Fuji Things to Do Tips by keeweechic

Orbit View of Mt Fuji

Ever seen an orbit photo of Mt Fuji? It is clearly recognisable.. but obviously I can't show it.

Most people climb Mt. Fuji to see the sunrise above the sea of clouds from the 7-8th Stations on the Yoshidaguchi climbing trail. But there are other activities at the summit, including getting a calligraphic stamp from the summit shrine, walking around the summit crater on a 1 1/2 hour circuit, mailing letters from the post office, or calling a friend from the public phone at the highest point in Japan.

Map - Lake Ashi Area

On clear days, cone shaped Mount Fuji can be seen beautifully from the sightseeing boats. Lake Ashi is abundant in trout, black bass and other kinds of fish, many people enjoy fishing there. You can get great views of the lake by the ropeway from Mt Komamagate.

More views over the mountains.

More views over the mountains and Lake area. The Mountain is a very popular destination for hikers. The path however is fairly steep at times.

Address: Mt Komegatake

Hakone

Hakone is the closest resort to Tokyo. Therefore it is very popular tourist's destination for Japanese and foreign visitors who are staying in Tokyo.

The major attractions of the Hakone area are good views of Mt.Fuji, hotsprings, Lake Ashi-no-ko (Ashi) and the Tori Gate of the Hakone Shrine which stands at the foot of Mt. Komagatake.

A Smaller Craft

If the pirate ship is a bit much for you, you can take one of these cute little peddle boats and putter around the lake.

There are plenty of rowing boats, and pedal boats for rent, or even have someone drive you around in a motor boats.

Address: Lake Ashi, Hakone

Take a cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a cruise on Lake Ashi in a pirate ship no less. Not something you would expect to find in Japan that's for sure. It is a replica of a man-of-war pirate ship.

Lake Ashi-no-ko

Lake Ashi-no-ko lies in the heart of Hakone National Park. 20km in circumference it fills the crater of the extinct volcano Mt. Hakone which erupted over 2000 years ago. Lake Ashi's steep shores, encircled by volcanic mountains, are densely covered by forests.

Address: Lake Ashi, Hakone

Komegatake Ropeway

Komegatake Ropeway - On a 4Km long ropeway ride, enjoy a breath-taking view of the volcanic Hakone Mountains and Lake Ashi.

Address: Mt Komegatake

Mt Komagatake

Mt Komagatake - An all around view of the Hakone mountains, Lake Ashi and Mt.Fuji can be seen from the top of this 1,357m high mountain. Mt. Komagatake erupted on March 05, 1996, after the 54 years dormancy and again on October 25, 1999.

The view on a clear day is truly wonderful.

Fuji Five Lakes

Fuji Five Lakes - created out of the eruptions and formed after the ash and lava clogged the streams and dams. To
the north of Mount Fuji, forming a gentle arc, are the Fuji Go-ko, Fuji Five Lakes.

From east to west, they are Lakes Yamanaka-ko, Kawaguchi-ko, Sai-ko, Shoji-ko, and Motosu-ko. The Five Lake area is a year-round vacation spot offering fishing, hunting, camping, trekking, and spas, especially popular with day-trippers from Tokyo.

Directions: The lakes are connected by excellent roads (Routes 138 and 139) and are easily accessible by bus from the main centers of Gotemba, Fuji-Yoshida, and Kawaguchi-ko.