Fujinomiya is located in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture, at the foot of the south-western side of the World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji. In addition to abundant scenic spots, there are many temples, shrines, and tourist facilities related to Mt. Fuji there. The area is also famous for its specialty products such as the tea, rice and vegetables that grow in the rich environment, and dishes such as “Fujinomiya Yakisoba”.
About Fujinomiya
In Fujinomiya, there is a plain in the south, where the city stands, and mountains such as Mt. Fuji and Mt. Kenashi in the north. Fujinomiya has a long history as a temple town for Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, the shrine at the center of the Mt. Fuji faith.
Fujinomiya Climate and Tourism Season
Since Fujinomiya is the city with the highest elevation in Japan, the climate varies depending on the area. The southern plains are relatively warm year round. On the other hand, in the northern part, the top of Mt. Fuji can be as cold as a winter day even in the summer.
If you want to tour all of Fujinomiya, including Mt. Fuji, the summer climbing season is recommended.
Things to Do in Fujinomiya
Fujinomiya has various attractions such as the Shiraito Falls and Asagiri Kogen Highlands, but here we will recommend some of our favorite sightseeing spots and activities.
Mt. Fuji Climbing Routes to Take You Through Fujinomiya, and Other Activities
In Fujinomiya, you can experience various activities such as paragliding, rafting, and hiking in addition to sightseeing.
Among them, climbing Mt. Fuji is popular. Take the bus to “Fujinomiya 5th Station”, where the entrance is located, and climb the “Fujinomiya Route” to the summit. The magnificent scenery of the city below, the lakes, and other mountains seen from the top of the mountain is stunning.
The “Fujinomiya Route” is open from July 10th to September 10th. The altitude difference is about 1,300m, and the required time is about 5 hours for climbing and about 3 hours for descending.
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha and Other Historical Sites
Fujinomiya has many historical temples and shrines such as “Taiseki-ji Temple” and “Murayama Sengen Shrine”.
Among them, the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is a historical shrine that serves as the head shrine for the Asama/Sengen Shrines, of which there are more than 1,300 shrines nationwide. There are many seasonal events, including the famous “Fujinomiya Festival” in November, when the many floats with splendid decorations gather in front of the shrine after making their tour of the city.
Shizuoka Prefecture World Heritage Center and Other Museums in Fujinomiya
In Fujinomiya, there are various museums, such as the Fujinomiya City Maizo Bunka-zai Center (Fujinomiya Cultural Center), which exhibits excavated items and introduces historic sites around the city, and the Fujinomiya City Kyodo-shokan (Fujinomiya Local History Museum), which exhibits information about the history of Fujinomiya and Mt. Fuji.
In particular, the Shizuoka Prefectural Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center is a must-see. There are many displays conveying the charm of Mt. Fuji, such as videos and panels arranged by theme, a slope that allows you to experience what it's like climbing Mt. Fuji, and a viewing spot where you can see Mt. Fuji.
Fujinomiya Food and Restaurants
In Fujinomiya, you can enjoy a wide variety of specialties such as Fujinomiya yakisoba, rainbow trout dishes, and dishes using brand-name meat such as “Ruibi-buta”.
Restaurants are scattered about both the south and the north, but are especially numerous in the southern city center, around JR Fujinomiya Station.
Fujinomiya Hotels and Inns
Many of the accommodations in Fujinomiya are in the southern, city area, and there are hotels, inns, hostels, guest houses, etc. In particular, there are many basic hotels around JR Fujinomiya Station that cost around 3,000-5,000 yen. Although the number is small, hotels, rental cottages and log houses are also scattered about the north.
Access to Fujinomiya
If you want to visit Fujinomiya, aim for JR Fujinomiya Station, the base for tourism. First, take the Fuji-Q Shizuoka bus from JR Shinfuji Station, which is a Shinkansen stop, for about 7 minutes to JR Fuji Station. From JR Fuji Station, take the JR Minobu Line to JR Fujinomiya Station. It takes about 20 minutes.
You can take trains or buses from JR Fujinomiya Station to the various sightseeing spots. In addition to local buses, there are the “Miya Bus”, which circles the city, the periodic sightseeing bus “Gouriki-kun” that runs only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and the "Fuji Tozan Bus" to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station that runs from spring to autumn can also be used. (As of August 2019)
Spot information
- Spot name：Fujinomiya (JR Fujinomiya Station)
- Street address：16-1 Chuocho, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture (zip 418-0065)
- Access：Shin-Fuji Station → [Fuji-Q Shizuoka Bus] approx. 7 minutes → Fuji Station → [JR Minobu Line] approx. 20 minutes → Fujinomiya Station
- Wi-Fi：Available（Sakuya Wi‐Fi）
- Language：English
- Credit cards：VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International
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