Sightseeing Spots in Gotemba: Complete Guide for International Tourists
Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, attracts countless tourists who visit Japan specifically to witness its majestic presence. However, given Mount Fuji's massive size and the numerous tourist attractions scattered around its vicinity, we've created this guide to help you explore the Mount Fuji area efficiently.
Additionally, Magical Trip, which won the #1 spot for all tours on Tripadvisor in 2024, has recently launched the Mount Fuji tours.
The "Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide" offers a stress-free experience exploring the Mount Fuji area, complete with private car transportation from Tokyo.
Even if you have limited time to explore the Mount Fuji region, this tour allows you to visit all the must-see spots with detailed guidance from your tour guide.
If you're interested in efficiently experiencing the essential locations while gaining deep insights from a knowledgeable local guide who knows the area inside and out, we highly recommend joining the "Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide."
We hope you'll have a wonderful time experiencing everything Mt.Fuji has to offer by joining a Magical Trip tour!
Introduction
Gotemba, sprawling at the foot of Mount Fuji, is a special place where Japan's nature and modernity harmonize beautifully. I have been visiting this area for over 10 years, and its charm never ceases to amaze me. On clear days, the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji stands watch over the city, soothing the hearts of visitors year-round.
At the world-famous Premium Outlets, you can enjoy an attractive shopping experience with luxury brands. On the other hand, in the quiet hot spring town, hot springs utilizing volcanic blessings soothe tired bodies. There are also plenty of gourmet delights, including local cuisine using fresh local ingredients and Gotemba Kogen Beer.
Certainly, as its popularity as a tourist destination grows, weekend crowds have become an unavoidable challenge. Also, there are days when Mount Fuji is not visible due to climate changes, but I feel this is part of Gotemba's charm. Rather, it's at times like these that new opportunities for discovery arise, such as interacting with locals or exploring hidden gems.
Why don't you create your own special memories in Gotemba, which shows different expressions in each season?
Table of Contents
・Sightseeing Spots to Visit in Gotemba
・Activities to Enjoy in Gotemba
・Frequently Asked Questions
Sightseeing Spots to Visit in Gotemba
Gotemba is an attractive tourist destination located at the foot of Mount Fuji. As I've visited many times over the past 10 years, I've come to feel its charm more and more deeply. Here, I'll introduce sightseeing spots that I especially recommend for international tourists.
Gotemba Premium Outlets
Source: Google Map
Gotemba Premium Outlets is a place that has overwhelmed me with its scale and product range since my first visit. Its biggest attraction is that about 300 world-renowned brand shops are gathered here, allowing you to purchase luxury goods and popular items at prices lower than usual.
What's particularly noteworthy is the wonderful location. On clear days, you can enjoy shopping while gazing at the majestic Mount Fuji. This scenery is one of the iconic landscapes of Gotemba for me. When you look up at Mount Fuji during a shopping break, you'll surely feel that you've come to Japan and feel your heart settle.
The food court is also well-equipped, offering a wide range of cuisine from local Japanese flavors to international dishes.
For families, the presence of a kids' area is delightful. With a space where children can play safely, adults can enjoy shopping at leisure. My friends with families say they visit many times thanks to this kids' area.
The charm of the outlet changes with the seasons. The winter sale season is particularly bustling, but it also gets very crowded. Personally, I recommend visiting during the mild climate of spring or autumn. There are fewer people, allowing you to enjoy shopping at a leisurely pace.
Website: https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/
Gotemba Kogen Toki no Sumika
Source: Google Map
Gotemba Kogen Toki no Sumika is a special place I visit every time I come to Gotemba. Here, illuminations that change with each season show stunning beauty.
The charm of Toki no Sumika isn't limited to illuminations. At the natural hot spring facility, you can relax both body and mind while soaking in hot springs using Mount Fuji's underground water. I especially love the view of Mount Fuji from the open-air bath, and my favorite is bathing at dusk on clear days. Bathing while watching Mount Fuji dyed by the setting sun is truly a blissful moment.
The accommodation facilities are also well-equipped, suitable for long stays. From my experience, staying on weekdays allows you to enjoy a relatively quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Also, various restaurants are attached to the facility, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of cuisine from Japanese to Western.
Activities are also plentiful, with strawberry picking and bouldering available depending on the season. Last year, I tried bouldering with a friend, and it was a fresh experience with a difficulty level enjoyable even for beginners. Strawberry picking is especially popular with families with children, and the taste of sweet and fresh strawberries is unforgettable.
The charm of Toki no Sumika is that it can be enjoyed throughout the year. It shows different expressions each season - cherry blossoms in spring, cool highland winds in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow scenes and illuminations in winter. And in every season, there are viewpoints scattered throughout where you can gaze at the majestic figure of Mount Fuji. The view of Mount Fuji on clear days is truly spectacular, and I recommend bringing a camera without fail.
Website: https://www.tokinosumika.com/stay/villa/
Activities to Enjoy in Gotemba
Over these 10 years, as I've visited many times, I've discovered that there are various ways to enjoy Gotemba. Here, I'll introduce activities that I especially recommend for international tourists.
The Charm of Gotemba Hot Springs
Gotemba hot springs are a special place for me to heal my tired body and mind. The hot springs in this area are natural hot springs sourced from Mount Fuji's underground water, and their quality is gentle on the skin, giving a comfortable warmth. I still vividly remember the excitement when I first soaked in these hot springs. It was a strange experience where just getting into the hot spring seemed to melt away the fatigue of daily life.
There are multiple hot spring facilities in Gotemba that can be used for day trips. This is a big attraction for short-stay tourists who can easily enjoy hot springs. I recommend bathing from evening to night. Soothing your body tired from daytime sightseeing in a hot spring is an unparalleled luxury.
Among them, the view of Mount Fuji from the open-air bath is exceptional. The experience of gazing at the majestic Mount Fuji while soaking in a bath on a clear day gives an indescribable emotion. Every time I see this scenery, I can't help but feel the happiness of being born in Japan.
Many hot spring facilities have restaurants attached where you can enjoy local cuisine after bathing. The meal after warming up in the hot spring is exceptional, and the array of dishes using fresh local ingredients further enhances the charm of Gotemba.
However, for those with tattoos, some facilities may restrict bathing, so I recommend checking in advance.
Local Gourmet Tour
When talking about the charm of Gotemba, we can't leave out local gourmet food. Over these 10 years, every time I visit Gotemba, I've enjoyed encountering new flavors. Through these experiences, I've realized the depth and charm of Gotemba's gourmet scene.
First, you absolutely can't miss Gotemba's local soba. My favorite is the handmade soba eaten at a local long-established soba restaurant. The harmony of the firm noodles and carefully made broth is exceptional, and I feel moved every time I visit. For international visitors, it's an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Japanese food culture.
The charm of Gotemba also lies in its fresh local vegetables. Vegetables nurtured by the rich nature of Mount Fuji are flavorful and stand out for their juiciness.
Indispensable when talking about Gotemba is "Gotemba Kogen Beer". This craft beer is brewed using Mount Fuji's underground water, and the balance of its refreshing taste and richness is exquisite. I look forward to enjoying this beer every time I visit.
And in exploring Gotemba's gourmet scene, we must not forget the existence of hidden gems. For example, "Ninooka Ham" is famous locally but is one of the hidden gems not well-known to tourists. I still can't forget the shock when I first ate their ham. The handmade ham, shining with the craftsman's skill, has a flavor and texture that's exquisite, a taste you can't forget once you've eaten it.
I hope international tourists will take the time to explore Gotemba's food and experience the flavors unique to this region and warm hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'll answer questions frequently asked by international tourists visiting Gotemba.
How Do I Access the Premium Outlets from Gotemba Station?
Access from Gotemba Station to the Premium Outlets is very convenient. The easiest and most economical way is to use the free shuttle bus. This bus runs from Gotemba Station at about 15-minute intervals. I use it frequently, and the buses always run on schedule and are clean and comfortable.
However, it can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so I recommend acting with a bit of extra time. From my experience, it's often less crowded in the early morning or later evening hours.
Taxis and rental cars are also available. Taxis are always waiting in front of the station and arrive in about 10 minutes, but the fare is about 1,500 yen.
Personally, I recommend the free shuttle bus, especially for first-time visitors. You can slowly enjoy the townscape of Gotemba from the bus window during the journey, and experience the atmosphere of a Japanese local city.
Is It Possible to Climb Mount Fuji from Gotemba?
Yes, climbing Mount Fuji is possible from Gotemba. The Gotemba route is known as one of the main climbing routes of Mount Fuji. I myself have experienced climbing using this route several times, and it has a charm different from other routes.
The characteristic of the Gotemba route is its large elevation difference and long climbing distance. Therefore, it's popular among those seeking a more authentic climbing experience or those wanting to avoid crowds. It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Gotemba Station to the trailhead.
However, this route is not for beginners. There are steep slopes and rocky areas, requiring physical strength and experience. When I first challenged it, I was surprised by its difficulty. In particular, the descent called "Sunabashiri" (sand run), which is a steep gravel road, requires caution even for experienced climbers.
The climbing season is mainly from July to early September. Climbing outside this period is very dangerous and requires specialized equipment and experience. Also, weather changes can be severe, so it's important to always check the latest weather information. I once had an experience of being forced to descend due to sudden bad weather.
Which Gotemba Hot Spring Is the Most Popular?
There are many hot spring facilities in Gotemba, but among them, "Toki no Sumika" receives high ratings from many tourists. I've visited many times, and I understand well the reasons for its popularity.
The charm of "Toki no Sumika" is, first and foremost, its view. You can view Mount Fuji from the open-air bath, and the scenery is breathtaking. Especially on clear winter days, bathing while gazing at snow-capped Mount Fuji can truly be called a spectacular view.
Also, "Toki no Sumika" is not just a hot spring, but is well-equipped with accommodation facilities, restaurants, and activities. Being a comprehensive resort facility where you can enjoy all day is another reason for its popularity. After the hot spring, you can enjoy meals made with local ingredients or see illuminations, allowing for various ways to enjoy.
"Otainai Onsen" is also popular. This is a unique hot spring inside a lava cave of Mount Fuji. It's characterized by the unique atmosphere inside the cave and mineral-rich hot spring water. When I visited, I was fascinated by its mystical atmosphere. However, those with claustrophobia might need to be a bit careful.
There's one point to note when enjoying hot springs in Gotemba. Many hot spring facilities in Japan may prohibit bathing for those with tattoos. This is due to Japan's cultural background, but recently, more facilities are changing their policies for international tourists. However, I recommend checking in advance just in case. I had an international tourist acquaintance who was disappointed after being refused entry due to tattoos.
Are There Places to Enjoy with Children?
Yes, there are many places in Gotemba where you can enjoy with children. From my own experience of visiting several times with friends' families, I can introduce some spots that children love.
First, the kids' area at Gotemba Premium Outlets is very popular with families with children. In the spacious playground, children can play safely. The play equipment is also well-equipped, enjoyable for both small and big children. When I visited, I was impressed by the sight of children running around energetically and playing happily. Also, parents can enjoy shopping nearby, making it a place where the whole family can be satisfied.
The illuminations at Toki no Sumika are also very popular with children. Especially the winter illuminations are spectacular, and it's really a wonderful experience to see children's eyes sparkle.
Lastly, when making memories with children in Gotemba, we must not forget the presence of Mount Fuji. On good weather days, you can see Mount Fuji from anywhere. Gazing at Mount Fuji together with children and feeling its grandeur will surely become an unforgettable memory.
Gotemba, located at the foot of Mount Fuji, offers many experiences to international tourists as an attractive tourist destination. Just as I have visited many times over these 10 years and continue to be attracted to its charm, I'm sure you too will be captivated by Gotemba's diverse attractions.
The shopping experience at the world-famous Premium Outlets can be enjoyed with Mount Fuji in the background, truly a uniquely Japanese sight. At Toki no Sumika, you can enjoy the beauty of Japan's four seasons through illuminations that change with each season, hot springs, and various activities.
I sincerely hope that your stay in Gotemba becomes a highlight of your trip to Japan!
