I’m so excited to share my recent trip to Japan, and I hope this inspires you to go out and explore more of the world! 😀
Before diving into my Mount Fuji adventures, let me give you a little backstory. Last November, I traveled to Japan during the winter holidays. It was a spontaneous decision triggered by a ridiculously cheap flight deal I stumbled upon—SGD 262.97 for roundtrip tickets between Singapore, Tokyo, and Osaka via AirAsia! With no research and just pure excitement, I jumped on the opportunity and thus began my impulsive Japan trip.
I treated this trip as a “preliminary” adventure, a warm-up before bringing my mom to Japan—she’s always dreamed of visiting the country. I remember us watching Japanese documentaries before the 8pm news growing up, which sparked her interest. 😊
Anyway, this was a 14-day backpacking trip that started in Tokyo and ended in Osaka. I relied heavily on japan-guide.com for most of my planning—it’s such a helpful resource!
Things to Do in Mount Fuji
In this post, I’m sharing my experiences in Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic landmark. Here are the top five things to do when you visit the Mount Fuji area!
1. Mount Tenjo
Mount Tenjo sits beside Kawaguchi Lake and offers one of the best observation points to see Mount Fuji in all its glory. You can either hike up or, like me, take the cable car. A round-trip ticket costs JPY 720 (~SGD 8), but you can opt for a one-way ticket if you want to hike back down. Once you reach the top, you’re greeted with breathtaking, panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Trust me, it’s worth the trip up!
2. Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station
Want to get up close and personal with Mount Fuji? Head to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, which is halfway up the mountain on the Yoshida Trail. This trail leads all the way to the summit, starting from Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine.
The bus from Kawaguchiko Station to the 5th Station takes about 50 minutes and costs JPY 2,100 (~SGD 24). The cold winds were intense during my visit, and most people, including me, spent a lot of time in the cozy souvenir shop. But the experience of being on Mount Fuji itself is unforgettable! Just make sure to dress warmly if you go, especially in winter.
3. Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine
Once I had enough of the cold winds on the mountain, I took a bus to Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, one of the many Fuji Sengen Shrines dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya, the deity associated with Mount Fuji. If you’re planning to hike the Yoshida Trail, you’ll pass this shrine on your way up to the summit.
Buses from Kawaguchiko Station run once or twice an hour and cost JPY 300 (~SGD 3.43). If you’re already at the 5th Station, you can head straight down to the shrine, like I did!
4. Chureito Pagoda
Located a short train ride away from Kawaguchiko at Shimo-Yoshido, the Chureito Pagoda is a five-story pagoda overlooking both Fujiyoshida City and Mount Fuji. The best time to visit is during sunset when the pagoda and the mountain glow under the golden light—it’s a photographer’s dream!
A JR train ride from Kawaguchiko to Shimo-Yoshido costs JPY 300 (~SGD 3.50), followed by a 15-minute walk (which includes a short climb) to the pagoda. It’s a must-see!
5. Benifuji Onsen
After a long day of exploring, there’s no better way to relax than soaking in a hot spring bath. Benifuji Onsen is the only onsen around Kawaguchiko with a view of Mount Fuji. Admission is JPY 700 (~SGD 8), and you can stay as long as you want. Don’t forget to bring your modesty towel, but other essentials like toiletries are provided.
Although no photos are allowed, the experience of soaking in a hot spring while admiring Mount Fuji is indescribable—pure bliss! You have to experience it for yourself.
So, there you have it—the top five things to do when you visit the Mount Fuji area. Of course, there are plenty of other things to explore, like visiting nearby towns such as Hakone or spending a thrilling day at Fuji-Q Highland (which I skipped but heard great things about).
I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Stay tuned for my next one on exploring Kyoto! 😊