Earlier this year, I was able to spend several days exploring Tokyo. On one of these days, I decided to cross off a nearby bucket list item and took a trip to nearby Mt. Fuji to view this iconic landmark. I wound up spending the entire day driving around the mountain to a variety of attractions surrounding the mountain. This landmark had long gained international acclaim both for it’s historical and cultural significance to the country of Japan and its people but also to the tranquil beauty that it offers visitors ranging from the springtime cherry blossoms that are abound within this region during this time of the year so its majestic snow-capped peak that can be seen each winter. Mt. Fuji can offer its visitors a truly serene and spiritual experience and a welcome retreat from the high octane living of nearby Tokyo.
The first view of Mt. Fuji that I was able to enjoy was in the traditional Japanese village of Oshino Hakkai where the initial change of colors being visible in the trees around the village, further extenuating my view of the mountain. This is a peaceful location several hours outside of Tokyo that offers a tranquil location to pass the day while also enjoying some light shopping and food from the local vendors. The village itself is protected and preserved, including a museum that can be found in the middle of the location that showcases how life was in this region in the past. The majority of the of the buildings display traditional Japanese architectural motifs such as hip and gabled roofs. The village is also filled with several vendors that provide incredible examples of local street food to try with some of my favorite examples being the fire roasted mochi filled with maccha that I enjoyed at this market.
On picturesque days, the town of Oshino Hakkai will often be filled with visitors due to the immense popularity this town has gained over the years. While some people I had encountered during my time in this village with foreign visitors, many others seemed to from the region showcasing that this location is more than just a tourist trap but is a very popular attractions for both visitors and locals. For anyone who would prefer a less crowded option that can provide a comparable experience, then the historical town of Iyashi no Sato may be a better place to spend your time in the Mt. Fuji area. This is a second village located on the opposite side of Mt. Fuji that also offers a glimpse into the past as much of this historical village has been preserved along with its beautiful architecture. However, the number of visitors here was substantially fewer allowing for a more relaxed and personal experience within the village.
Another relaxing vantage point to see Mount Fuji from are the flower gardens of Oishi Park. This public park offers several acres of well-maintained garden grounds offering a variety of cultivated flowers such as the Maiden Grass-Miscanthus. Many visitors come here to enjoy some maccha ice cream while strolling through these gardens and gazing at Mount Fuji that can be seen rising on the other side of the lake from Oishi Park. This park offers a very serene view with the mountain rising across the lake in the background while a cornucopia of colors taking up the foreground with flowers of every color being found along the walking path running through the gardens. Having a clear day that allows the full mountain to be seen across the lake is relatively uncommon, so any day where this is indeed the case; you can be sure to find large crowds of locals coming to this location to enjoy their mountain views and maccha ice-creams, which has become a cultural icon within the region.
There are many ways to experience Mount Fuji, one of which is a view from the water such as the one I was able to enjoy from Lake Kawaguchiko. Whether it’s a private speed boat or one of the many historically recreated traditional viewing the mountain from this lake provides one of the closest vantage points to Mount Fuji itself. The town at the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko also has several terrific restaurants and cafes to enjoy while taking in breath taking views of the lake. This town also offers an aerial view of the mountain which can be assessed via gondola. The gondola, known as the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, takes visitors from the town itself and up to a high hill overlooking the towns which provides spanning views of Lake Kawaguchiko on one side and mesmerizing views of Mt. Fuji on the other side.
The final location that I made sure to visit during the day was the iconic viewpoint of Mount Fuji from the Chureito Pagoda. During one of the rare, clear days when the mountain can be seen from this vantage point, the steps behind this pagoda are filled with a crowd of people from all over the world. In the brief time I spent here, I was able to meet travelers from across the global ranging from Russia to all the way back in the United States. Due to the prevalence of this viewpoint being captured countless amounts of times on social media, this area had attracted “Instagram fame” so the stairs are often overrun with visitors. Luckily, the culture of Japan allows this to remain a very peaceful and civil experience with all visitors being willing to patiently wait their turns and even help other travels with their snapshots of the mountain. Rather than the crowds being a hassle, the opportunity to meet so many people from such a vast collection of cultures was able to add to experience here.
Mt. Fuji has gained its internationally iconic status due to its distinct aesthetic of being a secluded mountain as well it’s vital historical context as a sacred site within the Japanese culture. Over the years, there has grown many ways in which to enjoy this site whether its from high on a mountain overlooking the scenery below or on the water enjoying a view looking up at the mountain itself. Spending a full day within this region really won me over to how unique and exhilarating traveling through Japan is, as the country can seamlessly blend modernity and tradition while providing an endless array of options to do and experiences to enjoy. It has convinced me, without a doubt, to one day return to this beautiful country and soak in more of what there is to see here. But that is a story for another day…
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