Best Places to Stay to See Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest and most iconic peak, is a must-see for any traveler to Japan. With its snow-capped peak and symmetrical cone, it's a stunning sight that attracts millions of visitors every year. To fully appreciate the beauty of Mt. Fuji, it's essential to choose the right place to stay. This guide will explore the best accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly options, offering the perfect vantage points for viewing this majestic mountain.

1. Fuji Five Lakes Region

The Fuji Five Lakes region, located at the northern base of Mt. Fuji, is one of the most popular places to stay for visitors wanting to get a great view of the mountain. The area is named after five lakes—Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu—that offer different perspectives of Mt. Fuji. Among these, Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular due to its accessibility and the numerous accommodations available around it.

• Hotels and Ryokans Around Lake Kawaguchi: Staying around Lake Kawaguchi offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, especially during the cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. Accommodations range from luxury hotels like Kozantei Ubuya, which provides rooms with private hot spring baths and floor-to-ceiling windows facing Mt. Fuji, to more budget-friendly options such as K's House Mt. Fuji, a charming hostel with a cozy atmosphere.

• Yamanakako: For those who prefer a quieter setting, Lake Yamanaka is a great choice. It’s the largest of the five lakes and offers stunning sunrise views of Mt. Fuji. Hotel Mt. Fuji, perched on a hill, provides a panoramic view of the lake and the mountain. The hotel’s outdoor hot springs are a perfect way to relax while taking in the views.

2. Hakone

Hakone is a famous hot spring resort area located about an hour away from Tokyo and offers some of the best views of Mt. Fuji. This area is well-known for its luxurious ryokans, hot springs, and scenic views.

• Stay at a Traditional Ryokan: Hakone is home to several ryokans, traditional Japanese inns that offer a unique cultural experience. Gora Kadan, a luxury ryokan and former retreat of the Imperial Family, offers an unparalleled view of Mt. Fuji, especially from its open-air baths and beautifully designed rooms.

• Hotels with Views of Mt. Fuji: The Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is another excellent choice, featuring infinity hot spring baths overlooking the surrounding mountains and Mt. Fuji. Guests can enjoy a perfect view of the mountain from their rooms, especially during the clear winter months.

3. Gotemba

Located on the southeastern side of Mt. Fuji, Gotemba is famous for its premium outlet mall and excellent views of the mountain. It’s an ideal location for those who want to combine sightseeing with shopping.

• Staying in Gotemba: Hotels like the Fuji Speedway Hotel, located near the base of Mt. Fuji, provide modern amenities with traditional Japanese aesthetics. The hotel offers rooms with a full view of Mt. Fuji, ensuring that guests can enjoy the majestic scenery from the comfort of their beds.

• Proximity to Fuji Safari Park: Gotemba is also close to the Fuji Safari Park, where visitors can experience a wildlife safari with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop. Staying at hotels near the park, like the Hotel Route-Inn Gotemba, allows easy access to both shopping and wildlife adventures.

4. Fujinomiya

Fujinomiya is located to the southwest of Mt. Fuji and is known for the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, a shrine dedicated to the mountain. The city provides an excellent base for those looking to explore the southern side of Mt. Fuji.

• Accommodation with Cultural Experiences: Staying in Fujinomiya offers a more traditional experience. The Kyukamura Fuji is a popular choice, providing guests with both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms with a view of Mt. Fuji. The hotel is known for its local cuisine and cultural activities, such as traditional tea ceremonies.

• Access to Mt. Fuji’s Southern Trails: For hikers, staying in Fujinomiya provides easy access to the Fujinomiya Trail, one of the main routes up Mt. Fuji. Accommodations like the Fujinomiya Green Hotel offer basic amenities and are a good option for those planning to start their ascent early in the morning.

5. Tokyo

Though not immediately next to Mt. Fuji, Tokyo offers a surprising number of spots where you can catch a glimpse of the mountain, particularly on clear days.

• Hotels with Mt. Fuji Views: Some high-rise hotels in Tokyo, like the Park Hyatt Tokyo and The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, offer rooms with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. These hotels provide the luxury of city life with the bonus of a distant, majestic view of the mountain.

• Rooftop Bars and Observation Decks: For those who don’t want to splurge on a hotel room, several observation decks and rooftop bars in Tokyo provide views of Mt. Fuji. The Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower are popular spots for both day and night views.

6. Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture, stretching along the Pacific coast, offers some of the best panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from a distance, especially from the coastline.

• Coastal Views and Hot Springs: Staying in coastal towns like Numazu or Shimizu offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji across Suruga Bay. Hotels such as the Numazu Inter Grand Hotel provide rooms facing the mountain, and some even have hot spring baths with views.

• Relaxing in Atami: Another great spot is Atami, a coastal hot spring resort town. The Hotel Micuras offers a combination of ocean and Mt. Fuji views from its rooms and baths. Staying in Atami allows guests to enjoy both the sea and the mountain in one stay.

Conclusion

Choosing the right place to stay when visiting Mt. Fuji depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a lakeside retreat, the luxury of a hot spring resort, or the convenience of city life with a distant view, there is an accommodation option for everyone. Regardless of where you choose to stay, waking up to the sight of Mt. Fuji is an experience you will never forget.