages.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Shizuoka Airport and take a train to Fuji City. Freshen up at your hotel, enjoying your first glimpses of the majestic Mount Fuji. Dive into a delicious Japanese breakfast at a local café, fueling your adventure ahead.
Explore the beautiful Azaleas and the Fuji Five Lakes area, soaking in stunning views of Mount Fuji. Visit the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park for thrilling rides and entertainment. Enjoy a café lunch with a view, surrounded by cherry blossoms when in season.
Wind down with a relaxing soak in an onsen (Japanese hot spring) overlooking the mountains. Dine at an izakaya (Japanese pub), indulging in local specialties such as Fujiyama curry. End your day with a leisurely walk by the lakeside, experiencing the peaceful atmosphere.
Visit the Fujisan World Heritage Center to understand the significance of Mount Fuji. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony, experiencing Japanese culture firsthand. The peaceful ambiance and intricate rituals will leave a lasting impression on you.
Head to the historic town of Fujiyoshida, where you can explore the ancient Asama Shrine. Take a guided walking tour that highlights the town's rich heritage and local stories. Stop by a local eatery to enjoy regional soba noodles for lunch.
Attend a local festival if available, where you can witness traditional dances and arts. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a nearby restaurant with scenic views of the illuminated mountaintop. Capture the moment with stunning photos as the sun sets over the revered mountain.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-5 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $1-3 |
| 🍺Beer in local bar | $4-7 |
| 🍽Three-course meal for two | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Mount Fuji scenery and accessible lake towns
- High-quality safety, cleanliness, and service
- Strong day-trip connections to Tokyo and beyond
- Rich seafood, tea culture, and outdoor activity options
- Limited nightlife in smaller towns
- Weather can be unpredictable and some sites are seasonal
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me
- "英語を話せますか?" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "これをください" - I would like this
- "いくらですか?" - How much is this?
- "お願いします" - Please
Places to Visit in Fuji
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic red pagoda with Mount Fuji rising behind a stepped slope—an iconic postcard moment, especially during cherry blossom season.
Wide, calm waters offering pristine reflections of Mt. Fuji at sunrise and during blue-hour photography.
Eight pristine ponds framed by traditional thatched roofs and Fuji views, perfect for tranquil landscape shots.
Delicate waterfalls set against a rocky backdrop and lush greenery; ideal for long-exposure shots.
Broad panoramic viewpoints that capture the silhouette of Mt. Fuji across serene lake waters.
Food in Fuji
Fuji Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl of warm rice topped with tiny, delicate whitebait (shirasu), often with green onions and a light soy glaze; pairs well with a cup of tea or miso soup, commonly found in coastal areas near Fuji.
Must-Try!
Stir-fried noodles with cabbage, pork, and a tangy-sweet sauce; a regional specialty best found in Fujinomiya-area eateries and street stalls.
Winter staple of simmered daikon, boiled eggs, tofu and other items; available at casual eateries and seasonal street stalls.
Sharp, fresh wasabi served with soy and local greens; often enjoyed with sushi or as a topping for simple dishes in mountain towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning markets where you can sample fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and seasonal seafood while enjoying views of the bay.
Lakeside stalls offering yakitori, sweet corn, dorayaki, and other quick bites perfect for fueling a day of sightseeing.
Markets selling wasabi products, pickles, green tea sweets, and regional snacks near downtown Fuji.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep voices low, avoid phone conversations on trains, and queue politely; always stand on the left on escalators and allow others to pass.
Respect shoe etiquette in homes, traditional inns (ryokan), and certain temples or gardens.
Rinse thoroughly before entering, do not soak towels in the shared baths, and follow gender-segregated rules where applicable.
A polite bow or nod is common; try basic Japanese phrases and patience with language barriers.
Safety
Tipping in Fuji
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common or expected practice in Japan; most bills are paid as posted. If you wish to acknowledge exceptional service, a small amount or a round-up can be acceptable in some tourist settings, but it is not required.
Cash is widely accepted, with credit cards increasingly common in larger shops, hotels, and tourist spots. IC cards and mobile payments are popular in cities; some rural shops may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery; cooler mornings, mild days; great for gentle hikes and temple visits.
Warm to hot daytime temperatures with high humidity; late sunsets; ideal for Lake Kawaguchi and climbing Fuji via official routes during early morning hours.
Crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage; excellent for photography and scenic drives around the lakes.
Cold, with occasional snow on higher elevations; tranquil landscapes and less crowded sights; be prepared for icy paths and short daylight hours.
Fuji at Night
Hiking in Fuji
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Access points along Yoshida, Subashiri, and Fujinomiya routes; trails vary in difficulty and elevation gain.
Gentle loop trails around the village ponds with Mt. Fuji backdrop; suitable for families.
Forest paths at the base of Mt. Fuji with interesting lava-tube formations; ensure proper gear and maps.
Airports
How to reach Fuji by plane.
Located close to the Fuji area; domestic flights and some international charters, with a straightforward drive to Fuji cities.
Major gateway with frequent domestic and international flights; easy rail connections to Fuji via JR lines and express services.
Large international hub; transfers to Fuji area are longer but well-connected by rail and bus networks.
Nagoya area airport; useful for regional travel and adds alternative travel routes to the broader region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Japanese locals with a traditional community vibe; aging population in rural parts and active family-oriented neighborhoods.
Seasonal influx from Tokyo and other parts of Japan; international visitors peak during select seasons and Mt. Fuji climbing windows.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Seasonal ascent from July to early September; often done with a guided group for safety and acclimatization.
Scenic routes circling Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, and nearby lakes; popular with day-trippers and cyclists.
Calm-water paddling with camera-friendly views of Mt. Fuji; suitable for beginners and families.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fuji.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in many places, but be mindful of dashi (fish stock) in soups and broths. Look for tofu dishes, vegetables, and rice bowls labeled as vegetarian, and ask servers to exclude fish-based ingredients.