Complete Guide to Mt. Fuji: Budget-Friendly Sightseeing Tips for Foreign Tourists
As a Japanese person who has been visiting the Mt. Fuji area for 10 years, I want to convey the charm of this World Heritage site from the bottom of my heart.
In conversations with foreign visitors, I've heard various concerns and questions about budget, timing, and access methods. In this article, I'll introduce practical advice to address these voices.
It's true that Mt. Fuji sightseeing can sometimes be plagued by peak season crowds and unexpected expenses. However, with the wisdom of locals and smart planning, you can enjoy it sufficiently on a reasonable budget. For example, you can aim for less crowded times in the early morning or at dusk, or utilize packed meals and parking lots.
In this article, I'll share tips for thoroughly enjoying the Mt. Fuji area, from specific access methods from Tokyo to recommended spots for each season and practical money-saving techniques. I hope you can fully enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, which Japan is proud of, within your budget.
Table of Contents
・Basic Information Needed for Mt. Fuji Sightseeing
・Transportation Methods and Budget from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji Area
・Tips for Enjoying Mt. Fuji Sightseeing Within Budget
・Packing Checklist for Mt. Fuji Sightseeing
・Advice for Further Enjoying Mt. Fuji Sightseeing
・Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Information Needed for Mt. Fuji Sightseeing
I'll introduce the basic information you should know when planning your Mt. Fuji sightseeing trip.
From my 10 years of experience, the most attractive time to enjoy Mt. Fuji is from spring to autumn. Especially in spring, you can see Mt. Fuji with cherry blossoms, summer is the climbing season, and autumn offers views with autumn leaves, each season showing its unique expression.
The center of tourism in the Mt. Fuji area is the Fuji Five Lakes area. Each of the five lakes - Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu - has its own characteristics, and the views of Mt. Fuji from the lakeshores are spectacular.
Using the Fuji Subaru Line, you can easily access the 5th station of Mt. Fuji by car or bus. Also, the Gotemba area has a large outlet mall, where you can enjoy shopping.
There are multiple options for access from Tokyo, including train, bus, and rental car. At the destination, you can choose transportation methods according to your purpose, such as local buses for efficiently touring sightseeing spots, rental bicycles for leisurely enjoying the scenery, and taxis for flexible movement.
In my experience, for first-time visitors, trains and local buses are the easiest to use and most reasonable for local transportation.
Transportation Methods and Budget from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji Area
Based on 10 years of experience, I'll introduce in detail the merits and demerits of each transportation method from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. Please choose the optimal transportation method considering your budget, time, and comfort.
Train Travel "Fuji Excursion"
The Fuji Kyuko Line's limited express "Fuji Excursion" is a convenient train that takes about 2 hours directly from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station. I use it frequently, and it has comfortable seats and sufficient luggage space, which is especially appreciated by foreign tourists with large suitcases.
You can easily make reservations from the English-supported official website, and after arriving at Kawaguchiko Station, you can smoothly transfer to the bus bound for the 5th station. I feel that the one-way fare of 4,130 yen is quite reasonable considering the comfort and convenience.
Website: https://e.fujikyu-railway.jp/
Bus Travel
Highway buses departing from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station are the most economical means of transportation. The one-way fare of about 2,000 yen is about half the price of the train. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, with some variation depending on road conditions.
In my experience, advance reservation is essential, especially during the tourist season. Also, there may be restrictions on carrying large luggage, so I recommend checking this when making a reservation. While bus travel is attractive in terms of price, it's necessary to consider that it's easily affected by road conditions and weather during busy times.
Rental Car Travel
Rental cars offer high freedom, and there are cost benefits especially when traveling with multiple people. For a day trip, depending on the car type, it costs about 5,000 to 8,000 yen per day, plus gasoline costs.
Foreign tourists must have an international driving permit. This needs to be prepared before departure without fail. The Mt. Fuji area is rich in nature, and the drive itself can be enjoyable.
Notably, there are many free parking lots scattered throughout the Fuji Five Lakes area. While it can get crowded on holidays, you can usually find parking spots relatively smoothly on weekdays.
However, be aware that for a day trip, the driver's fatigue can become significant.
Tips for Enjoying Mt. Fuji Sightseeing Within Budget
I'll introduce tips I've gained from 10 years of Mt. Fuji sightseeing experience on how to enjoy to the fullest while smartly keeping within budget. I'll share methods to efficiently save costs while borrowing the wisdom of locals.
How to Save on Accommodation Costs
Accommodation costs in the Mt. Fuji area can be greatly reduced with some ingenuity. I often use capsule hotels and guesthouses. You can stay comfortably and cleanly for about 5,000 to 8,000 yen per night. Moreover, at these facilities, you can enjoy interactions with travelers from around the world.
You can often stay at even more affordable rates when booking on weekdays or during off-seasons. Especially if you use early bird plans, you can expect discounts of about 10-20% from regular prices. Also, for outdoor enthusiasts, I recommend campsites or glamping facilities. You can enjoy nature while keeping accommodation costs down.
A day trip from Tokyo is also quite possible. If you leave early in the morning and sightsee until the evening, you can completely save on accommodation costs. However, be prepared for a slightly busy schedule in this case.
Tips for Saving on Food Expenses
Meals in the Mt. Fuji area can be enjoyed deliciously and reasonably by borrowing the wisdom of locals.
What I particularly recommend are bento boxes from roadside stations or local supermarkets. You can purchase delicious bento boxes using local ingredients for about 500 to 1,000 yen. Having a picnic while viewing Mt. Fuji is sure to become a special memory.
You can also enjoy meals at reasonable prices at cafes and snack stands in tourist areas. Especially, stores used by locals rather than those aimed at tourists often offer satisfactory prices and tastes.
Also, for restaurant meals, I recommend aiming for lunchtime rather than dinner. Generally, lunch menus are cheaper for similar dishes.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
There are many wonderful spots in the Mt. Fuji area that you can enjoy without spending money. What I particularly like is the view from Oishi Park. You can enjoy the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji for free from the grass spread along the lakeshore. Also, Oshino Hakkai is free to enter, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the spring water from Mt. Fuji.
Walking and picnicking around the Fuji Five Lakes also make for wonderful experiences. Especially in the early morning, you can see the reversed image of Mt. Fuji reflected on the lake surface, which is perfect for photography.
Also, various local events and festivals are held depending on the season. In many cases, these can be participated in for free, providing excellent opportunities to experience Japanese culture and traditions.
Don't Skimp Too Much on Mt. Fuji Climbing
Regarding Mt. Fuji climbing, I strongly recommend not skimping on necessary expenses considering safety. From my 10 years of experience, I think a budget of about 50,000 yen is necessary, including the entrance fee, mountain hut accommodation fee, and rental fee for necessary equipment.
These costs are essential for safe and comfortable climbing. Especially, staying at a mountain hut is important for preventing altitude sickness and maintaining physical strength.
Also, without proper equipment, you may find yourself in dangerous situations when the weather suddenly changes. Saving on climbing-related costs can sometimes lead to life-threatening situations, so necessary expenditures should be made properly.
Packing Checklist for Mt. Fuji Sightseeing
I'll introduce items that I consider essential for comfortable sightseeing in the Mt. Fuji area.
First, comfortable clothes and easy-to-walk shoes are essential. The area around Mt. Fuji has many ups and downs, and you'll end up walking more than expected. Especially when touring sightseeing spots, comfortable shoes make a big difference.
Compact rain gear is also a must to prepare for sudden weather changes. The weather around Mt. Fuji is changeable, and you may be caught in sudden rain even if it's sunny.
For summer sightseeing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are important to protect yourself from strong sunlight. Remember that UV rays are stronger at high altitudes around Mt. Fuji than in flat areas.
A camera or smartphone for taking photos, and their spare batteries are also important. You'll want to take photos every time you encounter wonderful scenery, and smartphones are also necessary for route searches.
Also, having a transportation IC card (like Suica or PASMO) that can be used in the area makes using buses and trains smoother.
Advice for Further Enjoying Mt. Fuji Sightseeing
From my 10 years of experience, I'll share important advice to make your Mt. Fuji sightseeing more fulfilling.
First, making a schedule with plenty of time is important. The Mt. Fuji area has many points of interest, and plans may need to be changed due to weather conditions. With a flexible plan, you can adapt to such situations.
From an environmental protection perspective, taking your trash with you is an absolute rule I'd like you to follow. Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan and a World Heritage site. It's the responsibility of each one of us who visit to protect its beautiful scenery and environment. Also, when taking photos, consideration for other tourists is necessary.
Respecting local culture and manners is also important. For example, there are Japan-specific customs such as how to behave at shrines and temples, and rules at hot spring facilities. By understanding and respecting these, you can have a deeper cultural experience.
Especially regarding climbing Mt. Fuji, never take it lightly. It's rare globally to be able to casually climb a mountain of this altitude, which is why proper preparation and mindset are necessary.
Pay attention to the remaining battery of your camera or smartphone during sightseeing. I recommend carrying a mobile battery to avoid situations where you can't take photos due to a dead battery when encountering wonderful scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've compiled questions I often receive from foreign tourists visiting Mt. Fuji and their answers. This information should be helpful for your travel plans.
When is the Best Season for Mt. Fuji Sightseeing?
The best season for Mt. Fuji sightseeing is the climbing season from July to early September. During this period, the climate is stable, and the views of Mt. Fuji are at their best. Also, many facilities and services are operating normally, making it an easy time for sightseeing.
October, the autumn foliage season, is also popular, with beautiful contrasts between Mt. Fuji and the autumn leaves. Especially around the Fuji Five Lakes, the scenery of autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface with Mt. Fuji is spectacular.
In winter, the collaboration of snow scenery and Mt. Fuji is magnificent, but considerable cold protection is necessary. Also, some tourist facilities may be closed or have shortened operating hours, so prior confirmation is important.
Is English Understood in the Mt. Fuji Area?
At major tourist spots, there are English signs on guide boards and menus, so there's no problem with basic sightseeing. Especially at tourist information centers and hotels, there are usually staff who can speak English. However, at small local shops, English support may be difficult.
In such cases, smartphone translation apps are very useful. Especially apps that can translate menu photos are handy when ordering at restaurants. Also, remembering a few basic Japanese phrases can lead to a more fulfilling travel experience.
How Much Time is Needed for Sightseeing Around the Fuji Five Lakes?
To efficiently tour all of the Fuji Five Lakes, you need about 1 to 2 days. Each lake has its own characteristics, and if you want to enjoy them leisurely, 2 or more days are recommended. Especially Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka have many tourist facilities, and you might want to secure about half a day of stay time for each.
The necessary time greatly varies depending on the choice of activities at each lake. For example, if you enjoy boating, hiking in the surroundings, or visiting museums, more time will be needed. If there are seasonal events, you need to consider time for those as well.
Mt. Fuji sightseeing is a wonderful experience that can be fully enjoyed while keeping within budget with proper planning and preparation. It's easily accessible from Tokyo and provides a precious opportunity to experience Japanese nature and culture at once.
What's especially important is to make plans with plenty of time, and not to skimp on necessary expenses related to safety.
At the World Heritage site Mt. Fuji and its surrounding areas, beautiful scenery of each season and heartwarming encounters with local people await you. Using the information introduced in this article as a reference, please create wonderful memories of Mt. Fuji sightseeing!
