Mt Fuji: The lakes, shrines, and viewpoints around Japan's icon

Mt Fuji is Japan's tallest mountain (3,776m) and the most photographed natural landmark in the country. For most travellers, 'Fuji' means visiting one of the surrounding regions for views, lakes, hot springs, and shrines — not climbing the peak itself, which is only possible during a short window in summer.

Where to Base Yourself

• Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) — Kawaguchiko is the most popular base, 2 hours from Tokyo by direct bus
• Hakone — onsen towns and the famous Owakudani sulphur valley; great views on a clear day
• Fujinomiya — south side, less touristed, the trailhead for the shortest climb route
• Gotemba — Fuji's east side, home of the Premium Outlets and another climbing trail

What to See

• Chureito Pagoda — the iconic five-story pagoda framing Fuji; 400 stone steps from Shimoyoshida station
• Lake Kawaguchiko — northern shore views, ropeway to Mt Tenjo summit
• Oshino Hakkai — eight crystal-clear ponds fed by Fuji snowmelt
• Fuji-Q Highland — high-thrill amusement park with Fuji as a backdrop
• Hakone Open-Air Museum — sculpture park with hot-spring footbaths
• Lake Ashi — pirate ship cruises, photogenic Hakone-jinja torii in the water

Climbing Mt Fuji

• Season — early July to early September only; trails are closed and dangerous outside this window
• Yoshida Trail — the most popular and most accessible from Tokyo; starts at 5th Station
• Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya — the three other routes, each with different difficulty and scenery
• Mountain hut — most climbers split the ascent over two days, sleeping at 8th or 9th Station
• Reservations — Yoshida Trail now requires advance booking and a fee; check current rules before booking flights

Practical Tips

• Cloud cover — Fuji is shy; you have the best chance of clear views in winter and early morning
• Direct buses from Shinjuku — the simplest way to reach Kawaguchiko or Hakone from Tokyo
• Hakone Free Pass — covers all transport in the Hakone loop, sold by Odakyu at Shinjuku station

If you only have one day, base in Kawaguchiko — sunrise from the lakeshore, Chureito Pagoda mid-morning, then onsen in the afternoon.