🗻Mt. Fuji Travel Guide🗻When to Go, Where to See, How to Plan

🗻Mt. Fuji Travel Guide🗻When to Go, Where to See, How to Plan

Thank you for watching this video. I’m your navigator HIRO. In this video, I’ll give you a comprehensive and detailed guide to accessing the Mount Fuji area, one of Japan’s most iconic and beloved destinations. Over the years, I’ve received many questions in the comments of my previous Mount Fuji videos, especially about how to get there. So I created this video with one goal in mind, to make sure that by watching just this one video you’ll understand everything you need to know. Now, when you think of Mount Fuji, chances are you’re picturing something like this. But between July and September, it actually looks more like this. And on warm days in spring, summer and autumn, the summit is often hidden beneath clouds like this. In fact, Mount Fuji’s appearance changes depending on the season and the time of day. That’s why this video is packed with tips to help you enjoy Mount Fuji at its most beautiful. Will compare different travel options based on your season, budget, rail pass, itinerary, and personal style. So, you can choose what’s best for you. If you’re wondering how to get there, this video is made for you. Let HIRO, your travel navigator and transportation expert, guide you every step of the way. Before we dive into transportation options, there is something important we need to clarify. When people say ” I’m going to Mount Fuji,” what exactly do they mean? Where are they going and what will they do there?There are two main ways to enjoy Mount Fuji. One, climbing the mountain and two, viewing the mountain. Climbing mountain is famous, but it’s actually a limited activity, only possible during a short summer season. On the other hand, viewing Mount Fuji is something people enjoy year-round, and that’s the focus of this video. Still, for those who are curious, let me briefly explain the climbing experience. Mount Fuji stands at 3776 meters, making it the tallest mountain in Japan. Because of its height, it’s covered in snow for more than half the year. The official climbing season runs from early July to early September. Each year, around 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji, but most don’t start from the base. Instead, they take a bus to the fifth station, located at about 2300 meters and begin their ascent from there. There are 4 main trails, with the “Yoshida Trail” on the north side being the most popular. The standard climbing style is a 2- day trip. Day 1: Start from the 5th station around noon, hike to the mountain hut near the 8th station and stay overnight. Day 2: Leave the h ut in the middle of the night, r each the summit around 4:00 to 5:00 AM to watch the sunrise, then descend and return to the fifth station by midday. Watching the sunrise from the summit is called “Goraiko” in Japanese and is considered a sacred and auspicious experience. The word “Goraiko” literally means “honorable arrival of light,” referring to the first rays of the sun appearing over the horizon. Some people attempt a one-they climb, known as “bullet climbing”, but this is risky due to altitude sickness. Authorities strongly advise against it. Also, due to increasing popularity, the Yoshida Trail now has entry restrictions. Starting in 2024, only 4,000 people per day can enter from the 5th station. 3,000 via the advance reservation and 1000 on a day. If you have a hut reservation, you’re exempt from this limit. And from 2025, a ¥4000 entry fee will be required. Reservations for mountain huts are typically made through their websites. You can scan this QR code to access a list of hut websites. That’s a quick overview of climbing Mount Fuji, but as mentioned earlier, this is only possible during a limited summer window. Now let’s explore the more popular way to enjoy Mount Fuji, ” viewing it.” You may have heard of places like “Kawaguchiko Ropeway” to “Chureito Pagoda” or “Oshino Hakkai.” These are all scenic spots where you can admire Mount Fuji and take photogenic pictures. For centuries, Japanese people have revered Mount Fuji as a sacred symbol in “Shinto” belief. Even today, many refer to “viewing Mount Fuji” as “worshipping it.” While religious meaning has faded for most, the snow-capped triangular silhouette of Mount Fuji remains universally admired. It’s been featured in countless artworks, including Hokusai’s famous “36 views of Mount Fuji,” which appear in Japanese passports. In 2013, Mount Fuji was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as “an object of worship, an source of artistic inspiration.” So, when is the best season to visit Mount Fuji?If you’re climbing, summer is the time, but if you’re viewing, summer is actually the least recommended season. Instead, autumn, winter and spring are recommended. There are two key factors for enjoying Mount Fuji’s view. ①Snow on a summit and ②clear air from base to peak. From July to October, the summit is bear-no snow. While that’s great for climbing, many visitors hoping to see the iconic snow-capped Fuji end up disappointed. Typically, the first snowfall occurs in October or November. In 2025, it was observed on October 23rd. Snow coverage increases through winter, then gradually melts from May onward. By July, only faint streaks remain, and by August, the snow is completely gone. The second factor is air clarity. On warm days in spring, summer and autumn, sunlight heats the ground, creating water vapor and clouds. around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mount Fuji is often hidden behind clouds. So if you visit in summer, not only is there no snow, but the mountain itself may not be visible. If you must visit in summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon when clouds are thinner. Let me describe the seasonal highlights. In spring, Mount Fuji is framed by beautiful cherry blossoms, especially from mid to late April. The temperatures are mild, making it a comfortable season to enjoy the views. Summer is the official climbing season, but it’s also the time when Mount Fuji loses its snowcap. Due to strong sunlight and rising humidity, c louds often cover the summit during the day. If you’re visiting in summer, only morning and late afternoon offers you the best chance to see the mountain clearly. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, especially in November, and is also the season for delicious local food. Yamanashi Prefecture, home to Mount Fuji, is Japan’s top great producing region and also wines-so it’s great time to enjoy seasonal flavors. Winter offers the clearest air of the year, allowing you to see Mount Fuji in its most majestic form at any time of day. Just keep in mind-it can be extremely cold, so dress warmly if you plan to visit. Now let’s talk about the most important factor in Mount Fuji sightseeing: the weather. If it’s cloudy or rainy, you won’t see Mount Fuji at all, and most activities lose their appeal. There are many tourist facilities, but without the mountain itself, you can’t take that iconic photo you came for. So here is the ” golden rule.” Check the weather forecast and visit on a sunny day. It’s simple, but absolutely essential. When looking at how people travel to Mount Fuji area, there seem to be two main styles. The first is “hotel-based trip,” planned months in advance. In this style, travelers book accommodations near Mount Fuji months ahead of time. Because the travel dates are fixed, whether or not you actually see Mount Fuji depends entirely on the weather that day. It’s a matter of luck. That said, people who choose this style often place high value on the experience of staying overnight itself. Even if Mount Fuji isn’t visible, they still enjoy the resort atmosphere, hot springs and meals as a part of their trip. In fact, the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, the main lake in the area, are lined with scenic hotels offering beautiful views. This style is often part of longer journey across Japan, including stops in Tokyo, Kyoto and other cities. Many travelers come with the mindset of “If I get to see Mount Fuji, that’s a bonus.” The second style is a “flexible day trip from Tokyo.” Travelers stay in the Tokyo area a nd visit the Mount Fuji region only when the weather is clear. This style has a major advantage. You can adjust your plans based on the forecast. Since visibility is everything when it comes to Mount Fuji, being able to choose a sunny day makes a huge difference. Mount Fuji is just about two hours from Tokyo, and the main sightseeing spots are compact and easy to explore in a single day. That’s why I recommend staying in Tokyo for two to four nights and planning your Mount Fuji visit based on the weather forecast and your mood. Tokyo and its surroundings o ffer plenty of other destinations like Kamakura, Nikko and Hakone, as well as cultural attractions in the city that can be enjoyed rain or shine. So my advice is choose the sunniest day during your stay to visit Mount Fuji. And here’s a little tip-if you really want the cleanest possible view, try to go on a sunny day after it has just rained. The rain helps clear out dust and haze from the air, making Mount Fuji appear even more vivid and breathtaking. Just something to keep in mind. Worried about transportation reservations? Don’t worry, I’ll share my recommended method later in the video. Now let me introduce 4 must-see spots for Mount Fuji day trip. I’ll also share a sample itinerary and discount passes to help you explore efficiently. Of course, there are many other hidden gems in the area, but these four are especially photogenic, widely loved and perfect for first-time visitors. You may have heard of them already, they’re iconic locations that define Mount Fuji sightseeing today. Rather than lanking them, I present all four as equal top recommendations. #1 Cherry to pagoda. This is one of the most popular spots in recent years. You can capture a classic Japan photo of five- story pagoda in the foreground, Mount Fuji in a background and cherry blossoms in spring. The view over Fujiyoshida City is also stunning. Originally built as a War Memorial, it has become a major tourist attraction. From Kawaguchiko station, take the train 4 stops to Shimoyoshida station (15 minutes ¥310), then walk 20 minutes. You’ll need to climb 398 steps, but there is also a paved path suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Shimo Yoshida Station itself has a retro design and is photogenic. Nearby, “Honcho Street shopping district” offers another great photo spot, where Mount Fuji rises behind the nostalgic shopping street, creating surreal sense of depths. Also near the station, you’ll find “Yoshida Udon,” a beloved local dish with stick noodles and r ich broth. There are over 50 speciality shops in the city, known for their firm noodles and hearty toppings. My personal recommendation is a hidden gem called “Genji.” It’s popular among locals, but it’s still under the radar for international travelers. The soup is incredibly flavorful, and the meal cost just $3-5. They’re open from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM and closed on Mondays. It’s only 10 minutes walk from Shimoyoshida Station. I’ve included a QR code linking to their Google Maps reviews. Please check it out. One important tip: As Mount Fuji’s popularity continues to grow, a wave of newly opened restaurants have started appearing near major tourist spots-many of them targeting international visitors. Some of these places charge unusually high prices despite offering mediocre quality, aiming to profit from travelers who may not be familiar with local pricing standards. They often rely on the assumption that a higher price means better quality, which can be misleading. So, when choosing where to eat, I recommend looking for well-established local favourites or checking reviews in advance to avoid disappointment. Personally, I strongly recommend this traditional and delicious restaurants near Shimoyoshida station mentioned above. Back to Chureito Pagoda-it’s part of the public “Arakurayama Sengen Park,” so there is no entrance fee. During Cherry Blossom Festival in April, it gets extremely crowded and entry restrictions may apply. In other seasons, while still busy, you can enter freely. You’ll find that spending around 15 to 30 minutes here is more than enough to enjoy the view, take photos and soak in the atmosphere. It’s a compact spot, so you won’t need to set aside a large chunk of your day to appreciate it fully. If you’re traveling in a small group, taking a taxi is also a good option. About 10 minutes and ¥1500. That’s because trains in this area run only about once or twice per hour on average, including local and limited express train. And if you choose a limited express train, you need to pay an extra fee, which can make the trip more expensive. So depending on your schedule and group size, a short taxi ride may actually be the more practical choice. Note: D uring the Cherry Blossom Festival, traffic jams are severe, so taxis are not recommended. At Kawaguchiko station, taxis are always waiting and easy to catch. Sedan-type taxis can carry up to 4 passengers and wagon- type taxis can carry 6-7. While most people assume you’ll take the train, taxis are also a smart choice in terms of cost and convenience. To see what Chureito Pagoda actually looks like, check out the video I posted previously. #2 Oishi Park. A beautiful lakeside park on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi. You can enjoy stunning views of the lake and Mount Fuji. The Mount Fuji area features 5 lakes formed by the volcanic activity known as the ” Fuji 5 Lakes.” Mount Fuji is still an active volcano with potential for the future eruptions. Lake Kawaguchi is the largest of the five. By the way, you might notice 2 similar names used in this area-Kawaguchiko and Lake Kawaguchi. They actually refer to the same place. In Japanese, “Kawaguchi” is the name of the region and “Ko” simply means lake. So when you see station names, hotel listings, or sightseeing spots that say “Kawaguchiko,” you can interpret it as Lake Kawaguchi. They’re interchangeable. Oishi Park is located on its northern shore and can be reached by taking the sightseeing loop bus from Kawaguchiko station-about 30 minutes ¥570. The park features an open garden with seasonal flowers like herbs and kochia, which can be enjoyed year-round. Right in front of you is the vast Lake Kawaguchi , and beyond that stands the majestic 3776m Mount Fuji. This is the perfect place to enjoy the lake-and-mountain combination. Inside a park, there is a scenic cafe where you can enjoy light meals and sweets. From the stylish garden, you can take photogenic pictures of Mount Fuji and the lake. Like Chureito Pagoda, this is a public park, so there is no entrance fee, just the bus fare. #3 Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing boat. A 20 minutes cruise around Lake Kawaguch i. While the ropeway I’ll introduce next is more famous, I personally recommend this boat ride. It’s a refreshing experience to view the majestic Mount Fuji while gliding across the lake. What I especially recommend is that this spot offers a great experience without the heavy crowds. Boats run every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and you can usually board without waiting. Operating hours vary by season, so check the official website via the QR code for the latest schedule. The dock is located on the western shore of Lake Kawaguchi, just a 10 minutes walk from Kawaguchiko Station. The fair is ¥1000. It’s a great value in terms of both coast and time. #4 Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. This rope way is one of the most well-known attractions in the area-and while the view is fantastic, you’ll need to be prepared for serious crowd-related stress. Let me explain the facility first. The ropeway departs from western shore of Lake Kawaguchi and climbs 220 meters in 3 minutes to the summit of “Mount Tenjo,” a small lakeside mountain. It’s a compact ropeway with a standing capacity of about 30 people, operating every 5 minutes in alternating directions. Operating hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with seasonal variations. You can check the latest schedulevia the QR code on the official website. At the summit, you’ll find observation deck, a cafe, and attractions like a swing with a view. Many people hear the name “Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway” and mistakenly assume it climbs Mount Fuji itself, but that’s not the case. Also, during the three-minutes ride, Mount Fuji is hidden behind the mountain r idge, so you can barely see it. Think of this ropeway as a means of transportation to reach the summit of Mount Tenjo, where the actual viewing experience begins. The view from observation deck is truly beautiful. Just like at Chureito Pagoda, you can enjoy sweeping panorama of the city below. However, the ropeway’s limited capacity means it gets extremely crowded from around 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Expect about one hour of waiting to go up. From early afternoon until the last ride, similar wait times occur for the descent. There is no fast pass or reservation system. You simply have to wait. Besides the stress of standing in line, you also need to worry about catching your return train or bus, which adds risk. Since the view is similar to Chureito Pagoda, my personal advice is: if you visit Chureito Pagoda, there is no need to take on the risk of visiting the ropeway. If you’re still curious, check the Google Maps reviews via the QR code. And if you really want to go, here is my tip: aim for early morning. From 9:00 AM, trains and buses from Tokyo start arriving, and the area quickly fills with tourists. By 10 AM, the ropeway queue reaches one hour wait. If you’re staying overnight, wake up early and arrive at opening time (9:00 AM). Even for day trips, if you leave Tokyo early and arrive at Kawaguchiko station around 9:00 AM, that’s ideal. There is huge difference in queue lengths between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. You might think it’s less crowded in the evening, but downhill queue peaks then, with wait times exceeding one hour every day. So I don’t recommend it. To enjoy this facility without stress, morning is best. When visiting Mount Fuji area, here is a little secret: Try to avoid both clouds and crowds. It may sound like a joke, but it’s actually true. Clear skies and fewer people make all the difference. And this idea doesn’t just apply to the Mount Fuji area. When people think of traveling in Japan, places like Kyoto, Kamakura and Takayama often steal the spotlight. But if you’re visiting Japan for the second or third time, I encourage you to explore some of the lesser known deeper destinations. There is so much more to discover beyond the usual tourist routes. This channel is here to help you do just that, offering insights and practical tips for a more meaningful journey. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, don’t forget to subscribe! Let me introduce a sample itinerary for the Mount Fuji day trip. At 8:00 AM, depart Tokyo. At 10 AM, start your morning at Chureito Pagoda. After enjoying the photo spot at Honcho Street, have lunch with Yoshida Udon, and then take the train to Kawaguchiko Station. At 1:00 PM, from their, walk to the sightseeing boat dock and enjoy a refreshing cruise across Lake Kawaguchi while viewing Mount Fuji- Perfect for shaking off post-lunch d rowsiness. At 2:00 PM, after returning to the dock, take the bus to Oishi Park on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, stroll through the open garden and enjoy afternoon tea at the cafe inside the park. At 4:00 PM, with wonderful memories in hand, take the bus back to Kawaguchiko Station and return to Tokyo. At 6:00 PM, arrive in Tokyo. If you want to include the ropeway , the best plan is to wake up early and leave Tokyo in the morning, visiting the roadway first. After that, enjoy the nearby sightseeing boat and Oishi Park, have lunch, and then finish your day by visiting the Chureito Pagoda and Honcho Street, this is the best. So far, I’ve explained the basics of how to enjoy Mount Fuji and introduced the must- see spots you shouldn’t miss. In the next part, Part B, we’ll move on to what is probably the part you are most curious about-how to get there and what transportation options are a vailable. Before we begin, let me make one thing clear. I’m not sponsored by any company and I have no intention of criticizing any particular organization or service. Everything I share is based on my own experience and knowledge, with the goal of helping you enjoy a smooth and comfortable trip. I’ll explain the best transportation options from a fair and practical perspective so you can choose what works best for you. Please subscribe this channel and continue to the next part. Thank you so much for watching!

◆Planning a trip to Mt. Fuji?
This guide covers the best seasons, times, and spots to enjoy Japan’s iconic mountain—efficiently and comfortably.
Created by a local railway expert, this is your practical handbook for smart Fuji travel.

◆What you’ll learn in this video:
– When to visit Mt. Fuji for the clearest views
– How seasons and time of day affect your experience
– Recommended spots: Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchiko, Oishi Park, Sightseeing Boat, Ropeway, and more
– Smart travel tips for day trips from Tokyo
– How to avoid crowds and make the most of your time

◆Created by a local railway professional:
This guide is designed for international travelers who want clear and reliable advice—not just beautiful footage.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip or guiding others, this video helps you travel smarter.

◆Part A of our Mt. Fuji Guide series:
This episode focuses on when and where to go.
Stay tuned for Part B, where we’ll dive into choosing the best transportation options for you!

◆Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:32 Part 1: Two Ways to Enjoy Mt. Fuji
4:53 Part 2: Secrets to a stunning view
9:09 Part 3: Two travel styles
11:49 Part 4: Four must-see spots
23:41 Part 5: Sample Itinerary
25:02 Conclusion & Part B Preview

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◆Who am I? What is this channel?
“Professional railway staff teaches you the essential tips to travel Japan conveniently and joyfully!”
Hi everyone! My name is Hiro, from Japan. Thank you for visiting. I’ve been working for a railway company, with experience of station staff, train conductor, locomotive-engineer, and office-staff.
I also possess the qualification of “Certified General Travel Services Manager” given by the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA). For further information, please access to the JATA official website below.
(https://www.jata-net.or.jp/about/). While working as a railway company staff, I also organize my YouTube channel as lifework to introduce the beauty of Japan to people around the world and help you travel in Japan. In this channel, I will introduce Japan travel, especially trains of Japan. I will show you not only popular destinations, but also deep spots! What is more, I will tell you many useful tips for you that will help you travel Japan more comfortably, economically, and joyfully! Let’s explore deep Japan together! I’m very happy if you subscribe my channel. Thank you for watching.

◆Disclaimer:
We make every effort to provide accurate and helpful information for viewers.
Some content may be simplified, summarized, or adapted to improve clarity and accessibility. These adjustments are intended to support smooth and enjoyable travel experiences, and are not intended to favor or criticize any specific company or organization.
We strive to remain neutral and fair in presenting travel options.
Please note that transportation schedules and fares—especially for trains and buses—are subject to change. Before traveling, always check the latest information on official websites or with relevant service providers.
This channel is not responsible for any accidents, disruptions, or issues that may occur as a result of actions taken based on the information provided.

Thank you for watching.
Navigator HIRO