Mount Fuji - Travel Tips

Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. It has a developed tourist economy and here are a few pointers to getting around and seeing the best of the mountain and the adjoining lakes.

The setting.

Japan's highest mountain is often depicted as beautiful snow capped perfect cone. It is all of this but not at the height of the summer. By then the snow has melted and it's natural rock and vegetation come to the fore.

Attractions.

In summer though the resorts around the mountain come to life. If your idea of fun is a theme park, then there are a number to choose from such as FujiQ.

Pleasure Boat. 

One of the best ways to see Mount Fuji is from the lake and on Lake Kawaguchiko you can embark for a 30 minute trip on the El Soleil. Prices and timetable on the link. Try and get on an early or late sailing because by the middle of the day coach parties arrive and it can be a bit of a crush.

Cable Car. 

If you want to get up a little higher to view Mount Fuji then the Mount Fuji Ropeway in Kawaguchi will take you there. Same rules as the boat. The early or late rides are the least congested.

Bus passes.

An excellent and economical way to get around the lakes if you are without a car and not in a desperate hurry. As you can see from the picture, be prepared to queue to buy your passes ands then board you bus route. Buy the tickets from the kiosk next to the railway station. It is kind of explained here (Kawaguchiko Bus) but some of the smaller buses get packed and you must wait for the next one.

Climbing Mount Fuji.

This can be done in the summer months only. There is some guidance here.

Hotels.

This is down to personal preference and budget. I personally recommend the Mizno (sometimes called Mizuno).

Dining.

There is not a lot of variety in the eating options with most tourists choosing to dine in their hotels. However there was a notable exception and that was 網焼ＨＡＮＡ. 

Getting there.

By train. Take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (70 minutes, about 2500 yen by direct limited express train or 100 minutes, 1320 yen by local trains with usually one transfer along the way). From Otsuki, take the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station (55 minutes, 1140 yen one way). You can upgrade to take the Fujisan Express. I did and enjoyed the experience. Again, a matter of choice.

Prices as of 2018. If you are travelling from Osaka or Kyoto, take the Shinkansen to Mishima and get the connecting bus. The bus is charged separately.