Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan) is with 3776 meters Japan’s highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people throughout the centuries.
Mount Fuji is an active volcano, which most recently erupted in 1707. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days.
Another easy way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of the mountain can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40-45 minutes into the journey.
Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours than during the middle of the day.
If you want to enjoy Mount Fuji at a more leisurely pace and from a nice natural surrounding, you should head to the Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region at the northern foot of the mountain, or to Hakone, a nearby hot spring resort. Mount Fuji is officially open for climbing during July and August via several routes.
Climbing the Mount Fuji (for german travelers)
Journey to Japan’s highest peak for a day spent soaking in the natural beauty of Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park. Travel in comfort from Tokyo by coach to reach elevated viewpoints, cruise across the waters of Lake Ashi, and ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Komagatake to see an ancient shrine.
Snag a seat on a comfortable motorcoach from your pickup location in central Tokyo for your ride out of the city. Drive off in the direction of Mount Fuji, admiring this towering volcanic peak—an iconic natural landmark that’s been depicted in Japanese artwork for centuries—as you approach. Drive right up to the mountain’s 5th Station, which sits 7,546 feet (2,300 m) above sea level, and take in sweeping, panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
Take a break for lunch, and then head to the shores of nearby Lake Ashi, a beautiful crater lake that sits along the caldera of Mount Hakone. Admire views of Mount Fuji as you skim across the calm waters. Then, hop on the Mount Komagatake Ropeway for a quick and scenic 7-minute ride to the peak. Spend an hour or so at the summit, strolling around and riding the cableway up to the ancient spiritual site at the Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya. After exploring the natural beauty and cultural landmarks of the area, head back to your coach for the return ride to Tokyo.