1-Day Family Adventure Off the Beaten Path at Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan

1 days

Traditional japanese village at mountain foot
Chureito Pagoda with cherry blossoms and mountain view
Moss phlox plantation with mountain background
Lake Shojiko sunrise with mountain background
Lake Kawaguchiko sunrise with mountain background

About Mount Fuji, Japan

Experience the majestic beauty of Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. This iconic symbol of Japan offers breathtaking views, serene nature trails, and a rich cultural history. Embark on a challenging climb to the summit during the official climbing season (July to early September) or enjoy the stunning landscapes of the five surrounding lakes. Visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, at the mountain's base. Don't miss the chance to soak in the nearby hot springs after a day of exploration. Whether you're an adventurer, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Mount Fuji offers an unforgettable journey. Let us plan your perfect Mount Fuji experience.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

A Day of Adventure at Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi

Morning

Start your day with a Guided Hike up Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. The trail is well-marked and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This is a medium-paced hike suitable for families and those with a moderate level of fitness.

Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the panoramic views from the mountain. This is a great opportunity to rest and refuel before continuing your adventure.

Afternoon

After lunch, continue your descent down the mountain. Take a detour to visit the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely Boat Ride or simply relax by the water's edge.

Dinner

For dinner, experience a Traditional Japanese Meal at a local eatery. Try some local specialties such as sushi, tempura, or ramen. Remember to try the local sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine.

Evening

End your day with a visit to an Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring. This is a perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of hiking and exploring. The hot spring waters are believed to have healing properties, making this a rejuvenating experience.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

Guided Hike

1
Guided Hike

A guided hike up Mount Fuji, offering breathtaking views and a unique experience. The hike is challenging but rewarding, and is a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast.

Tours
Sports
Mount Fuji

2
Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, located on Honshū, is the highest mountain in Japan. It is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707–1708.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Lake Kawaguchi

3
Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the Fuji Five Lakes, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji. It's a popular destination for boating and fishing.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Boat Ride

4
Boat Ride

A boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi offers stunning views of Mount Fuji. The lake is one of the Fuji Five Lakes, and boat tours are a popular way to see the mountain.

Tours
Entertainment
Traditional Japanese Meal

5
Traditional Japanese Meal

Experience a traditional Japanese meal in a local restaurant. The meal typically includes sushi, sashimi, tempura, and other Japanese delicacies.

Food and Drink
Cultural Experiences
Onsen

6
Onsen

Onsen are Japanese hot springs, and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered throughout all of its major islands.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Yoshida Udon

Yoshida Udon

A local specialty of the Fuji region, these thick, chewy noodles are served in a soy-based broth with various toppings. The dish is named after the Yoshida trail on Mount Fuji.

Yamanashi Wine

Yamanashi Wine

Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mount Fuji is located, is Japan's leading wine region. The wine is made from locally grown grapes, offering a unique taste of the region.

Houtou

Houtou

A hearty noodle dish from the Yamanashi Prefecture. The noodles are thick and flat, served in a miso-based soup with vegetables and sometimes meat. It's a popular dish among hikers on Mount Fuji.

Koshu Miso

A type of miso paste unique to the Yamanashi Prefecture. It's often used in local dishes, adding a rich, savory flavor.

Fujiyama Cookie

A popular souvenir from the Mount Fuji area, these cookies are shaped like the iconic mountain and often filled with sweet red bean paste.

Yamanashi Fruit

Yamanashi Fruit

Yamanashi Prefecture is known as the 'Kingdom of Fruit' in Japan. Visitors should try the locally grown peaches, grapes, and cherries.

Sakura Mochi

Sakura Mochi

A traditional Japanese sweet often enjoyed during the cherry blossom season. It's made of sweet glutinous rice and filled with red bean paste, wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf.

Yamanashi Sake

Yamanashi Sake

Sake from Yamanashi Prefecture is renowned for its quality, thanks to the pure water from Mount Fuji used in its production.

Unagi

Unagi

Grilled eel is a popular dish in the region surrounding Mount Fuji. It's often served over rice and is known for its rich, savory flavor.

Wasabi Zuke

Wasabi Zuke

A specialty of Shizuoka Prefecture, which is home to part of Mount Fuji. It's a pickled dish made from wasabi, sake lees, and soy sauce.

Shizuoka Green Tea

Shizuoka Green Tea

Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan's leading producer of green tea. The tea has a distinct, refreshing taste, thanks to the clean water from Mount Fuji.

Fuji-san Bread

A sweet bread shaped like Mount Fuji, often filled with cream or other sweet fillings. It's a popular souvenir from the region.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Mount Fuji, Japan as a tourist is during the climbing season which is from early July to early September. During this period, the weather is relatively mild, the mountain huts are open, and the public transportation to and from the mountain is operational. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, midweek in July or September would be ideal. For those who are not interested in climbing but want to enjoy the scenic beauty, the months of October and November offer beautiful autumn colors, while late April to early June offers stunning views with cherry blossoms.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 8

Mon

Coming of Age Day

February 11

Sun

National Foundation Day

February 12

Mon

National Foundation Day observed

February 23

Fri

Emperor's Birthday

March 20

Wed

Spring Equinox

April 29

Mon

Shōwa Day

May 3

Fri

Constitution Memorial Day

May 4

Sat

Greenery Day

May 5

Sun

Children's Day

May 6

Mon

Children's Day observed

July 15

Mon

Sea Day

August 11

Sun

Mountain Day

August 12

Mon

Day off for Mountain Day

September 16

Mon

Respect for the Aged Day

September 22

Sun

Autumn Equinox

September 23

Mon

Autumn Equinox observed

October 14

Mon

Sports Day

November 3

Sun

Culture Day

November 4

Mon

Culture Day observed

November 23

Sat

Labor Thanksgiving Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo is by Shinkansen, Japan's bullet train. You can take the Kodama or Hikari train from Tokyo to Shin-Fuji Station, which is the closest station to Mount Fuji.

There are direct buses from Tokyo to the Fifth Station of Mount Fuji, which is the starting point for most climbers. The bus ride takes about 2.5 hours. There are also local buses that run around the base of the mountain, connecting different tourist spots.

Renting a car is a good option if you want more flexibility. There are several car rental companies in Tokyo and other major cities. You can drive to the Fifth Station of Mount Fuji, but note that the road is closed from late autumn to early spring.

Taxis are available, but they can be quite expensive due to the distance from major cities to Mount Fuji. They can be a good option if you're traveling in a group or if you have a lot of luggage.

Ridesharing services like Uber are not widely available in the Mount Fuji area. However, you can use local ridesharing apps like JapanTaxi for short trips around the base of the mountain.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle and ride around the base of Mount Fuji. There are several bicycle rental shops in the area. Note that this is not recommended for inexperienced cyclists due to the hilly terrain.

Hiking is the most popular way to explore Mount Fuji. There are several trails leading up to the summit, with the Yoshida Trail being the most popular. The climbing season is from early July to early September.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency¥ JPY

Time zoneUTC+9

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage100 V

Things to know about Mount Fuji, Japan as a first time visitor

1

Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain, standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet).

2

The official climbing season is from early July to early September. Outside of these months, the mountain huts and facilities are usually closed.

3

There are four routes to climb Mount Fuji: Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya. Each has its own characteristics and difficulty levels.

4

The weather on Mount Fuji can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Always check the forecast before your climb.

5

Temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing, even in summer. In Fahrenheit, it can drop below 32°F and in Celsius, it can drop below 0°C.

6

Altitude sickness is a common issue for climbers. It's recommended to acclimatize yourself by spending a night at one of the mountain huts around the 5th station.

7

Ensure you have the right gear. This includes warm clothing, rain gear, good hiking boots, a headlamp for night climbing, and enough food and water.

8

There are no trash cans on Mount Fuji. You are expected to carry all your trash back down with you.

9

There are mountain huts available for overnight stays, but they require advance booking. They also provide meals and have toilet facilities.

10

Toilets on the mountain are not free. You'll need to pay a small fee each time you use them.

11

There is a small post office at the summit where you can send postcards.

12

The sunrise from the summit, known as 'Goraiko', is one of the highlights of the climb. Plan your climb to reach the summit before sunrise.

13

Climbing Mount Fuji is physically demanding. Ensure you are in good health and have a reasonable level of fitness before attempting the climb.

14

There are no trees or much vegetation on Mount Fuji. The terrain is mostly volcanic rock and can be slippery when wet.

15

There is a saying in Japan: 'He who climbs Mount Fuji once is a wise man, he who climbs it twice is a fool.' This is due to the difficulty of the climb.

16

There are buses from Tokyo to the 5th station of Mount Fuji. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

17

The mountain is considered a sacred place in Shinto belief. Be respectful of the environment and the cultural significance of the mountain.

18

There is a small shrine at the summit, and many climbers buy a wooden walking stick at the 5th station, which can be branded with stamps at each station as a souvenir.

19

Cell phone service can be spotty on the mountain. Don't rely on it for communication or navigation.

20

It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers hiking or climbing activities, in case of any accidents or health issues.

Basic Japanese to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

こんにちは

Konnichiwa

Greeting someone

Goodbye

さようなら

Sayonara

Leaving someone

Thank you

ありがとう

Arigatou

Expressing gratitude

Excuse me

すみません

Sumimasen

Getting someone's attention

Yes

はい

Hai

Affirmative response

No

いいえ

Iie

Negative response

Please

お願いします

Onegaishimasu

Making a request

I'm sorry

ごめんなさい

Gomennasai

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

英語を話せますか?

Eigo o hanasemasu ka?

Asking if someone speaks English

Where is Mount Fuji?

富士山はどこですか?

Fujisan wa doko desu ka?

Asking for directions to Mount Fuji

How much does it cost?

いくらですか?

Ikura desu ka?

Asking the price of something

I don't understand

わかりません

Wakarimasen

When you don't understand what's being said

Bathroom

トイレ

Toire

Asking for the restroom

Help

助けて

Tasukete

When you need assistance

Food

食べ物

Tabemono

When you're looking for something to eat

Water

Mizu

When you're looking for water

Train station

Eki

Asking for directions to the train station

Hotel

ホテル

Hoteru

Asking for directions to a hotel

Beautiful

美しい

Utsukushii

Complimenting something or someone

I'm lost

迷子です

Maigo desu

When you've lost your way

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Thermal underwear

  • Insulated pants

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Hiking boots

  • Thick socks

  • Gloves

  • Beanie

  • Sunglasses

  • Scarf

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized toothpaste

  • Toothbrush

  • Travel-sized shampoo

  • Travel-sized body wash

  • Deodorant

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Japanese Yen

  • Credit and Debit cards

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Emergency contact list

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Portable charger

  • Camera

  • Headphones

  • Adapters and converters

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • First aid kit

  • Map of Mount Fuji

  • Backpack

  • Trekking poles

  • Headlamp

Weather Conditions

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, offers a unique and breathtaking experience. However, weather conditions can greatly impact your visit, so it's important to plan accordingly. The mountain's weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly. It's common to experience all four seasons in a single day, so be prepared for sudden shifts in temperature and weather conditions. The climbing season for Mount Fuji is relatively short, typically from early July to early September. During this time, daytime temperatures at the summit can range from 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to below freezing, around 32°F (0°C). Outside of the climbing season, Mount Fuji is often covered in snow and the temperatures can drop significantly. It's not uncommon for the summit to experience temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C) in the winter months. Regardless of when you visit, it's crucial to dress in layers. This allows you to adjust your clothing to the changing conditions. A waterproof and windproof outer layer is highly recommended, as sudden rain showers and strong winds are common. Also, don't forget to protect yourself from the sun. The UV rays at high altitudes can be much stronger than at sea level, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Lastly, always check the weather forecast before your trip. Conditions can change rapidly and it's important to be prepared for any situation. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when visiting Mount Fuji. Enjoy your trip and the stunning views this iconic mountain has to offer!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

3° / -8°

January is the coldest month in Mount Fuji, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time for winter sports, but be prepared for heavy snowfall.

February

4° / -7°

February is still very cold, with a high chance of snow. It's a good month for skiing and snowboarding, but make sure to dress warmly.

March

7° / -3°

March sees the start of the spring thaw, but temperatures can still be quite chilly. The snow begins to melt, revealing the beautiful landscapes beneath.

April

15° / 1°

April is when spring truly arrives in Mount Fuji. The weather is generally pleasant, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

May

20° / 6°

May is a great time to visit Mount Fuji, with mild temperatures and clear skies. The lush greenery and blooming flowers make for stunning views.

June

23° / 11°

June is the start of the rainy season in Mount Fuji. While the temperatures are warm, be prepared for frequent showers.

July

25° / 15°

July is the warmest month in Mount Fuji, but also the wettest. It's a good time for hiking, but make sure to bring waterproof gear.

August

26° / 16°

August is still quite warm, but the rainfall starts to decrease. The clear days offer breathtaking views from the summit.

September

22° / 12°

September marks the end of the rainy season in Mount Fuji. The weather is generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall.

October

17° / 7°

October is a great time to visit Mount Fuji, with mild temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. The clear skies offer great opportunities for photography.

November

11° / 1°

November is when the temperatures start to drop, and the autumn leaves start to fall. It's a good time for hiking, but make sure to dress warmly.

December

5° / -4°

December marks the start of the winter season in Mount Fuji. The temperatures drop significantly, and the mountain is often covered in snow.

Did you know?

Did you know that Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet)?

1 of 10

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