While the mountain itself is obviously the primary draw, the region around Mt. Fuji is not lacking for areas to explore and natural beauty to discover. The whole area is comprised of volcanic (igneous) rock, and is home to several very large cave systems. There are also multiple gorgeous alpine lakes to enjoy, and the region is carpeted with evergreen forest.
We spent several days near Mt. Fuji (instead of just taking a day trip, which is often recommended) and did not regret it. While the town is not as lively as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, there is an easy-to-navigate bus system that takes you all over the region for hikes and sightseeing.
As for the hikes themselves – you’ve just got to trust your instincts with a map. Pretty much all the signs are in Japanese!
Enjoy this video of our hiking explorations around Mt. Fuji. You’ll see us explore a few caves – Wind Cave, Ice Cave (yes there’s ice inside) and Dragon Cave, walk through miles of pristine forest, and catch some spectacular lake views. As a bonus, we’ll even get some shots of Fujisan itself – enjoy!
