Mt. Fuji is Japan's iconic mountain loved by locals and tourists alike, which means there are plenty of spectacular views and adorable snacks to celebrate its beauty!
Here we'll look at some recommended sightseeing spots and delicious local dishes from around Mt. Fuji and its Fuji Five Lakes.
1. Yoshida no Udon: Specialty Local Fujiyoshida Cuisine
Yoshida Udon (courtesy of：Fuji Five Lakes Tourism Federation)
Yoshida no Udon is a traditional dish from Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. It is an impressive udon dish of thick noodles, horse meat, and boiled cabbage. There are nearly 50 shops that serve Yoshida Udon scattered about the city. Each shop boasts its own unique flavors, so you can find the one you love the most!
Each shop uses a condiment called 'suridane,' a mix of sesame, Sichuan pepper, and chili pepper. The suridane seasonings also vary by shop, just like the noodles, so you can enjoy a different taste wherever you go.
2. Mt. Fuji Melonpan: Adorable Fuji Shaped Cakes!
Mt. Fuji Melonpan (courtesy of https://fujiyoshida.net/feature/fujisan_gourmet/index)
Mt. Fuji Melonpan, or melon bread, is sold at the Amanoya Bakery, located at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station Rest House.
These adorable melonpan are made in the shape of Mt. Fuji, and have become quite popular among young people. With a crisp outside and fluffy inside, these limited-edition breads can only be found here! A must-try when visiting the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Amanoya
8545-1 Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0320
Take the Fujikyu Bus from Fujikyu Fujisan Station (approx. 1 hour)
0555-72-1341
Hours: Weekdays: 8:30AM-6:00PM; Sat & Sun: 8:30AM-6:30PM
*Closes when sold out
Regular Holidays: Open year-round
3. Fuji Radar Dome Building: Best Spot for Viewing Mt. Fuji
Fuji Radar Dome Building (courtesy of https://fujiyoshida.net/feature/Mt.Fuji_view/index)
The Fuji Radar Dome Building has long been used for Japanese weather observations. It currently serves as a place for children to learn through hands-on activities.
The Fuji Radar Dome Building is also a famous scenic spot for viewing Mt. Fuji! The vastness of Mt. Fuji looming right before you is a powerful view that you are unlikely to experience anywhere else.
Fuji Radar Dome Building
1936-1 Araya, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 403-0006
Take bus from Fujikyu Railway Fujisan Station (approx. 15 minutes); walk 5 minutes from the Sun Park Fujimae bus stop
0555-20-0223
Hours: 9:00AM-5:00PM (last entry 4:30PM)
Regular Holidays: Every Tuesday (and closed in July and August)
4. Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park: Enjoy the Colors of Each Season
Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park (courtesy of the Fuji Five Lakes Tourism Federation)
Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park has an expansive scenery of flower fields set against a Mt. Fuji backdrop.
The 300,000 square meter area is covered with all kinds of flowers, whose colors change with the seasons. There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy in Hananomiyako Park in addition to the free outdoor area, including Seiryu-no-Sato Park, and a limited-edition flower shop.
Information on what flowers are in bloom is regularly updated on the official website, so you can check it out before your visit.
Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park
1650 Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0501
Take Fujikko-go Bus from Fujikyu Fujisan Station (30 minutes)
0555-62-5587
Hours: April 16 to October 15 (8:30AM-5:30PM); October 16-April 15 (9:00AM-4:30PM)
Regular Holidays: Every Tuesday from December 1 to March 15 (excluding New Year holidays)
5. Fujikyu Highland: Japan's Leading Roller Coaster Theme Park
Fujikyu Highland (courtesy of the Fuji Five Lakes Tourism Federation)
Fujikyu Highland is famous for its scream-machine roller coasters, including 'FUJIYAMA,' 'DODODONPA,' 'Eejanaika,' and 'Takabisha.'
In addition to roller coasters, there is plenty to be enjoyed by all kinds of people, from friends and families to couples, including the haunted house, 'The Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear,' and t…
