Mount Fuji Three-Day In-Depth Tour: Scenic Beauty, Food, and Instagram-Worthy Spots

Here’s the itinerary for a three-day trip to Mount Fuji:

Three-Day Itinerary
• Day 1: In the morning, take a high-speed bus from Tokyo’s Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon arrival, visit Houtou Fudou (Kawaguchiko North Main Branch) near Kawaguchiko Station to try Yamanashi Prefecture’s specialty pumpkin flat noodles. In the afternoon, check into your hotel and then head to Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park. Take the cable car to the summit for panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko. On clear days, you can see the “Upside-Down Fuji” reflection. In the evening, stroll along the lakeside and visit Oishi Park.
• Day 2: Start your morning at Oshino Hakkai, known as “Japan’s Jiuzhaigou,” where you can admire eight crystal-clear ponds and traditional thatched-roof houses. Enjoy a traditional Japanese set meal at a nearby tea house for lunch. In the afternoon, explore Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave to experience the unique volcanic terrain formed by Mount Fuji’s eruptions. If time permits, visit Arakurayama Sengen Park, climb the 398 steps, and capture the iconic view of Mount Fuji framed with the five-story pagoda.
• Day 3: In the morning, visit Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum to enjoy European-style music boxes and automatic instrument performances. For lunch, dine at Hana Terrace by the lakeside, where you can also shop for souvenirs at nearby stores. In the afternoon, take a high-speed bus or the Fujikyu Railway back to Tokyo.

Must-Visit Attractions
1. Kawaguchiko: One of the Fuji Five Lakes, it’s an ideal spot to view Mount Fuji’s full panorama and reflection. Each season offers unique scenery, from cherry blossoms in spring to red maple leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter.
2. Oshino Hakkai: Dubbed “Little Jiuzhaigou of Fuji,” it features eight clear ponds surrounded by traditional thatched-roof houses and waterwheels, offering picturesque rural landscapes and distant views of Mount Fuji.
3. Arakurayama Sengen Park: A prime location for viewing Mount Fuji, with the red five-story pagoda complementing the mountain. The scenery is especially dreamy during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage.

Must-Try Foods
1. Houtou Fudou (Kawaguchiko North Main Branch): Famous for Yamanashi Prefecture’s specialty flat noodles, which are chewy and flavorful. The broth is made with miso and vegetables, rich yet not greasy, with ingredients like pumpkin and carrots.
2. Mount Fuji Toast: Located near Kawaguchiko, the recommended blue soda-flavored toast is soft and smooth, resembling Mount Fuji in appearance and highly photogenic.
3. Oishi Cafe (inside Oishi Park): Their signature ice cream, such as the Kyoho grape flavor, is worth trying. It’s fruity and rich, and you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji from the cafe.

Recommended Accommodation
• Suggested area: Near Kawaguchiko, convenient for enjoying Mount Fuji’s beauty and visiting nearby attractions, with many hot spring hotels available.
• Hotel name: Kawaguchiko Onsenji Yume-dono.
• Hotel address: 124 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Photo and Instagram Spots
1. Arakurayama Sengen Shrine: Visit during early morning or late afternoon to capture Mount Fuji’s serene beauty from the five-story pagoda platform under soft lighting.
2. Dream Bridge: Use a telephoto lens to create an illusion of stairs leading directly to Mount Fuji.
3. Kawaguchiko Lawson Convenience Store: Take photos at specific angles to make Mount Fuji appear as if it’s perched atop the store’s roof—a popular spot for social media.

Tips
• Mount Fuji’s climbing season is from early July to early September, and it can get crowded. Book mountain huts in advance if planning to climb.
• Weather on the mountain is unpredictable, and even in summer, temperatures at the summit can be low. Bring warm clothing, rain gear, and proper hiking shoes.
• To travel from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, you can take a direct bus from Shinjuku or use the JR line and transfer to the Fujikyu Railway. If you’re short on time, consider renting a car.