Formed over 100,000 years ago, Mount Fuji, a famous volcano that is still active, is today the highest mountain in Japan, Asia. Located in central Japan, on the island of Honshu, this icon of the country, renowned for its hiking and climbing spots, attracts many local and foreign travellers alike. But where on Mount Fuji can you stay for an easy day’s sightseeing?
In this article, we’ll advise you on the many areas where it’s worth staying, based on their distance from the site and the places of interest they host. For each of them, we’ll suggest a range of accommodations to suit different budgets.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Mount Fuji, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Mount Fuji:
- $ This well-located accommodation offers good value for money,
- $$ This hostel, close to Lake Kawaguchiko, offers rooms at affordable rates,
- $$$ This luxury establishment, features rooms with a view of the sacred mountain.
Map of different areas to stay in Mount Fuji
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Mount Fuji
Areas where to stay in Mount Fuji
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying at Mount Fuji.
Fujiyoshida: accommodation at the base of Mount Fuji
To the north, at the foot of Mount Fuji, Fujiyoshida is renowned for offering one of the best views of the volcano. But that's not all: this area is also home to the Chureito Pagoda, a famous pagoda facing the volcano, and the Fuji-Q Highland theme park.
Fujiyoshida is also home to Kitachi Hongu Fuji Sengen, a Shinto shrine that has long been the only gateway to the famous volcano. So, as you can see, if you want to stay in this area, you'll benefit from a host of activities in addition to discovering Mount Fuji.
What's more, Fujiyoshida is within easy reach of one of the stations providing access to the natural site, making it an ideal stopover between Tokyo and Mount Fuji. This makes it one of the best places to stay if you're traveling around the country by train.
If you choose to stay overnight, you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants: a good option for enjoying your evening in a lively area.
Finally, in terms of accommodation, you'll find a rather varied offer, from guest houses to hotels. And whatever your budget, you're bound to find accommodation to suit your needs.
The best places to stay in fujiyoshida
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Just 10 minutes from the theme park, this accommodation offers clean, comfortable rooms. If you choose to stay here, you can take advantage of a spa and a Japanese public bath. Finally, if you're traveling by car, you'll benefit from free private parking.
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Just 500 metres from Fuji-Q Highland, this establishment offers clean, fully-equipped rooms with a view of Mount Fuji. There's also a restaurant, onsen and free private parking.
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Located in Fujiyoshida, this hotel offers luxurious rooms overlooking the sacred mountain. In addition to the onsen, you can enjoy a typical Japanesebreakfast and dinner in the restaurant.
Kawaguchiko and yamanakako: staying by the lakes of Mount Fuji
Also north of the sacred mountain, Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako are part of the 5 lakes of Mount Fuji, and may represent interesting places to stay during a stay in the region.
Apopular district, Kawaguchiko is also renowned for offering one of the finest views of the volcano. If you choose to stay on the north shore, you'll have the opportunity, at sunrise or sunset, to admire the volcano's reflection on the lake,offering a unique image.
You'll also find a variety of activities, including the Kawaguchiko Musical Forest Museum and the kachi kachi cable car, leading to an observation platform with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
As for accommodation, you'll find a wide range to suit all budgets.
Quieter, Yamanokako is also a lake from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the volcano in the background. While there's less to do here, it's an ideal place to stay, with accommodation of all types, including campsites, hotels and ryokans.
And whether you choose to stay in Kawaguchiko or Yamanakako, you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants for daytime and evening dining.
Accommodations near Mount Fuji lakes
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Just a 5-minute walk from Lake Yamanokako, this accommodation offers spacious, comfortable rooms. On-site facilities include an onsen, table tennis, billiards and a tennis court.
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Just over 3km from Lake Kawaguchiko, this accommodation offers clean, comfortable rooms at affordable rates. A variety of restaurants are just around the corner.
Gotenba: accommodation south of Mount Fuji
Southeast of Mount Fuji, Gotenba is famous for its hot springs. Ideal for relaxation and rest, the town is also one of the 5 resorts on Mount Fuji.
But beware if you choose to stay here before starting your ascent of the volcano, as this is the longest and most difficult route to the summit.
Gotenba has its own railway station, and can be reached by train from Tokyo on the Tokaido line, connecting at Kozu to Gotenba.
In terms of atmosphere, if you choose to stay in this area, you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can sample traditional cuisine. And for shopping enthusiasts, Gotenba is also known for its Gontenba Outlet shopping center, with no fewer than 225 boutiques.
Finally, there's a wide range of accommodation on offer, and you'll be able to stay here at affordable rates.
Good places to stay in Gotenba
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This Gotenba accommodation offers charming rooms at affordable rates. A sauna and jacuzzi are available on site. Free private parking is available for guests with vehicles.
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To the southwest of Mount Fuji, this establishment offers large 4-star rooms. In some, you'll even have access to a private onsen overlooking the Sacred Mountain. The hotel has its own restaurant.
Fujinomiya: stay in a traditional area
A quieter, more traditional town, Fujinomiya is less well known to travellers. Nevertheless, it's home to the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine and, not far away, the Mont Fuji World Heritage Center museum, totally dedicated to Mount Fuji and its history.
Staying in this area, as in the others, you'll enjoy lovely views of Mount Fuji, especially from Tanaki-ko and the Shiraito waterfalls.
If you're looking for accommodation in Fujinomiya, you'll find it easy to get there thanks to the JR station, which can be reached from Tokyo in less than 2 hours.
Be warned, however, that if you want to stay in this area, you'll find very little accommodation.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for a local atmosphere, you'll have the opportunity to visit typical bars and restaurants; a good opportunity to sample the local beer during your evening out on the town!
Accommodation in fujinomiya
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In Fujinomiya, this accommodation offers clean, comfortable rooms. Guests can also take advantage of a spa and wellness center. Free private parking is available on site.
Finally, while there are a number of refuges directly accessible on Mount Fuji, they offer very little in the way of comfort and can only be booked by telephone or on the refuges’ own websites. Open only during the official climbing season, they are a good place to stay only for those wishing to climb Mount Fuji.
However, there are plenty of options for staying around Mount Fuji, and with its imposing size, wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be able to admire this sacred mountain. If you’re heading there during the hiking season, remember to book your accommodation in advance!