What is it like standing in front of the grand and silent creation, looking at the ghostly reflection on the water surface? How does it feel to be a part of the scenery surrounding you, to breathe it in and breathe it out? Right here, in a nature sanctuary, close your eyes and start a new page of Your Japan.
Use the bullet train "Tokaido Shinkansen" to travel to Mt. Fuji right from the heart of Tokyo. On the left side, you will see mesmerizing Sagami Bay, and on the right side the symbol of Japan, the highest summit of the country, perfectly symmetrical Mount Fuji.
It takes only an hour to get to Shin-Fuji station on Tokaido Shinkansen. Here you can take a bus to the west part of Mt. Fuji to visit Fujinomiya city and Shiraito Falls. If you get off at Mishima Station on Tokaido Shinkansen, you can try famous local food in Numazu city and take local trains to the east part of Mt. Fuji.
Tokaido Shinkansen was the first bullet train opened in the 1960s, connecting Tokyo and Osaka. Operated by JR Central, Tokaido Shinkansen offers you the fastest way through the Golden Route. Sitting in a comfortable chair with a great view and having a Bento (Japanese lunch box) became almost the main ritual on Japanese bullet trains. You can buy Bento at the station or get a snack and drink available on-board sales.
Here is an approximate route you can try on
your journey to Mount Fuji.
Start your journey in comfort and style, as the Tokaido Shinkansen leaves from the heart of Tokyo.
Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji Station and change to the conventional lines to Fujinomiya Station (about 2 hours)
What better place to start your Mount Fuji journey than at the source of it all? Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine has been the traditional starting point of any ascent up the sacred mountain for almost 1200 years. Dating back from the 9th century, this atmospheric shrine is the head of over 1000 other shrines across the country dedicated to Mount Fuji. Because of its importance in the region, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha hosts more than 150 festivals during the year, so you’re bound to see one sooner or later on your visits! The lucky few may be able to catch the most popular festival of all, the Yabusame Festival, dedicated to the ancient art of archery from horseback.
About 30 minutes by bus
A crystal clear waterfall flowing through the rocks divides into small white threads as it tumbles down the mountainside. Located in the lushes of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this stunning waterfall creates peaceful scenes on each and every
visit.
There are also some good local restaurants around the waterfalls where you can gear up with snacks for the afternoon activities.
About 15 minutes by bus
Ever wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle and fly away to the mountains for a little peace and quiet? Now you can do that – literally! – during a paragliding experience on the Asagiri Plateau. Take flight with the best instructors in the business as you glide your way through the crisp air with dramatic Mount Fuji as your backdrop. Afterwards, celebrate your newfound adrenaline addiction with some craft sake and a great meal at the nearby Asagiri Food Park.
1 hour 15 minutes by bus, about 1 hour by Shinkansen via Shin-Fuji Station
Majesty is closer than you think! Within the day, you can be taking in the fresh mountain air of Fuji-san, eating delicious local food, and making memories to last a lifetime. Get the most out of your time in Japan even further by using the Tokaido Shinkansen for a fast, comfortable journey you’ll never forget.
Fuji in a weekend (3-day tour)
Are you ready to discover a Japan straight out of history books? To relax in nature, and embrace an unseen country? Start your adventure to sacred Mount Fuji by riding the Tokaido Shinkansen, leaving from the heart of Tokyo. You can get The Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini, specially designed ticket for touring around Mt. Fuji area, to help your trip go smoothly.
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima Station, change to the conventional line until Numazu Station and transfer to the bus (about 1.5 hours)
Numazu Port is a great place to enjoy the old port town atmosphere, walking around the streets lined with shops selling delicious and fresh seafood. It's a famous place for Japanese traditional seafood bowls, so don't lose your chance to feast on the freshest catch in Japan!
About 2 hours by JR line and bus
Lake Kawaguchi isn’t simply a spectacular place to see the views; there are spots where you can give both your mind and body a workout. You can see Mount Fuji from a different angle, as you canoe along the lake’s placid waters. You can also experience a taste of "Zazen" – a meditative technique in Zen Buddhist tradition. Even a simple walk around the lake can set your mind at ease with its wide blue sky reflected on the water's still surface.
Melt your cares and worries away at one of the many excellent Japanese style inns around the Lake Kawaguchi – Yamanaka area. Have a relaxing soak in a hotspring, feast on delicious, local food, and surround yourself in the warm, welcoming atmosphere only a traditional ryokan can provide.
Fuji in a weekend (3-day tour)
Take a bus from Lake Kawaguchi / Lake Yamanaka to the 5th station of the Fuji Subaru Line (about 1 hour) *Round trip 2,300 yen
Mount Fuji is one of the few places in the world that, upon seeing it in person for the first time, actually lives up to the pictures. The beauty of the hallowed mountain is an exercise in contrasts. You will be overwhelmed at first by the
lush greenery of the trail and, later, the size of the craggy rocks. The variety is quite something to see. And even if you don't make it to the top, the spectacular views from the spots along the way will leave you speechless. (Of course,
you'll need to be lucky with the weather!)
You can even take a bus up to the 5th station, dramatically cutting down on hiking time. This gives you more options on how to best tackle this sacred mountain.
Note: Please check the weather forecasts and conditions while planning your hike.
About 1 hour and 15 minutes by bus
This shrine goes hand in hand with Mount Fuji, and is a definite recommendation. Head of the Asama shrine group, these nine shrines are all dedicated and centered on the worship of the mountain itself. With history of over 1000 years, this
shrine has been synonymous with Mount Fuji in the eyes of the locals and has stood through wars, earthquakes, and societal upheaval.
The highlights of the Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja are the giant cedar and cypress trees estimated to be over a millenium old and the large stones that are said to have been a training place for famous monks.
This shrine is definitely not one to be missed. Be sure to visit it during your journey up the mountain!
About 15 minutes by bus
Fuji in a weekend (3-day tour)
One hour by bus
Ever wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle and fly away to the mountains for a little peace and quiet? Now you can do that – literally! – on a paragliding experience on the Asagiri Plateau. Take flight with the best instructors in the business as you glide your way through the crisp air with dramatic Mount Fuji as your backdrop. Afterwards, celebrate your newfound adrenaline addiction with some craft sake and a great meal at the Asagiri Food Park nearby.
Approximately 2 hours by bus / conventional line
Miho-no-Matsubara Pine Grove is a sacred spot with over 30,000 pine trees grown along a coast of about seven kilometers. A place told of in various Japanese legends, here you can take in the most superb views of Mount Fuji over the pine forest. But don’t take our word for it: this divine place was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2013 for its otherworldly beauty. One tip: we recommend you rent a bicycle and take a ride through this fairy-tale pine forest!
40 minutes by bus and conventional line and approximately an hour by Shinkansen via Shizuoka Station
As your short trip comes to a close, you can take stock in how much was packed into this three day, two night sojourn. Quite a few experiences for such a brief vacation! Mt. Fuji is surprisingly closer to Tokyo than you think it is and if you find yourself in the metropolitan city, be sure to take this great opportunity! Use Tokaido Shinkansen for an even more relaxed journey!
Check all the locations and recommended spots on the map
and build your own tour with the best destinations.
Here is the Travel Bucket List we recommend to check out during your journey to Mount Fuji.
Senbonichi Bld., 1st floor 101 Senbonminato, Numazu, Shizuoka 410-0845
10 minutes by bus from JR "Numazu Station"
273-1 Kamiide, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0103
1 minute walk from the "Shiraito-no-taki Kanko Annaijo" bus stop
38 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 401-0511
20 minutes by bus from "Mt. Fuji Station". Get off at Oshino Hakkai bus stop
9-1-18, Kamiyoshidahigashi, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0032
15 minutes by Fuji Kyuko Bus from "Mt. Fuji Station"
* There is a shuttle bus from JR Mishima Station / Gotemba Station (reservation required)
(Yoshida Trail)
narusawamura, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 401-0320
50 minutes by Fuji Kyuko Bus from "Kawaguchiko Station"
*Note: Please check the weather forecasts and conditions while planning your hike.
5558 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0005
25 minute walk from "Mt.Fuji Station"
2954-1 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 401-0305
30minutes by bus from "Kawaguchiko Station"
499 Fumoto, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0109
About an hour from Fujinomiya city by bus, get off at the Asagiri Kogen Bus stop
3461-6 Kanayashishidoi, Shimada, Shizuoka 428-0039
Get off at Kakegawa Station (2 stops from Shin-Fuji Station) and take Tokaido Line Local train. Get off at Kanaya Station, walk 27 min.
Choose the train options that suit you the best
and experience your own voyage to Mt. Fuji.