Things To Do
in Gotenba
Gotenba, Japan is a picturesque town located at the foot of Mount Fuji, offering stunning views of the iconic volcano. The town is famous for its hot springs, known as onsen, where visitors can enjoy relaxing baths with the backdrop of beautiful scenery. Gotenba is also a popular destination for shopping, with its many outlet malls offering a wide variety of Japanese and international brands.
Additionally, the area is known for its delicious local cuisine, particularly the Hoto noodle dish made with thick wheat noodles in a flavorful miso-based broth.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a fresh breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Japanese flavors. Afterwards, explore the scenic Gotenba Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.
Visit the Gotenba Premium Outlets for a shopping spree, where you can find great deals on both international and local brands. Enjoy lunch at one of the various restaurants within the outlet complex.
Head to the nearby Lake Yamanaka for a serene sunset view over the water. Cap off your day with a delicious dinner at a local izakaya, experiencing the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Visit the historic Gotenba Shrine to learn about the local culture and history. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings while participating in traditional Shinto rituals.
Join a kimono-wearing experience to immerse yourself in Japanese traditions. Follow this with a visit to local art galleries showcasing the works of regional artists.
Savor a traditional kaiseki dinner, experiencing a multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients. Reflect on your day while enjoying the cozy ambiance of the restaurant.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning views of Mount Fuji, attracting tourists and photographers.
- Rich in onsen (hot springs) culture, providing relaxing experiences.
- Access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and camping.
- Cultural heritage sites, such as historic shrines and temples.
- Pleasant climate with distinct seasons, offering beautiful scenery year-round.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, affecting the experience.
- Some areas may lack modern amenities and conveniences.
- Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, could pose risks.
- Higher cost of living compared to rural areas, particularly in tourist hotspots.
Best Activities in Gotenba
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Gotenba offers beautiful cycling routes with scenic views of the mountains and the countryside.
Explore the picturesque trails and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Enjoy shopping for high-quality brands at discounted prices in a beautiful open-air setting.
Experience the stunning landscapes of Gotenba and Mount Fuji from a unique perspective with a hot air balloon ride.
Tours
Uncover the best of Gotenba with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Gotenba
Visit one of these nice places.
Provides a stunning backdrop for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Offers views of Mount Fuji while shopping and dining.
Provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.
Offers reflections of Mount Fuji on its calm waters, creating picturesque scenes.
Food in Gotenba
Gotenba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty dish consisting of flat miso noodles with vegetables like pumpkin, mushrooms, and Chinese cabbage, simmered in a flavorful broth. Can be enjoyed at Hoto Fudo or Kureyon Kobo.
Must-Try!
Tiny pink shrimp found in the rivers around Gotenba, often used in tempura or rice dishes. Look for them at local izakayas such as Izakaya Shiroya.
Famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs of Owakudani, with a unique sulfuric flavor. Visitors can purchase these eggs at the Owakudani Ropeway station.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Gotenba better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the Gotenba Kogen Beer brewery and taste a variety of craft beers along with delicious bar snacks such as yakitori (grilled skewered chicken) and edamame (boiled soybeans).
The food court offers a wide array of cuisine, including local delicacies like tempura, sushi, and ramen, as well as international options for a quick bite while shopping.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Gotenba, it is customary to bow slightly when greeting someone, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It is also important to use honorific language and titles when addressing others, such as adding 'san' after the person's name as a sign of respect.
In Japan, including Gotenba, people generally maintain a respectful distance from others during conversations or interactions. It's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others.
Gotenba residents place a high value on maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in public areas. It is important to dispose of trash properly and show respect for the natural environment, including parks and gardens.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Gotenba with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Gotenba
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Gotenba. It is generally considered unnecessary and may even be seen as rude in some situations.
In Gotenba, as in the rest of Japan, cash is widely used for most transactions. Credit and debit cards are also accepted at many establishments, especially in tourist areas. Mobile payment options such as Suica and Pasmo cards or smartphone apps are becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Gotenba.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms; cool and comfortable weather
Warm temperature with occasional rain; good for outdoor activities
Beautiful fall foliage; pleasant weather for sightseeing
Cold weather with possible snowfall; ideal for winter sports and hot springs
Gotenba at Night
Hiking in Gotenba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular starting point for climbers of Mt. Fuji, offering hiking trails with stunning views of the area.
Home to numerous trails with varied difficulty levels, beautiful scenery, and hot springs.
A relatively short hike that offers rewarding panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area.
A scenic trail that features natural landscapes, rivers, and seasonal flowers, suitable for leisurely hikes.
Known for its expansive grass fields, this area offers flat trails that are great for easy hikes and photography.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Gotenba through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Gotenba by plane.
Tokyo Haneda Airport is one of the two primary airports serving Tokyo, Japan. It is closer to the city center and handles a large number of domestic and international flights.
Narita International Airport is located east of Tokyo and is a major international gateway for flights into and out of Japan. It primarily handles international flights.
Kansai International Airport is located near Osaka and serves the Kansai region. It is a major international hub and offers a wide range of international flights.
Shizuoka Airport, also known as Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport, is located to the south of Gotenba and serves both domestic and a few international flights.
Chubu Centrair International Airport is located near Nagoya and is a major international airport serving the central region of Japan, offering various international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group, comprising over 90% of the population.
Includes expatriates and long-term residents from a variety of countries, making up a small percentage of the population.
An indigenous group historically from northern Japan, with a very small community presence.
Persons of Korean descent, often with a historical presence in Japan.
Includes small numbers of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, such as Chinese, Brazilian Japanese, and others.
The Soul of Gotenba
Discover the essence of Gotenba through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A highly popular sport in Japan, baseball has a rich tradition in Gotenba and is played at various levels, from youth leagues to high school teams.
Soccer has been gaining popularity in Gotenba, with local clubs and schools participating in regional leagues and tournaments.
Volleyball is a popular sport among both men and women in Gotenba, with many schools and community clubs actively participating.
Tennis enjoys a good following in Gotenba, with several courts available for public use and local competitions held regularly.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo, karate, and kendo, are practiced and loved in Gotenba, with many dojos available for training.
Running events are popular in Gotenba, taking advantage of the scenic landscapes, with local marathons and fun runs organized throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gotenba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Gotenba offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and fresh vegetable sushi rolls. Some recommended places include Shintaki, Green Earth, and Sushiro.
Finding gluten-free options in Gotenba may require communicating specific dietary needs to chefs, but many places can accommodate by offering rice-based dishes, sashimi, and certain types of hot pot meals.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Gotenba with these cultural adventures.
