Things To Do
in Fujino
Fujino is a quiet, hilly district in western Kanagawa Prefecture known for cedar forests, artisanal communities and a slow-paced rural atmosphere. It sits near the foothills of the Tanzawa range and is popular with hikers, weekenders from Tokyo, and people seeking nature and craft culture. The area blends traditional farming landscapes, seasonal riverside scenery and small creative studios and cafés.
Fujino is an easy escape from the city while still offering convenient rail access to larger hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful visit to the iconic Fujino Shiroyama Temple, where you can meditate amid the serene surroundings. As the morning sun filters through the trees, enjoy the tranquility and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Take your time to appreciate the intricate architecture and the rich history of the temple before heading to your next destination.
After lunch at a local soba restaurant, embark on a guided tour of the nearby Jigen-ji Temple, known for its stunning gardens and ancient statues. Spend the afternoon strolling through the lush greenery, learning about the temple's significance in Japanese culture. As you explore, take the opportunity to participate in a traditional tea ceremony, immersing yourself in the local customs.
As dusk falls, enjoy a quiet dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant, where you can savor seasonal dishes made from fresh local ingredients. The ambiance of the restaurant, adorned with traditional decor, sets the perfect stage for a memorable culinary experience. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the river, soaking in the peacefulness of the surroundings.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike on the scenic trails of the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park, just a short drive from Fujino. The crisp morning air and the sounds of nature create a perfect backdrop as you traverse through lush forests and along bubbling streams. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and the stunning flora that thrives in this beautiful area.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park's scenic viewpoints, where you can take in panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below. Spend the afternoon exploring more of the park's trails, perhaps trying out some birdwatching or photography as you capture the natural beauty around you. As the sun climbs higher, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors.
Return to Fujino to relax at a local onsen, where you can soak in the healing mineral waters and unwind after a day of outdoor adventure. The soothing atmosphere of the onsen, combined with the beautiful night sky, makes for a perfect ending to your day. Enjoy a light dinner at a nearby izakaya, sampling local sake and small plates of delectable dishes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee at a café | $3-5 |
| 🚆Local train fare (one way) | $2-8 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $70-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to nature, hiking and quiet countryside scenery
- Strong local craft and farm-to-table culture with artisanal products
- Easy escape from Tokyo for weekend nature retreats
- Low crime and a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere
- Limited nightlife and few late-night services
- Smaller selection of restaurants and shops compared with larger cities
- Public transport and buses may be infrequent in outlying areas
- Some language barriers in small family-run shops and clinics
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "お願いします" - Please (requesting)
- "お会計お願いします" - Could I have the bill, please?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "魚の出汁は入っていますか？" - Does this contain fish stock?
Places to Visit in Fujino
Visit one of these nice places.
Photogenic village scenes with commuters, wooden buildings and local shops—best in the soft morning light.
Shallow clear streams, seasonal flowers and reflections; excellent for close-up nature shots and long exposures after rain.
Hilltop vistas looking over patchwork fields and forested slopes; great for sunrise, misty mornings and autumn foliage.
Wide-angle landscapes during planting and harvest seasons, with traditional farmhouses and agricultural activity.
Narrow trails lined with maple and cedar turn vibrant in late autumn—perfect for color-rich landscape photography.
Food in Fujino
Fujino Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Buckwheat noodles made at local soba shops; often served cold with dipping sauce or warm in broth. Look for shops near the station or roadside establishments run by local families.
Must-Try!
Seasonal wild greens and edible herbs served tempura-style, in soups, or as side dishes at local eateries and ryokan; best in spring.
Pickled vegetables and small-batch jams made by community producers; sold at farmers' stands and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets selling seasonal produce, pickles, baked goods and handmade foods. Great for buying fresh vegetables, local honey and home-style snacks.
Occasional stalls near the station or at festivals offering yakitori, grilled fish or sweet treats; check local notices for dates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is a common sign of respect; use modest, polite language and gestures when interacting with shopkeepers and locals.
Remove shoes when entering homes, some guesthouses and traditional restaurants—look for a genkan (entry) and place shoes neatly.
Keep noise down on trains and buses; loud phone conversations are frowned upon. Queue patiently and follow posted rules.
Do not litter, stick to marked trails, and be mindful of private land and agricultural areas. Follow rules at shrines and temples, including modest dress and silence where requested.
Safety
Tipping in Fujino
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion. Excellent service is already included; a polite 'thank you' (arigatou gozaimasu) and a small gift are more culturally appropriate than cash tips.
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used in rural areas; bring enough for small shops, markets and restaurants. IC transit cards (Suica/PASMO) are useful for trains and some shops. Credit cards are accepted at larger cafés and guesthouses but may not be accepted everywhere—ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices reliably accept international cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms and fresh green foliage arrive; pleasant temperatures and many hiking paths open. Expect muddy trails after thaw and busy weekends for hanami (blossom viewing).
Warm and humid with lush green forests—ideal for mountain escapes and river activities. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms and higher insect activity; bring sun protection and insect repellent.
Cooler, crisp air and spectacular autumn leaf colors in October–November; a popular time for photographers and hikers, so trails and local cafés can be busier on weekends.
Cold and clear, with occasional frost or light snow in higher elevations; great for crisp landscape shots and clear views but bring warm layers and check trail conditions for ice.
Fujino at Night
Hiking in Fujino
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A mountain range offering trails of varied difficulty, scenic ridgelines and viewpoints. Popular routes include day hikes and multi-peak treks—good for autumn foliage and spring greenery.
A culturally important peak with shrine sites, panoramic views and well-maintained trails. Suitable for a half-day hike from nearby trailheads.
Shorter, gentler trails around Fujino that wind through cedar groves, streams and terraced fields—ideal for casual walkers, families and photography outings.
Airports
How to reach Fujino by plane.
Closest major airport for domestic and many international flights; about 1–1.5 hours by car to the Tokyo area plus rail connections to Fujino. Convenient for speedy access to the Tokyo metropolitan transport network.
Major international gateway serving long-haul flights; 1.5–2.5 hours or more to Fujino depending on connections. Often used by international travelers but further from western Kanagawa than Haneda.
Smaller regional airport that may offer convenient access depending on your origin; requires a longer ground transfer but can be useful for accessing central and western Kanagawa by car or express bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents who work in agriculture, local services and small businesses; preserve traditional rural life and community events.
A small artistic community attracted to the area's natural beauty and lower rents; they run studios, workshops and galleries that contribute to Fujino's creative character.
People who commute part-time to nearby cities or visit on weekends for recreation, hiking and rural escapes.
Like many rural areas in Japan, Fujino has a relatively high proportion of older adults, reflected in local services and community life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
With nearby mountains and forest trails, hiking and trail running are very popular among locals and visitors, especially on weekends.
Road cycling and recreational mountain biking on quieter country roads and forest routes are common activities.
Traditional team sports like baseball and soccer are widely played locally in schools and community clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fujino.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited at small rural eateries; vegetable tempura, soba without fish-based broth (ask for 'kake' with kombu dashi) and rice-based dishes are your best bets. Learn the phrase '魚の出汁は入っていますか？' to clarify broths.
Vegan choices may be scarce—many soups and sauces use fish stock. Bring snacks or look for cafés that explicitly offer plant-based options; communicating restrictions clearly in Japanese helps.
Soba can be gluten-friendly if 100% buckwheat, but many shops mix wheat flour. Ask staff and avoid soy sauce–heavy dishes unless gluten-free soy sauce is available.