Nestled at the northern base of Mount Fuji, Fujiyoshida is one of the best places in Japan to experience the country’s most iconic mountain. Unlike nearby resort towns that focus primarily on lakes or hot springs, Fujiyoshida offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture, local cuisine, scenic hiking trails, and some of the most famous Fuji viewpoints in the country.
Whether you are spending two days or a full week in the Fuji Five Lakes region, Fujiyoshida makes an excellent base for exploring the area.
Getting Around Fujiyoshida and the Fuji Five Lakes
The region is surprisingly easy to navigate, even without a car.
By Train
The easiest way to reach Fujiyoshida from Tokyo is via the Fujikyuko Line.
Popular stations include:
- Fujisan Station
- Shimoyoshida Station
- Mt. Fuji Station
Direct trains from Tokyo make reaching the area straightforward.
By Bus
Local buses connect Fujiyoshida with the entire Fuji Five Lakes region, including Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Saiko, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu. The sightseeing buses are convenient for travelers who do not want to drive.
Renting a Car
For maximum flexibility, especially if you plan to visit multiple lakes, trailheads, and viewpoints, renting a car is highly recommended. Roads are well maintained, navigation is easy, and parking is generally plentiful outside peak Fuji season.
Cycling
Bike rentals are available around Lake Kawaguchi and Fujiyoshida. The relatively flat terrain around the lakes makes cycling one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the area.
Best Things to Do in Fujiyoshida
Chureito Pagoda
No visit is complete without seeing the famous five-story pagoda overlooking Mount Fuji. Located within Arakurayama Sengen Park, this viewpoint offers the classic postcard image of Japan. The climb involves approximately 400 steps, but the reward is one of the most spectacular views in the country. Visit early in the morning for the fewest crowds, or during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons for especially stunning scenery.
Fujiyama Onsen
After a day of sightseeing, relax at Fujiyama Onsen. The facility offers indoor baths, outdoor baths, sauna facilities, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Fuji-Q Highland
Thrill seekers should dedicate at least half a day to Fuji-Q Highland. The park is home to world-famous roller coasters, immersive attractions, family-friendly rides, and spectacular views of Mount Fuji from throughout the park.
Explore Honcho Street
One of the most photographed streets in Japan is located right in Fujiyoshida. The narrow shopping street creates a dramatic perspective where Mount Fuji appears to tower over the town. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and traffic while capturing the best photos.
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is one of the most important shrines associated with Mount Fuji worship. Massive cedar trees, ancient stone lanterns, traditional architecture, and historic pilgrimage routes create a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from nearby tourist attractions. The shrine also serves as the traditional starting point for climbing Mount Fuji.
Best Mount Fuji Viewpoints
Chureito Pagoda
The most iconic and recognizable Mount Fuji view in all of Japan.
Honcho Street
A uniquely urban perspective that has become one of Japan’s most famous photography locations.
Lake Kawaguchi
The northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi offers some of the most beautiful Mount Fuji reflections anywhere in Japan. Top viewing areas include Oishi Park, lakeside promenades, and sunrise viewpoints scattered along the shoreline.
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a traditional village known for crystal-clear ponds fed by Mount Fuji snowmelt. Visitors can enjoy traditional thatched-roof buildings, local food vendors, and beautiful reflections of the mountain.
Lake Yamanaka Panorama Deck
One of the region’s most underrated viewpoints. On clear mornings, the combination of lake views and Mount Fuji creates a spectacular scene with far fewer crowds than Kawaguchiko.
Tenku no Torii
The famous “Torii Gate in the Sky” frames Mount Fuji beautifully and has become one of the area’s most sought-after photography locations.
Easy to Moderate Hikes
Arakurayama Hiking Trails
Difficulty: Moderate
The most popular route is the Arakurayama Sengen Park Trail, a short but steep 2.2-mile trek featuring nearly 400 stone steps leading to the famous Chureito Pagoda. However, trails continue farther up the mountain through peaceful forests and additional viewpoints. Plan for one to two hours.
Lake Kawaguchi North Shore Trail
Difficulty: Easy
This scenic lakeside walk offers continuous, unobstructed views of Mount Fuji, flower gardens, and beautiful lakeside scenery. Depending on your route, expect three to five miles of mostly flat walking. You can fully circumnavigate the lake via this hike.
Mount Mitsutoge
Difficulty: Moderate
Mount Mitsutoge is one of the best hikes in the region for panoramic Mount Fuji views. The summit provides sweeping vistas over the Fuji Five Lakes area. Plan on four to six hours round trip.
Please note that this trail often has closures, so please check online forums and local tourist information areas to ensure the trail is safe to hike.
Mount Tenjo
Difficulty: Easy (if using the ropeway) or Hard (if doing the full hike)
Many visitors take the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (also called the Kachi Kachi Ropeway) to the summit and hike back down. The trail offers excellent views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.
Haha no Shirataki Waterfall Trail
Difficulty: Easy
A peaceful forest walk leading to a beautiful waterfall. This trail is an excellent option for travelers looking to escape the crowds while enjoying nature.
The trail beyond Haha No Shirataki Waterfall Trail extends and goes higher in elevation, and becomes a trail with a difficulty of hard. Proceed with caution
Restaurant Recommendations
Houtou Fudou
The Fuji Five Lakes region is famous for houtou, a hearty noodle soup made with thick flat noodles, seasonal vegetables, pumpkin, and a rich miso-based broth. Houtou Fudou is arguably the area’s most famous restaurant serving this local specialty. The Kawaguchiko location is known for its striking white cloud-like architecture, while the traditional atmosphere and generous portions make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Menkyokaiden
Another excellent Yoshida Udon restaurant, Menkyokaiden is beloved for its rich broth and traditional preparation methods. The noodles are famously dense and satisfyingly chewy, providing a true taste of local Fujiyoshida cuisine.
Sanrokuen
Sanrokuen offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in the entire Mount Fuji region. Guests sit around a traditional irori charcoal hearth while skewers of fish, meat, vegetables, and local specialties slowly cook over the fire. Reservations are highly recommended.
Kosaku
Kosaku has been serving Yamanashi regional cuisine for decades and is an excellent introduction to local food culture. Their menu includes famous houtou noodles, grilled river fish, mountain vegetables, mushroom dishes, and seasonal specialties sourced from the surrounding countryside.
Fuji Tempura Idaten
Fuji Tempura Idaten Official Website
A modern take on traditional tempura, Fuji Tempura Idaten has become one of the most popular restaurants around Kawaguchiko. The restaurant is known for using fresh local ingredients and serving perfectly crisp tempura in a contemporary setting.
Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko
Hotokura Funari Official Website
For travelers wanting another excellent houtou experience, Hotokura Funari serves beautifully prepared versions of Yamanashi’s signature noodle dish. The traditional design and views of the surrounding mountains create a relaxing atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a comforting meal.
Easy Day Trips from Fujiyoshida
Lake Kawaguchi
The most popular destination in the Fuji Five Lakes region, offering museums, cafés, lakeside walking paths, boat cruises, and some of the best views of Mount Fuji.
Oshino
A charming village famous for spring-fed ponds, traditional architecture, and local food stalls.
Narusawa Ice Cave
Narusawa Ice Cave
Explore a lava-formed cave created by ancient Mount Fuji eruptions.
Fugaku Wind Cave
Fugaku Wind Cave
A fascinating lava tube that remains naturally cool throughout the year.
Lake Motosu
One of the quietest lakes in the region and home to some of the most pristine Mount Fuji reflections anywhere in Japan.
Sample 3 Day Fujiyoshida Itinerary
Day 1
- Chureito Pagoda at sunrise
- Honcho Street
- Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
- Yoshida Udon lunch
- Fujiyama Onsen
Day 2
- Lake Kawaguchi
- Oishi Park
- Mount Tenjo
- Fuji Tempura Idaten for lunch
- Sunset at Tenku no Torii
Day 3
- Hike Mount Mitsutoge
- Oshino Hakkai
- Traditional irori dinner at Sanrokuen
Fujiyoshida offers one of the most authentic and visually stunning Mount Fuji experiences in Japan. While many travelers simply pass through on a day trip from Tokyo, spending several days here allows you to enjoy the mountain from every angle, discover local culture, hike scenic trails, experience regional cuisine, and create memories that will likely become the highlight of your trip to Japan.