There are simply so many things to do in Mount Fuji and the Kawaguchiko area! During our 12 days of travels in Japan, we took the opportunity to do a round trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, Takayama, Nagoya and back to Tokyo. In this post, we’ll review what are some of top 9 things to do in Mount Fuji and attractions in the Kawaguchiko area!
1. Endless Photos of Mount Fuji
What would be a trip to Mount Fuji without taking endless photos of the grand old dame herself? Towering at 3,776 metres, Mount Fuji can be seen from almost every nook and cranny in an around the Kawaguchiko area. In fact, once we arrived at Kawaguchiko Station from Tokyo, the very first thing we did was to take a shot of Mount Fuji with the train next to Kawaguchiko Station.
During our trip, we were also very thankful to be among the less than 10% of travellers who got to see the entire Mount Fuji uncovered. Although we did not get to see Mount Fuji with its snow cap top this time, we were thankful to have clear days to see her in all her magnificent beauty. In fact, during our stay at Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou, we were surprised that the staff were also taking photos of Mount Fuji. As it turned out, the last few days prior to our arrival, Mount Fuji could not be seen due to the thick clouds that obstructed the view. We hope you’ll get to see the majestic Mount Fuji on your trip and have endless photo opportunites as well!
2. Where to eat in Mount Fuji Area – Sanrokuen 山麓園 BBQ Restaurant
If you’re wondering about what to eat in Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko area, look no further than Sanrokuen (山麓園) charcoal BBQ restaurant. As we were staying at the Fujizakura Inn, Sanrokuen came highly recommended by the hotel staff. In fact, prior to our arrival, we found that many visitors have given rave reviews for Sanrokuen because of its unique dining experience. After we were seated, red hot burning charcoals were brought to our bbq pit. Thereafter, a staff came with our order of food and showed us how BBQ at Sarokuen was done. The ingredients were fresh and the seafood was oh so sweet! The meal also ended with a HUGE pot of Hoto Noodles which was one of the best we’ve had in Japan. Check out our full review of Sanrokuen BBQ Restaurant here.
Hence, if you’re looking for a Mount Fuji restaurant to dine at, we highly recommend Sanrokuen and its unique charcoal barbecue experience!
Address: 3370-1 Funatsu, 富士河口湖町 Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0301, Japan
Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm (Closed on Thursdays)
3. Stroll Around Lake Kawaguchiko
As the stroll around Lake Kawaguchiko (bounded by the Kawaguchi-Machi Bridge) takes less than an hour to complete, we took the liberty to walk along the paths around the lake. The beauty of this walk is that you are able to take beautiful photos of Lake Kawaguchiko in the front and Mount Fuji in the background. During this walk, we were only able to see the top of Mount Fuji as it “peeked” above the thick clouds. One of the many scenic shots of Mount Fuji that is not to be missed.
*Do not be confused between this walk and the walk around the ENTIRE Lake Kawaguchiko – which is not humanly possible definitely not recommended by 2(unfit)bearbear.
4. Mount Fuji Sightseeing Bus
If you’re doing more than a day trip to Mount Fuji area, check out the Kawaguchiko/Saiko Sightseeing Bus Tour around the 5 lakes of Mount Fuji. The 2 day pass for the Mount Fuji Sightseeing Bus costs 1300 yen for the red line (Lake Kawaguchiko) and green line (Lake Saiko) while 1500 yen gets you an additional blue line that covers the Lake Shojiko/Lake Motosuko area. Since each return trip may already cost up to 900 yen around Lake Kawaguchiko, the Sightseeing Bus offers great value while visiting the attractions around the 5 lakes of Mount Fuji area.
5. Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center
The Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center (accessible by the Mount Fuji Sightseeing Bus) offers great views of Mount Fuji with Lake Kawaguchiko between you and the mountain. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy beautifully curated landscapes with Mount Fuji as the backdrop. We also chilled at the local cafe here at Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center and enjoyed a delicious and rich matcha ice cream (see matcha ice cream Mount Fuji above) – a must try while you’re here!
For those who are willing to splurge a little, check out Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa where you’ll be able to have views of both Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji right at your own private balcony!
Address: Japan, 〒401-0305 Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru District, 富士河口湖町Oishi, ２５８５
Opening Hours: 9am to 5:30pm daily
6. Lake Saiko Fugaku Wind Cave
There are so many things to do around Mount Fuji. If you’re doing a Mount Fuji day tour, you can consider visiting attractions around Lake Saiko – one of the 5 lakes around Mount Fuji. This time, we visited Fugaku wind cave where you’ll be able to see ice formations as well as some exhibits on how folks in the past used the wind caves as a natural refrigerator to store food and seeds.
Address: Japan, 〒401-0332 Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru District, 富士河口湖町Saiko, 青木ケ原2068−1
Opening Hours: 9am to 5:15pm daily
7. Ide Sake Brewery
If you’re wondering what to do in Mount Fuji area, other than Mount Fuji itself, check out Ide Sake Brewery. The site of Ide Sake Brewery was built during the Edo Period (1603 A.D. to 1868 A.D.) and the current company has been brewing sake for the last 60 years. During your visit, you can also choose to join the tour of the sake brewery. Make sure to make an appointment prior to your arrival to avoid disappointment. This time, though we were not able to join the tour, the staff on duty was kind enough to give us an education about the various type of sake ranging from the highest class of Daiginjo (大吟醸) or Junmai Daiginjo (純米大吟醸) (the latter being sake made purely from rice), to the next class of Ginjo (吟醸) and Junmai Ginjo (純米吟醸). We were also pleasantly surprised when we saw a picture of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family at Ide Sake Brewery. If it’s good enough for the Prime Minister, it’s definitely good enough for us! 🙂
Address: 41 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0301, Japan
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
*Sake tasting at Ide Sake Brewery costs 300 yen per person
8. Stay in Rooms with Views of Mount Fuji
During this trip, we were thankful to have been allocated an amazing room which directly faces Mount Fuji right from our own private balcony at Fujizakura Inn. On our second day there, the entire Mount Fuji was revealed as we woke up to a grand view of Mount Fuji right from the comforts of our own room. To take things up a notch, we also splurged and pampered ourselves with a stay at the exclusive Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou. Here, we enjoyed 2 unique experiences. Firstly, the “ryokan” treatment where we wore the traditional japanese yukata robes and enjoyed a japanese feast delivered to our room. Secondly (and most importantly), we had an in-room onsen that overlooked Mount Fuji! Ah…
Click here for the full review of our stay at Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou.
9. Ryokan and Hot Springs of Mount Fuji
As we alluded to in the previous paragraph, there are several onsens at the foot of Mount Fuji. Many also offer the ryokan experience. Check out Mount Fuji onsen experiences at Fujiyama Onsen or Hotel Mifujien to complete your Mount Fuji travel experience!
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If you’re wondering what to do in Mount Fuji or what are the things to do in Mount Fuji, we hope that this post has answered those queries and more! Enjoy your next Mount Fuji trip!
Related Post
If you have just completed a post from our 12 days of travels in Japan. Find out more about this trip to Japan in the following posts below.
15 Travel Experiences and Things to do in Tokyo Japan!
Top 9 Things to do in Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko Area!
Top 5 Things to do in Hida Takayama (高山)!
Top 6 Things to do in Nagoya (and food to eat)!
12 Days of Japan Travels: Tokyo Jimbocho and Imperial Palace Gardens Day 1
12 Days of Japan Travels: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Shinjuku Pablo and Shibuya Day 2
12 Days of Japan Travels: Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Sanrokuen and Fujizakura Inn Reviews Day 3
12 Days of Japan Travels: Lake Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center & Sightseeing Bus Tour Day 4
Konansou Mount Fuji Hotel Review (湖南庄) : In-Room Onsen and Meals with views of Mount Fuji!
12 Days of Japan Travels: Lake Saiko Wind Cave, Ide Brewery Mount Fuji and Bus Ride to Takayama Day 5
12 Days of Japan Travels: Takayama Morning Markets Jinya-Mae, Miyagawa and Takayama Hidagyu Day 6
12 Days of Japan Travels: Takayama Hidagyu (Hida Beef) and Bus Ride to Nagoya Day 7
Takayama Hidagyu Beef: All You Need To Know!
12 Days of Japan Travels: Eating our way through Nagoya Day 8
12 Days of Japan Travels: Visit Nagoya Castle and Overnight Bus Ride from Nagoya to Tokyo Day 9
12 Days of Japan Travels: Ichiran Ramen & Kamiya Pub Reviews Day 10
12 days of Japan Travels: Tsukiji Fish Market, Ippudo Ramen & Akihabara Tokyo Day 11
12 days of Japan Travels: Ueno Zoo, Ameyoko Shopping Street & Giga Butadon Day 12
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