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If you want to experience Mount Fuji up close, Fujiyoshida City is the place to visit. This small city, sitting right at the foot of Japan’s most iconic mountain, offers a brilliant mix of breathtaking views, cultural treasures, and a few unexpected highlights.
Japan may be a dreamy and epic travel destination but, having visited a few times over the years, one of our best pieces of advice: you can’t over-plan your trip! We’re not trying to put you off. Japan is amazing, but getting your ducks in a row is essential. That’s where we can help. This guide is based directly on our first hand experience to inform and equip you to make the most of your trip.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your trip, from getting here from Tokyo to top attractions, local transport, and the best times to visit.
Japan may be epic but it doesn’t have to be expensive: Check out our Pro tips to travelling Japan on a Budget
A few places to stay with a view of Mount Fuji
Dreaming of waking up to a view of the stunning mount Fuji? Then you need to find a place that actually has rooms with Fuji views. For us personally – waking up to a view of mount Fuji and a can of hot coffee (YES That is actually a thing in Japan!) was one of our top travel highlights – not just of the trip but of all our travels. So here are 2 places to stay in Fujiyoshida that actually have mountain view rooms available:
1 Highland Resort Hotel & Spa
A mid-range hotel adjacent to Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park. The hotel offers rooms with panoramic views of Mount Fuji, along with large hot spring baths and spa facilities. You can book Highland Resort Fuji on Agoda. You can also reserve your room at Highland Resort Fuji on Booking.com
2 Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen
A luxury ryokan featuring traditional Japanese rooms, some with private open-air baths overlooking Mount Fuji. The property boasts expansive gardens and multiple indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.
Even after you have booked the hotel we recommend sending a direct message to make sure they actually allocate a mountain view room. Reserve Kaneyamaen on Agoda.
Getting to Fujiyoshida from Tokyo
Ok step one. You need to get there! There are a few ways to reach Fujiyoshida from Tokyo, and which one you choose depends on your budget and schedule.
The fastest and most convenient option is the Fuji Excursion Limited Express, which runs directly from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station, stopping at Mt. Fuji Station along the way. The journey takes just under two hours, and tickets cost around ¥4,000 one way. If you’re using a Japan Rail Pass, it covers the JR section of the trip, but you’ll need to pay a small extra fare for the Fujikyuko Line from Otsuki.
A cheaper alternative is the express bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Mt. Fuji Station. Buses run every hour, take around 1 hour 45 minutes, and cost between ¥1,700 and ¥3,600. This is a great option if you want a direct and budget-friendly ride.
If you’re up for a road trip, driving from Tokyo to Fujiyoshida takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a fantastic way to explore the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes area at your own pace.
Things to Do in Fujiyoshida
Fujiyoshida has a great mix of nature, culture, and family-friendly attractions. Here are some of our top picks:
1 Chureito Pagoda (Japan’s most iconic viewpoint)
Don’t miss our visitor’s guide to Churetiro Pagoda
If you’ve ever seen those classic Mount Fuji photos with a red pagoda in the foreground, this is the place. Sitting in Arakurayama Sengen Park, the five-story Chureito Pagoda offers one of the best panoramic views of Fuji, especially during cherry blossom season in spring or when the autumn leaves turn golden. You’ll need to climb about 400 steps to get there, but it’s more than worth it. The park is open year-round and free to enter. Arrive early as it can get busy. You can walk here from most places around town.
2 Soak in an Onsen with a View of Mount Fuji
One of the best ways to experience Fujiyoshida is by relaxing in a traditional Japanese onsen with a view of Mount Fuji. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring, Yurari Onsen is a fantastic choice.
Located near Lake Kawaguchi, this onsen offers multiple indoor and outdoor baths, including open-air pools with direct views of Mount Fuji. There’s truly nothing like sitting in steaming hot water while gazing at Japan’s most iconic mountain—it’s the ultimate way to soak up the scenery (literally).
Key Details:
Location: Yurari Onsen, 493-1118 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)
Admission Fee: ¥1,300 for adults, ¥650 for children
The onsen has a variety of baths, including herbal-infused pools, steam rooms, and private baths. There’s also a relaxation lounge and a restaurant serving local dishes, making it an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon.
If you’re visiting in winter, this is one of the best places to take in snow-covered Mount Fuji while staying warm in the water. Highly recommended if you want a truly unique and super relaxing experience in Fujiyoshida. The catch? This onsen is beautiful but you need to take a bus or taxi because it is too far to walk from town. So for a closer alternative check out Fujiyama onsen located in town (and also has epic Fuji views).
3 Visit Fuji-Q Highland
If you’re into roller coasters, Fuji-Q Highland is an absolute must. Home to some of the world’s fastest, tallest, and steepest rides (at least they have held records at some points in the past!). This amusement park really does have a lot to offer. Highlights include Eejanaika, a “4D” coaster that spins as you ride. They even have a haunted hospital! Sounds creepy?! There are also family-friendly rides, anime attractions, and even Thomas Land for little ones. A full-day pass costs around ¥6,000, and opening hours vary, so check the website before you go.
4 Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station
If you want to get as close to Fuji’s summit as possible without actually climbing, Mt. Fuji 5th Station is the place to go. Sitting at 2,305 meters above sea level, it’s the starting point for most Fuji climbing routes, but even if you’re not hiking, the views alone make it worth a visit. There are small shops, cafés, and even a shrine. Buses run from Mt. Fuji Station to 5th Station, with round-trip fares of around ¥2,300. Access depends on the season, but it’s typically open from late April to early December.
5 Walk Around Lake Kawaguchi
If you’re looking for a relaxed and scenic way to enjoy Mount Fuji, walking around Lake Kawaguchi is a fantastic option. The lake is located right on the edge of Fujiyoshida (so you can walk there from town) and this area has some of the best unobstructed views of Fuji. The full loop around Lake Kawaguchi is about 20km, so for most people this is too far. That said, you don’t need to walk the entire way to enjoy the best sections.
The northern shore is particularly beautiful, with Nagasaki and Oishi Park offering picture-perfect Fuji views, and the Momiji Tunnel providing a stunning autumn foliage display. If a long walk feels like too much, bicycle rentals are a great alternative, letting you cover more ground while still soaking up the lakeside atmosphere. The best time for a walk? Early morning, when the air is fresh, the lake is still, and Mount Fuji is most likely to be visible without cloud cover.
6 Try Yoshida Udon
And last but definitely not least – you can’t visit Fujiyoshida without trying Yoshida Udon. These thick, chewy noodles are served in a miso or soy-based broth, often topped with cabbage and horse meat. If that sounds unusual, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it—it’s a local specialty and a great budget-friendly meal, usually around ¥500 per bowl. You’ll find plenty of small, family-run udon shops across the city, each with its own take on the dish.
Getting Around Fujiyoshida
Once you’ve arrived, getting around is fairly simple.
- Buses: Local buses connect Mt. Fuji Station, Fuji-Q Highland, and Chureito Pagoda, making them a convenient option for sightseeing.
- Bicycles: Renting a bike is a brilliant way to explore the city at your own pace. Some guesthouses and rental shops offer affordable daily rates.
- Walking: If you’re sticking to central attractions, walking is the best way to soak up the atmosphere and explore hidden spots along the way.
- If you’re planning to visit the Fuji Five Lakes or other areas nearby, renting a car might be the easiest option.
Best Time to Visit
Fujiyoshida is beautiful year-round, but each season has something special to offer.
Spring (April – June): Cherry blossom season is spectacular, especially around Chureito Pagoda. Expect crowds, but also some of the best photo opportunities.
Summer (July – September): If you’re planning to climb Fuji, this is the only time you can do it. Late August also brings the Yoshida Fire Festival, a dramatic event where huge torches are set ablaze through the city.
Autumn (October – November): The fall colors are stunning, particularly around Lake Kawaguchi and Chureito Pagoda. The weather is cool, crisp, and perfect for exploring.
Winter (December – March): While cold, this is one of the best times for clear Fuji views. Snow-capped peaks against bright blue skies make for some incredible photography, though some hiking routes and attractions may be limited.
Should You Take a Day Trip or Stay Overnight?
If you’re visiting Fujiyoshida, you might be wondering whether it’s best to take a day trip from Tokyo or stay overnight. The short answer? Both options work, but staying overnight gives you a much better experience.
1 A Day Trip – Fast-Paced but Doable
A day trip from Tokyo is definitely possible, especially if you take the Fuji Excursion train or an express bus in the morning. In one day, you could visit Chureito Pagoda, explore Arakura Sengen Shrine, and squeeze in a couple of hours at Fuji-Q Highland or take a bus up to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. However, you’d have to move fast and plan your transport carefully to fit everything in. If your main goal is getting that perfect Mount Fuji view or ticking off a few highlights, a day trip is enough.
That said, you’ll be missing out on some of the best parts of Fujiyoshida. The city has a completely different feel in the early morning and evening, when the day-trippers have left, and Mount Fuji is often clearest at sunrise or sunset.
2 Staying Overnight – A More Relaxed, Scenic Experience
If you have time, staying at least one night is the better option. You’ll get to see Mount Fuji at different times of day, avoid the busiest crowds, and experience the local atmosphere properly. It also means you can fit in more attractions without rushing—maybe a full day at Fuji-Q Highland, a leisurely udon lunch, and an evening stroll around town.
Plus, waking up to a clear sunrise over Mount Fuji is an experience you don’t want to miss. So, if you’re lucky enough to get a crisp, cloud-free morning, you’ll have unbeatable views right from your accommodation.
If you’re short on time → A day trip is doable, but be prepared to move fast and prioritize.
Or if you want the best experience → Stay at least one night for better Fuji views, a slower pace, and a more immersive trip.
If you can, we’d absolutely recommend staying overnight—there’s something special about seeing Mount Fuji from your own room. This was genuinely one of our travel highlights, so if you can afford the time in your itinerary – then plan an overnight stay here.
Before you go – Learn how to Travel Japan on a Shoestring Budget – with our clever pro budget tips!
