Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Fuji from Tokyo
Getting There and Where to Stay
When visiting Mount Fuji from Tokyo, it's most convenient to stay near Shinjuku, Tokyo's major transportation hub. From Shinjuku, you can book bus tickets in advance to Kawaguchiko Station via the Highway Express Bus website. The one-way fare is 2,200 yen, and you get assigned seating, ensuring you can sit with your travel companions.
For accommodation, the Kawaguchiko area around the lake is highly recommended. Top choices include the Fuji Lake Hotel (富士レークホテル) and Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou (富士河口湖温泉郷), both just a short walk from Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅) and the famous Ropeway photo spot. These hotels offer spacious, clean rooms with stunning views of Mount Fuji and excellent onsen (hot spring) facilities. Kawaguchiko is an ideal base, with its proximity to restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and several onsen hotels.
Unmissable Attractions and Experiences
No visit to Mount Fuji is complete without experiencing the following:
- Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway: An aerial cable car ride for breathtaking views of the iconic mountain.
- Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine (新倉富士浅間神社): Accessible from the Yoshida Trail, it's a must-see historical site.
- Hikawa Clock Shop (日川時計店) Offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and culture.
You can explore these attractions in a day, leaving plenty of time for stunning photo opportunities.
Local Culinary Delights
Across from Kawaguchiko Station is a renowned Mount Fuji ramen shop, Hotou Fudo Kawaguchiko Station (ほうとう不動 河口湖駅前店). They serve thick, rich udon noodles in a delicious broth.
📍 3631-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan
One of the highest-rated eateries near Mount Fuji is Kosaku Kawaguchiko, offering a unique dining experience. You'll need to remove your shoes upon entry, as it primarily caters to locals.
📍 1638-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan
A hidden gem is the restaurant Uoshige (魚重), an extraordinary seafood cuisine establishment. Their sashimi (raw sliced fish) rice bowls and grilled eel are exquisite!
📍 3 Chome-31-1 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0004, Japan
The Kawaguchiko area also has numerous scenic cafes serving exceptional coffee. One memorable cafe next to Fuji Lake Hotel offers outdoor seating with views of Lake Kawaguchiko. Be sure to try the Mount Fuji-shaped bread, Fujisan Shokupan - as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy!
📍 3462-11 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan
Mount Fuji promises a truly unforgettable experience. You can leisurely admire the scenery from your hotel room while enjoying tea and onsen. Explore quaint shops and savor local delicacies while strolling through the mountainside. A side trip to this natural wonder is a must when visiting Tokyo, offering breathtaking beauty that needs no Instagram filters – it's stunning everywhere you look.