Fuji(富士山, Fujisan) — the holy mountain of Japan, entered into UNESCO in 2013.3776 m— the highest peak in the country. Perfect symmetrical figure for 10,000 years. With the regionHakone(60 km from Tokyo) creates the capital's best weekend escape.
When to see Fuji
Ironically: Fuji is surrounded by chmurami 70% of the days of the year. Visibility statistics:
- December-February: 50-60% of days with a view (best time but cold)
- March-May: 30-40%
- June-August: 15-20% (worst, fog)
- September-November: 40-50%
Best time of day: Early Morning (5-9 AM) — Clean air before overheating.
Five Lakes Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes)
Five glacial lakes on the northern slope of the mountain, with Fuji reflections on the water:
- Kawaguchiko— the largest tourist base, plenty of hotels, access to JR
- Yamanakako— the largest (6.8 km2)
- Saiko,Shōjiko,Motosuko— Quiet, Less Tourists
Chureito Pagoda(Arakurayama Sengen Park) — the place of the most famous picture of Fuji (5-story pagoda + sakura + Fuji). 398 degrees up the hill. Free admission.
Hakone — Onsen Land
Volcanic caldera, hot springs (onsen), over 20 art museums. Standard route:Hakone Round Course— train → cable railway → gondola → pirate ship → bus.
Odawara → Hakone-Yumoto
Historical RailwayHakone Tozan Railway— Japan's oldest mountain railway (1888), 3 zigzag switchbacks.
Ōwakudani — Great Valleys
Volcanic valley with fumarols, 800 m above sea level, water temperature 80°C.Kuro-tamago— eggs cooked in hot springs, the shell blackens from sulphur. Legend: one egg = +7 years of life. 500 JPY/5 pieces.
Lake Ashi + pirate ship
Volcanic lake in calderesis.Hakone Sightseeing Boatstylized on a pirate ship (60 min, 1200 JPY). View of Fuji byTorii on the LakeHakone Jinja — an instagram pearl.
Onseny overlooking Fuji
It's a great destination for many. Top options:
- Hoshinoya Fuji— glamping with private terraces overlooking, from 60,000 JPY/night
- Hakone Ginyu— ryōkan, all rooms with views, from 55,000 JPY
- Kaikatei( Kawaguchiko) — from 22,000 JPY with caiseka dinner
- Chōbōno Yu Shousenkaku— DAY-USE onsen overlooking Fuji, 1200 JPY (no accommodation)
Entrance to Fuji
NOTE: The official season is ONLYJuly-September (2 months). Out of season — road closed, huts inoperative, great risk.
Four trails
- Yoshida Trail: most popular, 6 hours up + 3 hours down. Start: Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (2305 m)
- Fujinomiya Trail: Shortest, 4-5 hours Start 2400 m
- Subashiri Trail: more wild, through the forest
- Gotemba Trail: longest, 8 hours, for trained
Practical
- Reservation fee: from 2024 — 2000 JPY (Yoshida), limit of 4000 entries per day
- Cottage(yamagoya): 5000-9000 JPY with meal, reservation month in advance
- Standard strategy: entering the afternoon, sleeping in the cottage at 7-8 stage, rising 3 in the morning, peak to the east (goraikō)
- Equipment: waterproof jacket, warm layers (top 5°C even in August), front flashlight, water 2 l
Directions from Tokyo
- Kawaguchiko: Keio bus 2 hours, 2000 JPY (from Shinjuku Bus Terminal, ‘Fujikko’ or ‘Chuo Highway Bus’)
- Hakone: Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku 1.5 hours, 2470 JPY. ORHakone Free Pass(5000 JPY/2 days from Shinjuku) — includes all lines in Hakone plus a trip from Tokyo