Update-date: Jul 04 2024
Mt. Fuji, known worldwide as a symbol of Japan, has a different appearance on its Shizuoka and Yamanashi sides. This article will recommend the best spots to see these sides of Mt. Fuji, along with some great restaurants to relish local food on the way.
Mt. Fuji: A Symbol of Japan
At approximately 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. It holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese people, and its majestic beauty has inspired many artists throughout history, appearing in ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), paintings, and photographs.
However, Mt. Fuji is also an active volcano that has erupted on numerous occasions since ancient times. This duality has led to its reverence as a powerful mountain where gods dwell.
In June 2013, Mt. Fuji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, giving international recognition to its natural beauty and religious and artistic significance, along with its impact on Japanese culture.
However, Mt. Fuji is also an active volcano that has erupted on numerous occasions since ancient times. This duality has led to its reverence as a powerful mountain where gods dwell.
In June 2013, Mt. Fuji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, giving international recognition to its natural beauty and religious and artistic significance, along with its impact on Japanese culture.
Shizuoka and Yamanashi: Two Prefectures, Two Perspectives
Mt. Fuji straddles the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, and each side has its own unique view of the mountain face. From Yamanashi, you can gaze upon Mt. Fuji's north side, which is considered its most symmetrical, while Shizuoka presents its east, south, and west sides, along with stunning panoramas framed by the sea. This makes it worth visiting both Shizuoka and Yamanashi to rediscover Mt. Fuji’s beauty from fresh angles!
The Best Mt. Fuji Viewing Spots in Shizuoka Prefecture
Here are two recommended locations in Shizuoka Prefecture to admire Mt. Fuji:
1. Nihondaira Yume Terrace (Shizuoka City)
Located in one of Japan's most picturesque regions, Nihondaira Yume Terrace presents 360-degree panoramic views that encompass Mt. Fuji, Shimizu Port, Suruga Bay, the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka City, and the Southern Alps. Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the facility is made with local wood to blend in with the surrounding nature. You can also enjoy the scenery in the lounge with local tea and seasonal sweets.
1. Nihondaira Yume Terrace (Shizuoka City)
Located in one of Japan's most picturesque regions, Nihondaira Yume Terrace presents 360-degree panoramic views that encompass Mt. Fuji, Shimizu Port, Suruga Bay, the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka City, and the Southern Alps. Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the facility is made with local wood to blend in with the surrounding nature. You can also enjoy the scenery in the lounge with local tea and seasonal sweets.
2. Lake Tanuki (Fujinomiya City)
Lake Tanuki is an artificial lake on the Asagiri Plateau at the western base of Mt. Fuji. Facing directly east towards the mountain, Lake Tanuki boasts beautiful seasonal vistas like cherry blossoms in spring and fiery foliage in autumn. It's also a great spot for outdoor activities like camping, boating, fishing, and cycling in front of Mt. Fuji.
Lake Tanuki is also famous for its spectacular Double Diamond Fuji, visible if the weather is favorable during the week around April 20 and August 20. The sunrise glimmers brilliantly from the summit, reflecting on the lake's surface to paint an otherworldly landscape.
Lake Tanuki is an artificial lake on the Asagiri Plateau at the western base of Mt. Fuji. Facing directly east towards the mountain, Lake Tanuki boasts beautiful seasonal vistas like cherry blossoms in spring and fiery foliage in autumn. It's also a great spot for outdoor activities like camping, boating, fishing, and cycling in front of Mt. Fuji.
Lake Tanuki is also famous for its spectacular Double Diamond Fuji, visible if the weather is favorable during the week around April 20 and August 20. The sunrise glimmers brilliantly from the summit, reflecting on the lake's surface to paint an otherworldly landscape.
The Best Mt. Fuji Viewing Spots in Yamanashi Prefecture
Here are two recommended locations in Yamanashi Prefecture to admire Mt. Fuji:
1. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine (Kawaguchiko)
A 30-minute hike in the mountains behind Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, northeast of Lake Kawaguchi, leads to Tenku no Torii (Torii in the Sky), where you can see Mt. Fuji framed by a torii gate. This spot has become increasingly popular as both a scenic viewpoint and spiritual power spot.
The view of Mt. Fuji behind the torii gate is sure to spark fresh appreciation for the mountain's grandeur. This shrine has an illustrious history, so be sure to follow etiquette when visiting.
1. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine (Kawaguchiko)
A 30-minute hike in the mountains behind Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, northeast of Lake Kawaguchi, leads to Tenku no Torii (Torii in the Sky), where you can see Mt. Fuji framed by a torii gate. This spot has become increasingly popular as both a scenic viewpoint and spiritual power spot.
The view of Mt. Fuji behind the torii gate is sure to spark fresh appreciation for the mountain's grandeur. This shrine has an illustrious history, so be sure to follow etiquette when visiting.
2. Hirano Beach (Yamanakako)
Located northeast of Lake Yamanaka, Hirano Beach offers views of Mt. Fuji across the lake colored by seasonal scenery. With minimal obstructions, it promises a clear, direct shot of the mountain.
This lakeside beach is also known for the beautiful upside down reflection of Mt. Fuji on the water's surface, and it is home to swans all year round. Depending on the season, you may even witness natural phenomena like the Diamond Fuji in summer or Mt. Fuji reflected on the frozen water in winter.
Located northeast of Lake Yamanaka, Hirano Beach offers views of Mt. Fuji across the lake colored by seasonal scenery. With minimal obstructions, it promises a clear, direct shot of the mountain.
This lakeside beach is also known for the beautiful upside down reflection of Mt. Fuji on the water's surface, and it is home to swans all year round. Depending on the season, you may even witness natural phenomena like the Diamond Fuji in summer or Mt. Fuji reflected on the frozen water in winter.
Recommended Japanese Restaurants For a Meal After Mt. Fuji
After marveling at Mt. Fuji, cap off your day with Japanese cuisine! Here are two easy-to-reach restaurants near Mt. Fuji viewing spots in Shizuoka and Yamanashi.
Uotori Shizuoka Branch (Shizuoka)
[Uotori Shizuoka Branch] is famous for its chargrilled local chicken and fresh seafood platters. A must-try is the rare [Chicken Liver Sashimi] (869 JPY), which uses slow low-temperature cooking to trap the umami flavors in the meat. Or you can opt for the classic and well-cooked juicy [Premium Chargrilled Shizuoka Brand Chicken] (1,529 JPY) instead.
For a complete meal of both meat and seafood, the best choice is the [Special Course With 2-Hour All-You-Can-Drink] (5,000 JPY). There is also a wide selection of local Shizuoka sake available to accompany your meal.
For a complete meal of both meat and seafood, the best choice is the [Special Course With 2-Hour All-You-Can-Drink] (5,000 JPY). There is also a wide selection of local Shizuoka sake available to accompany your meal.
All seating at [Uotori Shizuoka Branch] is in private rooms, letting guests enjoy their meals and conversations in a cozy space.
Uotori Shizuoka Branch
Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: (New Year holidays *12/31.1/1)
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shizuoka Station (JR Tokaido Line), or 3-minute walk from Shin-Shizuoka Station (Shizuoka Railway)
Address: 2F, Kinryu Building, 2-4-16, Ryogae-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: (New Year holidays *12/31.1/1)
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shizuoka Station (JR Tokaido Line), or 3-minute walk from Shin-Shizuoka Station (Shizuoka Railway)
Address: 2F, Kinryu Building, 2-4-16, Ryogae-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture Map
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Izakaya Hokkai
Located by Lake Yamanaka, [Izakaya Hokkai] is a lively restaurant with a friendly owner and cheerful staff. Despite being in the mountains, it serves delicious seafood painstakingly sourced by the expert owner.
Guests can pick out skewers (5 pieces 600 JPY) from a wide selection like yakitori (fried chicken) and vegetable rolls from a showcase to be grilled on the spot. Choose whatever piques your interest, and find a new favorite!
You can also pair your skewers with a selection of famous sake brands from all over Japan, and feel free to ask the staff for recommendations. For one final dish to wrap up, order the owner's own [Hokkai Ramen] (700 JPY).
Guests can pick out skewers (5 pieces 600 JPY) from a wide selection like yakitori (fried chicken) and vegetable rolls from a showcase to be grilled on the spot. Choose whatever piques your interest, and find a new favorite!
You can also pair your skewers with a selection of famous sake brands from all over Japan, and feel free to ask the staff for recommendations. For one final dish to wrap up, order the owner's own [Hokkai Ramen] (700 JPY).
The warm lighting and wooden decor of [Izakaya Hokkai] weave together a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for relishing delicious food after a day of adventure.
Izakaya Hokkai
Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: Driving from Lake Kawaguchiko to Lake Yamanakako on National Route 138, it is on the right side. Driving from Shizuoka side to the direction of Lake Kawaguchiko on National Route 138, it is on the left side.
Address: 226 Yamanaka, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: Driving from Lake Kawaguchiko to Lake Yamanakako on National Route 138, it is on the right side. Driving from Shizuoka side to the direction of Lake Kawaguchiko on National Route 138, it is on the left side.
Address: 226 Yamanaka, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Map
More Details Reservation
Even if you have seen Mt. Fuji before, it’s worth visiting multiple new viewpoints across Shizuoka and Yamanashi to rediscover its magnificence. Plus, these areas are full of fantastic restaurants, making the trip just as memorable as the destination!
Click the following links for more restaurant options around Mt. Fuji:
Shizuoka Restaurants
https://savorjapan.com/shizuoka/22003/list/
Yamanashi Restaurants
https://savorjapan.com/yamanashi/19002/09400/list/
Click the following links for more restaurant options around Mt. Fuji:
Shizuoka Restaurants
https://savorjapan.com/shizuoka/22003/list/
Yamanashi Restaurants
https://savorjapan.com/yamanashi/19002/09400/list/
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
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