Hello all,
I am thinking of travelling with a friend to Japan probably the end of this year during the Autumn season (Oct – Nov).
We are thinking of spending a few days in Tokyo City, 3 to 4 days, as we have been to Tokyo before.
However, we are thinking of self driving out to Mt. Fuji and the surrounding areas. Being new to this, I am still looking around.
How many days would it be worth to stay in Mt. fuji? And explore its attractions. From what I gather, it would be the 5 lakes hoping, Chureito Pagoda. Gotemba premium outlets, hakone area. I am not sure if there are any other must see attractions in this area.
Out of Mt fuji, is there any more interesting sights to see outside of the Mt Fuji area?
Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you!
6 comments
Shizouka is a really quaint town at the base of Fuji that has a lot to offer. Its the traditional home of the Tokugawa family which is probably the most famous ruling family in Japanese history outside the imperial line. There is definitely stuff to do around there including some nice volcanic beaches and an archaeology museum.
If youre just looking for nature, Nagano/Takayama/Hida is really nice as well.
Well, you can go a bit deeper in detailing the places where you can go in Kawaguchiko and Hakone, but from what you listed, it’s nothing impossible to do by public transport.
For example around the lake, what do you want to see, like go to lake Sai and see the caves or Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba ? Want to see some of the shrines closer to Kawaguchiko ? Want to go to an amusement park, Fuji Q is right there. You would be too late for Mount Fuji climbing season.
Next, Kawaguchigo there is a lot of museum including some art museum, Owakudani that is an area with volcanic activity, can do a cruise on lake Ashi (would not work great with a car as it would then be on the other side of the lake), Hakone checkpoing, Onshi park with a potential view on Mount Fuji.
There is also some pass available for it [http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/mtpass/](http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/mtpass/) and [https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/](https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/)
For me this is a minimum of 3 days, I did it in 3 days using the Hakone Fuji Pass, but could add a day in each Kawaguchiko and Hakone depending on how much you want to see en each area.
Also regarding you timing to go, you can try to be in Hakone one November 3, there is a festival called Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu. It’s a parade with people dressed as samurai. I would not recommend to go to Hakone only for that, but it can take half a day while you are around Hakone. Obviously, check if the event take place before finalizing your plan.
There’s a cool shaped udon restaurant called [Hoto Fudou](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KjS2Y8iknQM4Taxz5) around that area, It has a pretty interesting design and the udon / pork stew was decent. You can also see Mt Fuji from the parking lot.
Also this Izakaya place called [おでんやなべちゃん](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cVLxneok2wpUDnGU7). If you’ve ever watched Midnight Diner its got that vibe, the master (chef) there doesn’t speak much English but wants to learn and he’s a wonderful guy.
[Fujiomurosengen Shrine](https://maps.app.goo.gl/NjSsazVw9CmE8GBU9) is pretty cool for pictures and so is [Momiji Tunnel](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kXNGeqzrDERi697U9).
Make sure you get a smaller car if you’re not too comfortable with driving in really tight spaces, some of the streets around Fuji are narrow 1 lane streets for 2 way traffic and it can get really tight, we had a people mover and some turns required a lot of careful adjustment.
Make sure to visit mt fuji visitor center if into architecture. Atami is a cool hot spring town nearby with tons of free foot baths. There’s also mt Omuro and Izu zoo which has got to be one of the best zoos ever. Especially if you like capybara
If you’re into art the Pola art museum is worth a visit. Also stop by Narukawa gallery on the lake to see the collection and have a tea or coffee with one of the best views of the lake and Fuji. I stayed in Shizuoka and used it as a base. It’s a short train ride from Tokyo and saves you the hassle of trying to negotiate the roads out of the city. Hired a car there and drove into Hakone and Fuji. Might be a better option. You could also do the same from Matsumoto if you wanted to stay closer to the mountains. Just decide if you prefer coast or mountains.
Small note; A lot of great advice here. As a motorcyclist in Japan, I would highly recommend trying to experience that beautiful area on two wheels if you can. Best wishes!