The Best Things To Do in Fuji Five Lakes

If you don’t fancy climbing Fuji, or you’re visiting outside of climbing season, you can still get a close-up look at the peak by travelling up to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th station. This is an observation point about halfway up the Yoshida climbing trail, and is where the majority of climbers begin their hike. The spot offers panoramic views back down over the Fuji Five Lakes region, and you’ll also find a handful of casual restaurants and shops selling a range of Fuji-themed souvenirs. Hourly buses run directly from Kawaguchiko station, making it easy to access, although the road may close during periods of heavy snowfall. A return trip costs 2300 yen.

Before the 5th station was constructed, those who wanted to hike Mount Fuji from the north would begin at the Fujiyoshida Sengen shrine. Free to enter, it stands at the end of a long gravel path lined with moss-covered stone lanterns, hidden among towering cedar trees. A striking, deep red torii gate soaring 18 metres into the air welcomes you, behind which you’ll find the shrine’s main hall. This was built in 1615 and is adorned with two large, imposing wooden masks that watch over worshippers. Right at the back of the grounds stands the simple wooden torii gate that makes the start of Fuji’s Yoshida trail.

To enjoy some of the best views of Fuji, hop on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway that runs up to the top of Mount Tenjo (or hike up to save some yen!). This 1,104-metre peak stands on the eastern shores of Lake Kawaguchi, and is the setting for a rather interesting Japanese folk tale about a mischievous tanuki (racoon) and the rabbit that gets revenge on him. Colourful statues of the characters can be found dotted around the mountainside and there’s also a rabbit shrine near the summit. If you’re visiting with your partner, don’t miss the Bell of Tenjo. It sits in a heart-shaped frame, and is said to grant couples a long and happy relationship if they ring the bell together while looking at Fuji.

Fuji is far from the only mountain in the region that’s worth summiting. Keen hikers can continue north-east from the top of Mount Tenjo and go on to tackle the 1,785-metre Mount Mitsutoge. As well as being arguably the best place from which to view Mount Fuji’s dramatic peak, on a clear day you can see all the way to Tokyo and Japan’s Southern Alps. The entire trek takes around six hours, leading you along earthy trails that run through the forest, so bring plenty of food and water. The hike is best enjoyed in spring or autumn, when the weather conditions are most pleasant.

If outdoor activities aren’t really your thing, there are a surprising number of museums dotted around the lakes that are worth a visit. Wander the halls and gardens of the the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum to admire exquisite kimono, or visit the Kawaguchiko Music Forest. The latter is dedicated to automatic musical instruments, and home to the world’s largest dance organ. For something a bit more hands-on, try Iyashi no Sato, a traditional craft village to the west of Lake Sai. Here you can take part in workshops to create local products such as washi paper and soba noodles.

Fuji’s influence on the local landscape isn’t limited to above ground. The volcano’s past eruptions and subsequent lava flows have created a number of caves around Lake Sai. Three of these are open to the public to explore: the Bat, Ice and Wind caves. With your rented hard hat on, you can navigate through the narrow tunnels and chilly, low-ceilinged chambers – many of which are lined with ice year-round. Get a combination ticket to save on entry, and take the pleasant walking trail that links them through the thick foliage of Aokigahara forest. Although the deeper parts of the ‘sea of trees’ have a slightly macabre reputation as a suicide spot, this section is well-travelled and beautiful.

Perhaps unexpectedly for a rural location, Fuji Five Lakes is home to an adrenaline-fuelled, record-breaking theme park. Fuji-Q Highland is packed with thrilling rides, including roller coasters that have the fastest acceleration, steepest drop and most inversions in the world. It can also lay claim to the world’s longest horror attraction – a 900-metre route through a haunted hospital aptly titled The Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear. Fans of the frightening will also love the new, high-tech abandoned mine attraction, whilst those travelling with children will find plenty of family-friendly rides to enjoy too, including some based on popular Japanese anime characters.

The image of Mount Fuji’s perfectly conical snow-capped peak is one that every visitor to Fuji Five Lakes wants to capture. There are plenty of viewing spots where you can get a great photo, however if you really want a sight worth preserving, head to the Chureito pagoda at Arakura Sengen shrine. A gorgeous vision in red and white, this five-storied pagoda sits on a hillside at the top of 400 stone steps. From the observation point, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance with the top winged tiers of the pagoda in the foreground. When combined with the blossoming of the cherry blossoms in spring, it’s one of the most classic shots of Japan you can get.