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Planning a trip to Mount Fuji can feel overwhelming, especially when every travel blog post throws the same list of overhyped spots at you.
When I visited solo in December, I skipped the tour buses and didn’t climb the mountain. I didn’t hit every Instagram-famous location either.
Instead, I took a short train ride to Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida and then explored places near Lake Kawaguchiko on a rental bike the next day at my own pace, with no pressure to “see it all.”
That slower, more flexible approach turned out to be one of the highlights of my Japan trip!
In this post, I’m sharing 7 of the best things to do at Mount Fuji, based entirely on the spots I personally visited and loved. These include well-known highlights and a few quieter places with stunning Fujisan views.
At the end, I’ve also added a few bonus ideas in case you have more time, or want to build a longer trip around this beautiful area.
You’ll also find practical seasonal travel tips, along with a few things I wish I knew before going.
So whether you’re traveling solo, planning a day trip, or just want to enjoy Mount Fuji without the stress, this article is for you!
Fun Things to Do Near Mt Fuji
- Visit Chureito Pagoda and Arakura Sengen Shrine
- Soak in The Beautiful Scenery of Maple Corridor
- Cycle Around Lake Kawaguchiko
- Visit Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
- Visit Oishi Park
- Hang Out at Nagasaki Park
- Eat Hoto Noodles
1. Visit Chureito Pagoda and Arakura Sengen Shrine
If you’ve seen the iconic photo of a red pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background, it was likely taken at Chureito Pagoda.
Located in Arakurayama Sengen Park, this popular Instagram spot attracts lots of tourists and photographers.
I didn’t and just took mine from higher up!
Honestly, I expected the five-story pagoda to be bigger in real life, but the clear, unobstructed view of Fujisan (minus the crowd) made up for it.
That said, getting there isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
There are two ways up: a 400-step staircase or a longer, winding tar road.
I started on the road but found it more tiring and eventually switched to the stairs.
Climbing in a thick jacket and multiple layers had me stopping several times to catch my breath!
Travel tip: I arrived at 2 pm and the sun was directly behind Mt Fuji, which made the photos less ideal. For that postcard-perfect shot, visit in the early morning or just before sunset.
If you want to skip the massive crowd and still enjoy that stunning Fujisan view, walk to the left of the observation deck.
There are also benches available where you can sit and soak in the peaceful vibes.
Once you’re done taking photos, I recommend using the tar road to head back down. It’s less tiring, and the tree-lined path gives a different, calmer atmosphere.
While you’re at the park, stop by the main building of Arakura Sengen Shrine.
Locals often visit to pray for safe childbirth, family happiness, and protection from evil.
2. Soak in The Beautiful Scenery of Maple Corridor
If you’re visiting Mount Fuji in autumn, then make your way to the Maple Corridor.
It’s one of the prettiest places to catch the fall foliage!
Lined with about 60 maple trees along both sides of the Nashigawa River, this peaceful walkway offers multiple photo opportunities and is a lovely place to enjoy a scenic stroll.
I visited in early December, which was just after the peak season.
While most of the leaves had already fallen, there were still some vibrant colors here and there to admire.
It was much quieter than expected too, which made the walk even more relaxing.
This spot is equally beautiful in summer, when the whole path turns lush and green.
So even if you miss the foliage, it’s still worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for a break from the busier areas.
3. Cycle Around Lake Kawaguchiko
Cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko is genuinely one of the best things you can do when visiting Mount Fuji; the scenery is just breathtaking!
I rented a bicycle for a day and loved the flexibility of stopping whenever I wanted, especially when I spotted quiet, photo-worthy views of Fujisan without any crowds.
There’s a dedicated blue-painted cycling lane along the road, which makes it easy to follow and safer for cyclists heading to the sightseeing spots.
Travel tip: Some bike rental stores even offer bikes with child seats, which makes this a great option for families who don’t have a rental car.
I highly recommend doing this in cooler seasons like autumn or winter.
Unless you don’t mind sweating through the humid summer heat, cycling in hot weather might not be as enjoyable.
Plus, winter often brings clearer skies, so your chances of seeing Fujisan in full view are higher too!
Important: Get a helmet from the rental store and wear it, even if it messes up your hair or ruins your OOTD aesthetics or your travel mates are not wearing one.
I saw a lady fall while trying to ride off a curb during my excursion. Thankfully she was okay, but it was a reminder that safety always comes first because you never know what might happen.
Better be safe than sorry!
4. Visit Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
If you’re into flowers, music, and European vibes, the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum is worth checking out.
Located near Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge, this museum features beautiful antique musical instruments and mechanical organs, mainly from Europe.
But the real highlight for me was actually the European-style garden outside.
With over 700 varieties of roses and a clear view of Mount Fuji on sunny, cold days, the whole place feels like something out of a fairytale.
Unfortunately, the museum was closed when I visited (I didn’t realize it closed on Tuesday), so I couldn’t go inside.
I was a bit sad since I was really looking forward to seeing the flowers up close.
Still, I managed to take a few nice photos from outside and made a mental note to come back again next time!
Travel tip: Check the museum’s opening days in advance. Some attractions around Mount Fuji are closed on weekdays, so you might want to swap your itinerary around to avoid disappointment.
5. Visit Oishi Park
Oishi Park is a popular tourist attraction thanks to the picturesque, unobstructed view of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko, and lovely seasonal flowers.
You can take a stroll along the walkway while enjoying the scenery or try out the Instagrammable lavender-flavoured soft serve ice cream.
If you want to dine in with a view, you can head up to level 2 of Oishi Park Cafe and enjoy your food comfortably.
To be honest, I didn’t spend much time here during my visit. It was super crowded, and with everyone taking photos of the scenery, it was hard not to get photobombed.
And since I visited in early winter, most of the flowers had already bloomed, so the scenery wasn’t as eye-catching either.
But lucky me, I stumbled upon a nearby quieter hidden gem that offers equally stunning Mount Fuji scenery.
In fact, I was surprised that this lovely spot wasn’t crowded at all, even though it’s just a 5 to 10-minute ride from Oishi Park.
I’ll share more about this spot in the next point!
6. Hang out at Nagasaki Park
Forget about fighting crowds or standing in long queues just to snap the perfect Fujisan photo.
At Nagasaki Park, you can take selfies to your heart’s content or even orchestrate your own Mount Fuji photoshoot without worrying about bumping into people.
The tall pampas grass adds a nice aesthetic touch, and you can even spot the sightseeing cruise drifting by in the background.
Travel tip: There’s no designated parking lot nearby. If you’re driving, you can park along the narrow roadside and walk down to the park.
7. Eat Hoto Noodles
While you are here in Mount Fuji, you have to try the Hoto noodles.
Typically served in iron hot pot style, this local specialty dish is made of thick wheat noodles cooked in miso based soup with pumpkin and other seasonal vegetables like radish.
There are plenty of restaurants selling Hoto noodles near Mount Fuji, with popular spots include Houtou Fudou, Koshu Hoto Kosaku, and Hotokura Funari.
Since I stayed at Toyoko Inn Hotel, I went to Hoto Tempura Wakana, which was just a 2-minute walk away.
I ordered the Hoto noodle and tempura set but I couldn’t finish it because the portion was massive!
So if you’re traveling in a pair, definitely consider sharing one set (unless you’re really hungry).
Personal note: If you’re from Malaysia or Singapore, the texture and look of Hoto noodles might remind you of pan mee (Cantonese) or ban mian (Mandarin); just with chunkier noodles and some big pieces of pumpkin and radish.
Have More Time? Here Are Other Fun Things to Do Around Mount Fuji
If you’re spending more than one night or squeeze in a few more stops to your Mount Fuji itinerary, here are a few other fun things to consider:
- Explore Oshino Hakkai: This quaint village has eight super clear ponds formed by Mt Fuji’s snowmelt. Typically recommended by other travel blogs and the usual pit stop for a day trip tour from Tokyo.
- Take the sightseeing cruise: Hop on a short cruise across Lake Kawaguchiko for chill Fujisan views from the water.
- Snap photos at Tenku no Torii: It’s a bit of a climb (30-minute walk) to reach this hilltop torii gate but you will get the postcard-perfect shot of Mount Fuji. The entrance fee is 100 yen ($0.65).
- Ride the Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway: If you’re not up for a hike or cycle but still want the view, this quick cable car ride takes you to a lookout over Lake Kawaguchiko!
- Check Out Narusawa Ice Cave: This little cave stays frozen year-round (even in summer), and you get to walk through lava-formed tunnels.
- Hike Mt Fuji (seasonal): If you’re visiting in July or August and feeling adventurous, you can actually climb Mt Fuji. It’s not an easy hike though, so plan ahead and know what you’re getting into!
💡Want to explore beyond Mount Fuji? Check out my Japan Bucket List article for more scenic spots, food adventures, and underrated gems across Japan!
Is Mount Fuji Worth Visiting (Even if You Don’t Climb It)?
Definitely yes!
When I visited in December, I didn’t have big expectations. I just knew it was going to be touristy. I didn’t plan to climb the mountain or tick off every viral spot (Hello, Lawson) either.
But I was honestly blown away by how stunning the Mount Fuji scenery was.
No matter where I went, Fujisan was just there, standing tall and beautiful in the background.
And cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko turned out to be one of the best things I did.
The bike paths were well-maintained, and I loved having the freedom to stop anytime and soak in the view.
So even if you’re not hiking, Mount Fuji is still totally worth the visit.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Mount Fuji (So You Don’t Make the Same Mistakes)
Mount Fuji Is Not a Single Place Name
Many first-time visitors (including me) assume Mount Fuji is just one place on the map.
I honestly thought I could visit every spot around here in one day.
By bike.
I was so wrong.
In reality, Mount Fuji is HUGE; it’s a whole region made up of lakes, towns, and scenic spots that are quite spread out.
The most famous area of Mt Fuji is the Fuji Five Lakes, which includes:
- Lake Kawaguchiko
- Lake Saiko
- Lake Yamanakako
- Lake Shojiko
- Lake Motosuko
Each lake has its own charm and attractions. Some are quite far from Kawaguchiko Station, so a car is really helpful if you want to explore them all.
Travel tip: Lake Kawaguchiko is the most popular base because it’s easy to reach from Tokyo (direct train and bus), and you can explore a lot without needing a car.
If you are doing a day trip from Tokyo, joining a tour can take away the stress of planning transport and timing.
Some Attractions Close on Weekdays
Some museums like Kawaguchiko Museum of Art and Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum are closed on specific weekdays.
So if museum-hopping is on your to-do list, check each venue’s opening days and hours before you go. Planning around closures will save you disappointment!
Want the Best Bike? Go Rent Early
If you plan to explore Lake Kawaguchiko by bike, start early so you get your pick of the best rental options.
Most shops rent out both regular and electric bikes on a first-come, first-served basis.
I arrived about 20 minutes after the rental bike shop opened, and all the electric bikes were already taken!
The regular bike was still manageable; I could easily pedal from Toyoko Inn Hotel to Oishi Park and back, but I’m pretty sure an electric bike would’ve made me feel like I was gliding through the air.
Stay Near Kawaguchiko Station If You Don’t Have a Car
Trust me, being close to the station saves so much time, especially if you’re relying on buses or trains.
It also gives you easy access to restaurants, shops, convenience stores, and more.
Bonus: Many highly-raved ryokan and onsen stays near Mount Fuji are nearby too, if you’re planning to soak with a view.
Make Dinner Reservation
Some restaurants around Mount Fuji close as early as 5 or 6 pm, especially the smaller, local places tucked away from the main roads.
That means fewer dinner options and longer queues.
To avoid hangry moments, check opening hours ahead of time and make a dinner reservation if you can.
In my case, I waited for 30 minutes on a cold winter night while waiting for a non-reserved seat at Hoto Tempura Wakana, just because I didn’t book ahead.
Memorable? Kinda.
Fun? Not really. 😅
Now that you’ve got the essential tips down, here are some quick answers to common questions I get about visiting Mount Fuji, especially if you’re planning your first trip!
FAQs: Best Things to Do Around Mount Fuji
Can you see Mt Fuji from Tokyo?
Yes, but only on clear days! Your best bet is between December and March. You can get a glimpse of Fujisan from the free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Do I need to rent a car to explore Mt Fuji?
No. If you’re staying around Lake Kawaguchiko, you can get around easily by sightseeing buses or rental bikes. But for visiting farther spots, a rental car definitely helps.
What to do in Mount Fuji in 1 day?
For a day trip, you can visit Chureito Pagoda, Nagasaki Park, Oishi Park, and enjoy a hot bowl of Hoto noodles!
How many days do I need in Mount Fuji?
2 days at least, if you really want to explore most of the spots listed here and soak in those stunning views of Fujisan.
Plus, if the mountain is hiding behind clouds on your first day (which is often the case), you’ve still got the next day for another chance!
Where can I stay near Mt Fuji?
You’ll find everything from hostels and hotels to ryokan with private onsen. If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, here’s my full guide on where to stay at Mount Fuji!
Verdict: Enjoy Your Trip to Mount Fuji!
Mount Fuji might be one of Japan’s most touristy spots. But if you do it your way, it doesn’t have to feel touristy.
Whether you’re snapping photos at Chureito Pagoda, biking around Lake Kawaguchiko, or just soaking in the quiet scenery at a hidden park, there are so many ways to enjoy Fujisan without constantly rushing from one “must-see” to another.
I had such a great time exploring at my own pace in winter, and I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that feels just as easy, scenic, and fun!
Ready to plan the rest of your Japan trip? Bookmark these for easy planning:
- First Time To Japan: Best 45 Insider Tips (+Personal Exp!)
- Summer in Japan: 11 Unmissable Things to Do for First-Time Travellers
- Best Japan 3 Week Itinerary for First Timers
- Best Fall Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- 15 Best Ryokan With Private Onsen In Takayama
- 13 Best Onsen Ryokan In Kanazawa (+Private Onsen)
Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring Asia. Growing up in multiracial Malaysia and later living in Singapore, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a love for outdoor adventures and water sports, Sam helps over 25K readers each month plan Asia trips, including off the beaten path destinations and sharing practical travel tips and real, unfiltered experiences!