The most iconic mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji, is a must-visit destination for any savvy tourist. Many people take on the challenge of scaling the summit during the July to September climbing season, but viewing the mountain’s spectacular scenery from the surrounding area is an equally popular activity. If you would like to see the magic of Mount Fuji up-close, be sure to use ORIX Rent a Car to enjoy its beauty to the max. Read on to discover the best scenic spots and gourmet foods around Mount Fuji!
The ultimate bucket-list location! Basic information on Mount Fuji
Standing tall at 3,776 meters high, Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain, with a vast area spanning both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. Its colossal peak can be seen from surrounding prefectures and cities as well as parts of Tokyo. Mount Fuji has long been revered as a sacred mountain and is a key symbol of Japanese pride. In 2013, it was registered as a World Heritage Site under the title “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration”.
Four top photo spots around Mount Fuji
Kawaguchiko Oishi Park
Mount Fuji photographs beautifully no matter the angle, but it appears even more eye-catching when paired with huge flower fields. Kawaguchiko Oishi Park, located in the Oishi district on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, is one of the most famous tourist spots around the lake. Here, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Fuji, the glistening Lake Kawaguchi, and vast fields of seasonal flowers all in one place. Nemophila bloom from May to June, fragrant lavender from late June to mid-July, and bright red kochia shrubs from mid to late October. Although there are no flowers to view from November to mid-April, this spot is still highly recommended thanks to the clear air and striking views of Mount Fuji.
Kawaguchiko Oishi Park
- Address: 2585 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: 14 minutes drive from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway
- Official Website: https://www.fkchannel.jp/naturelivingcenter/oishipark/
Oshino Hakkai
Mount Fuji and its surrounding areas are registered as a World Heritage site. ‘Oshino Hakkai’ in nearby Oshino Village, Yamanashi Prefecture is a collection of eight scenic ponds of various sizes. The ponds, including Deguchi Pond, Okama Pond, Waku Pond, and Kagami Pond, are fed by snowmelt from the summit of Mount Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous volcanic rock. This leaves the water crystal clear, meaning fish and water plants are clearly visible under the surface.
There is a large souvenir store in the center of Oshino Hakkai, next to which lies Naka Pond. This pond is not technically included in the eight ponds of Oshino Hakkai, but is the most visited spot in the area. Here, visitors can enjoy the picturesque sight of carp swimming in the blue-green pond in front of Mount Fuji. This is the ideal place to snap a scenic photo!
Oshino Hakkai
- Address: Shibo-kusa, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: 10 minutes drive from Yamanakako IC on the Chuo Expressway
Tourist Base Kawaguchiko
If you fancy a short break after sightseeing at the above two spots, Tourist Base Kawaguchiko is the place to go. This tourism exchange center newly opened in November 2023, boasting a relaxing cafe with an incredible view of Mount Fuji. The flooring is made of cozy tatami mats, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy a quintessential Japanese atmosphere. The cafe operates through a timed system: the first 30 minutes of use cost 1,500 yen, or for just 2,000 yen, you can stay for an hour. The buffet-style menu offers an unlimited choice of desserts from Chateraise, a famous Japanese confectionery manufacturer headquartered in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as snacks, Japanese curry, and a variety of beverages. In addition, customers who use the cafe can visit the rooftop terrace for free, so why not also rent a kimono at the kimono store on the first floor and snap a picture on the rooftop terrace in front of Mount Fuji?
Tourist Base Kawaguchiko
- Address: 3F & 4F, Maruso Building, 3636 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hours: 10:30am - 6:00pm (last admission at 5:30pm)
- Access: 5 minutes drive from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway
- Official Website: https://touristbase.jp/en/
FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace
If you’re still not satisfied after snapping the perfect shot of Mount Fuji at Tourist Base Kawaguchiko, why not join a tour to further explore the area around Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko? Even among the area’s famous tours, FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace is a little-known spot. Take the direct bus from Tourist Base Kawaguchiko, then walk to the terrace, where you can enjoy the amazing scenery of the four seasons. The classic view of a sea of clouds, autumn leaves, and the majestic Mount Fuji is truly breathtaking, so just imagine what other sights unfold here during other seasons!
- Tour details: https://fujiyama-twinterrace.com/en/access/#twintours
- Official Website: https://fujiyama-twinterrace.com/en/about/
Recommended gourmet bites around Mount Fuji
Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko
When you come to Yamanashi Prefecture, don’t miss out on the local delicacy of ‘houtou’! Houtou is a flat, thick noodle dish, made with a miso-based soup filled with meat, vegetables, and pumpkin.
The ‘Ogon Hoto’ at Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko uses pumpkin paste, special golden miso paste, Kyoto-made dashi soup stock, and other carefully selected ingredients, as well as fresh vegetables from their own farm and quality Yamanashi Prefecture produce. The noodles are chewy and moreish and have a rich, slightly sweet flavor. The premium version includes whole abalone for an extra touch of luxury.
Incidentally, the diagonal layout of Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko is designed so that every seat has a view of Mount Fuji!
Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko
- Address: 6931 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: 5 minutes drive from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway
- Opening hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm (last orders at 8:30pm)
- Official Website: https://www.funari.jp
Fujisan Pancake
Fujisan Pancake's signature dish, ‘Mount Fuji Pancakes’ feature rich cream adorably whipped in the shape of Mount Fuji. The kiln is made of volcanic rock from Mount Fuji, allowing the pancakes to be cooked at high temperatures in a short amount of time due to the natural far-infrared effect. This culminates in fluffy and smooth pancakes without any loss of moisture. In addition to pancakes, the restaurant also offers a variety of meals such as Japanese curry and pizza.
Fuji Pancake
- Address: 1F, THE NOBORISAKA HOTEL Shinkan, 6832 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi
- Access: 4 minutes drive from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway
- Business hours:
Weekdays: 11:00am - 6:00pm (last orders at 5:00pm)
Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays: 10:00am - 8:00pm (last orders at 7:00pm) - Official Website: https://fujisanpancake-kawaguchiko.com/#top
Onishi Meat Shop
Founded nearly 90 years ago, Onishi Meat Shop is a long-running butcher shop loved by locals. The store sells rarities such as high-quality domestic horse meat, Koshu Fujizakura Pork raised at the foot of Mount Fuji and Koshu Wine beef. For visitors who want to enjoy their food on the spot, there are freshly fried menchi-katsu ground meat cutlets made with Koshu Fujizakura Pork, as well as crunchy ‘Fuji-san Croquettes’ made in a photogenic Mount Fuji shape. The menchi-katsu cutlets are juicy and rich, and the croquettes perfectly balance meat flavors and potato sweetness.
Onishi Meat Shop
- Address: 2-6-7 Tatsugaoka, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: 8 minutes drive from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway
- Opening hours:
Weekdays: 10:00am - 6:30pm (last orders for fried food at 6:00pm)
Saturdays and national holidays: 10:00am - 5:00pm (last orders for fried food at 4:30pm) - Closed: Sundays, occasional irregular holidays
Enjoy freedom and flexibility on your trip! Drive from Tokyo to Mount Fuji with ORIX Rent A Car!
There are numerous public transportation options from Tokyo to the Mount Fuji area, but if you have an international driver's license or other documentation (e.g. an international driving permit based on the Geneva Convention or an official driver's license translation by JAF - a driver's license from your own country may also be required in some cases), why not rent a car? *Please check the rules regarding driver's licenses in advance, as they differ from country to country.
From Tokyo to the Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko area takes only 1.5 to 2 hours by car if there is no heavy traffic. The biggest advantage of traveling by rental car is that you are not bound by bus or train times and can plan your schedule with more flexibility. You can also stop the car at any time you like to enjoy the amazing views of Mount Fuji!
ORIX Rent A Car has more than 900 locations nationwide, with 45 in Tokyo alone. The company offers a variety of car models to suit couples and families traveling together, from coupes to minivans and luxury imported cars. Reservations can be made up to one hour prior to departure if you wish to plan your trip closer to the time depending on the weather conditions around Mount Fuji. The Quick Check-in Service(*) allows you to check the precautions list on the web in advance, greatly reducing the time required for on-site procedures.
*For details on how to use the service and the required documents, please refer to the official website.
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