Discover Mt. Fuji's Hidden Gems: Unexplored Trails, Serene Spots and Amazing Restaurants
Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan recognized worldwide. Japan's highest mountain, with its beautiful, symmetrical, and fan-shaped form, radiates a divine presence that captivates not only Japanese people but visitors from around the world with its sacred aura.
In fact, Mt. Fuji was formed through repeated volcanic activity, and numerous mysterious natural treasures remain, including caves created by eruptions.
Today, we've carefully selected local favorite spots where you can enjoy Mt. Fuji's majestic nature and the food culture supported by this nature. Let's embark on a journey to discover the still-unknown Hidden Gems of Mt. Fuji!
5 Hidden Gems Where You Can Enjoy the Majestic Nature Around Mt. Fuji with Its Mystical Spaces
Fugaku Wind Cave
The area surrounding Mt. Fuji has records of active volcanic activity dating back several million years. Volcanic activity began approximately 700,000 years ago. One remaining influence is the natural caves. It's said that during eruptions, lava flows descended the surface like floods, creating hollows as they solidified.
Among these, a representative cave born from the major eruption in 864 is the "Fugaku Wind Cave." Surrounded by the rich greenery of Aokigahara Forest, you can enjoy a pleasant forest bath on your way to the cave.
Inside the cave, the average temperature is 3°C, making it cool and refreshing even in summer, like entering another world. Large ice pillars remain, especially worth seeing in winter. You'll be enveloped in a fantastical and romantic landscape with illuminated ice pillars.
Fugaku Wind Cave is a horizontal cave with gentle slopes, making it easy to walk through. Even small children and elderly visitors can safely explore this cave.
- Address: 2068-1 Aokigahara Nishi-ko, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening Hours:
April 1-October 15: 9:00-17:00
October 16-November 15: 9:00-16:30
November 16-March 15: 9:00-16:00
March 16-March 31: 9:00-16:30
- Closed: Varies depending on weather and cave conditions
- Phone: 0555-85-2300
- https://www.mtfuji-cave.com/
Narusawa Ice Cave
Along with Fugaku Wind Cave, "Narusawa Ice Cave" is known as a representative lava cave at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Together with Fugaku Wind Cave, it was designated as a national natural monument in 1929 and has received high geological evaluation. It has become a globally valuable site, attracting many environmental visitors from Japan and abroad.
The cave interior has a circular path, allowing you to observe various aspects of the cave as you walk around. The greatest attraction of Fugaku Wind Cave is enjoying the ice spectacle created by nature.
Natural water seeps from inside the cave surrounded by lava shelves and from the ceiling, and these water drops freeze to form ice pillars. The ice pillars are illuminated in pale blue, their ethereal appearance leaving visitors speechless with their power and beauty.
At Fugaku Wind Cave, ice pillars begin to form in winter and reach their largest size in spring. The largest ice pillars can reach 50cm in diameter and 3m in height, creating a magnificent sight.
- Address: 2068-1 Aokigahara Nishi-ko, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening Hours:
April 1-October 15: 9:00-17:00
October 16-November 15: 9:00-16:30
November 16-March 15: 9:00-16:00
March 16-March 31: 9:00-16:30
- Closed: Varies depending on weather and cave conditions
- Phone: 0555-85-2300
- https://www.mtfuji-cave.com/
Shiraito Falls
"Shiraito Falls" has long been revered as an object of faith and a place of ascetic practice related to Mt. Fuji. You'll be overwhelmed by the dynamic scenery of a silk-thread-like water curtain falling from a 20-meter cliff and spreading across a width of 200 meters.
The high transparency of the vibrant blue-green pool will envelope you in a sacred atmosphere. You'll truly feel that this is one of Japan's representative waterfalls, selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls.
The water temperature averages 11°C, showering the entire area with negative ions, making it popular with people seeking coolness during summer.
Not only can you view it up close near the pool, but there are also observation spots where you can enjoy it from a distance. The recommended spot is on the upper right bank of the waterfall. Accessible via the prefectural road and maintained walkway from the parking lot, on clear days you can view Mt. Fuji beyond the waterfall.
- Address: 273-1 Kamiiide, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Shiraito Falls parking lot)
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Winter season until 16:30 *parking lot opening hours)
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0544-27-5240 (Fujinomiya City Tourism Association)
- Reference site: https://www.city.fujinomiya.lg.jp/kankou/llti2b00000018ez.html
Tarojiro Falls
The Natsugari area in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture is famous for having more than 10 spring water sites from Mt. Fuji. In this area, which was selected as one of the "100 Best Water Sources in Japan of the Heisei Era," you'll find the spectacular Tarojiro Falls.
Tarojiro Falls is not formed by river water, but by Mt. Fuji's spring water that drips down the cliff and forms a waterfall. The surrounding area is a traditional countryside residential area, and the peaceful scenery enhances the travel experience. As you descend down the narrow alley slope, the temperature and scenery change instantly, revealing a lush green forest and the falls.
The wide waterfall that flows down with fine water spray and the powerful, straight-flowing waterfall stand side by side, just like brothers as the name suggests. There's also a space to sit and relax on the opposite bank of the river. Why not immerse yourself in the majestic waterfall scenery while feeling the sound of water and wind, and smelling the overlapping greenery? These hidden gems around Mt. Fuji create an unforgettable sensory experience.
- Address: 1867 Natsugari, Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture (Parking lot 1)
- Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
- Phone: 0554-43-1111 (Tsuru City Industrial Division, Commerce and Tourism Section)
- Reference site: https://www.city.tsuru.yamanashi.jp/soshiki/sangyo/shoko_t/2/1369.html
Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor
Lake Kawaguchi is located at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji and is counted as one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Along its shore, about 400-500 maple trees show their beautiful appearance throughout the four seasons.
Particularly impressive is the "Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor." The Maple Corridor includes giant trees over 100 years old, and during the peak season around November, they create an indescribably beautiful scene dyed in vermilion. The colorful fallen leaves on the ground are also striking, making this a spectacular spot also known as a "tunnel of autumn leaves."
It also serves as the main venue for the annual "Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival" held in November, where you can enjoy illumination after sunset. Among Mt. Fuji's hidden gems, this maple corridor offers some of the most vivid seasonal colors.
Lake Kawaguchi is also popular for cycling, so please use rental bicycles during the good weather season. It's recommended as you can feel nature up close and make plenty of new discoveries.
- Address: Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0555-72-3168 (Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division)
- Reference site: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/kankou/spot/p1_4534.html
If you want to explore spots loved by locals around Mt. Fuji, it's recommended to have a guide take you by private car!
This special tour allows you to enjoy well-planned Mt. Fuji sightseeing with a private car transfer to your hotel. The greatest attraction is not only the convenience of door-to-door access to Mt. Fuji but also the rare experiences you can have by leaving everything to a dedicated guide.
The tour can be customized to include visits to wasabi farms that have been operating for over 100 years, sacred ancient shrines, and spiritual waterfalls—special experiences that large tour groups cannot access. You can deepen your understanding of Mt. Fuji's history through the expert knowledge of your dedicated guide while viewing the spectacular sight of Mt. Fuji is surrounded by five-story pagodas. These hidden gems around Mt. Fuji are best experienced with local expertise.
You can also enjoy Japanese cuisine lunch made with local ingredients and Mt. Fuji spring water. At the end of the tour, choose your preferred drink from sake, wine, coffee, or matcha, and relax on your way back.
- Meeting point: Guest's accommodation or around Shinjuku
- Tour area: Tokyo to Mt. Fuji area
- Start time: 8:00
5 Hidden Gems for Delicious Japanese Cuisine Loved by Locals Around Mt. Fuji
Sengenchaya Honten
Source:Official website
"Hōtō" is a regional dish representing Yamanashi Prefecture. You'll be comforted by its gentle taste, made by stewing flat noodles kneaded from wheat flour with many ingredients such as pumpkin, potatoes, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, and meat in a miso-based broth.
Sengenchaya Honten has perfected this specialty dish with professional dedication. Hōtō is so familiar that each local household has its own version. For this reason, Sengenchaya Honten creates a delicate flavor unlike any other by combining dried sardines, dried shiitake mushrooms, and broths from seafood and pork. Among Mt. Fuji's hidden gems, this restaurant stands out for its culinary authenticity.
Furthermore, the chef meticulously adjusts the firmness of the noodles and the taste of the soup according to the day's climate and temperature, ensuring it is served in the best condition. Please enjoy this deliciousness to the last drop.
- Address: 5562-7 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Hours: 11:00-17:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0555-30-4010
- Official website: https://www.sengenchaya.jp/
Tsuruya Shokudō
Source:Fuji Yoshida City Guide
The specialty of Fujiyoshida City in southern Yamanashi Prefecture is undoubtedly "Yoshida udon." Its most distinctive feature is the noodles, said to be the hardest in Japan, with remarkable texture and firmness. The more you chew, the more the ingredients and broth flavors blend together, making everyone addicted to this texture and taste—one of the Hidden Gems near Mt. Fuji that tourists often miss.
"Tsuruya Shokudō" is a long-established restaurant with over 70 years of history specializing in Yoshida udon. The standard way to enjoy Yoshida udon is topped with sweet and savory horse meat and boiled cabbage. Apparently, Tsuruya Shokudō was the first to use horse meat for this dish, essentially establishing the foundation of today's Yoshida udon.
The broth, finished with a soy sauce and miso base in fish soup, is profoundly delicious. The recommended dish is the "All-in-one udon" (pictured) topped with meat, tempura, egg, and all other toppings.
- Address: 2-12-9 Asahi, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Business hours: 11:00-13:45 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays until 14:30) *Closes when noodles run out
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone number: 0555-22-4137
- Reference website: https://fujiyoshida.net/gourmet/102
Nikonan
Source:Fuji Yoshida City Guide
The Shimoyoshida area in Fujiyoshida City once prospered as a textile industry town. "Nikonan" is a renowned authentic handmade soba restaurant nestled in a back alley with nostalgic townscapes from the mid-1900s—truly one of the Hidden Gems with Mt. Fuji visible in the distance.
The owner insists on using buckwheat flour from the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake and makes the soba by hand every morning using Mt. Fuji spring water. It spreads a subtle sweetness in your mouth and is famous for its rich aroma. Enjoying it with seasonal tempura vegetables from around Mt. Fuji area creates an unparalleled happiness. In addition to soba, they offer a variety of small dishes to enjoy with sake.
According to the owner, "Soba-making depends on the compatibility of water and buckwheat flour, and it's never the same every day." The shop name "Nikon" comes from a Zen word meaning "cherish the present moment."
- Address: 2-14-27 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Business hours: 11:30-14:00 (L.O. 13:30), 17:30-22:00 (L.O. 20:30)
- Closed: Thursdays and irregular holidays
- Phone number: 0555-22-9737
- Official website: https://fujiyoshida.net/gourmet/216
Sushi Toyo
Source:Google Maps
"Sushi Toyo" is a sushi restaurant beloved by locals in the popular tourist area around Gekkoji Temple in Fujiyoshida City, offering visitors a chance to discover Hidden Gems while admiring Mt. Fuji.
It offers luxurious items abundantly topped with the day's premium ingredients, such as medium-fatty tuna with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, mild white fish, and sea urchin and salmon roe that spread a rich sweetness and ocean aroma.
Not only is the seafood fresh, but their seasonal vegetable salads are also exceptionally fresh, allowing you to fully enjoy the simple deliciousness of the ingredients themselves. The grilled fish made from freshly purchased fish is also deliciously fatty.
There's a spacious tatami room (zashiki) that can be flexibly partitioned, making it suitable for families and groups. You can also order takeout sushi boxes, making it perfect for a picnic lunch in the nearby quiet Gekkoji Temple Park with its pond.
- Address: 2-4-28 Ryugaoka, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Business hours: 11:00-21:00 (Last food order 21:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone number: 0555-23-9009
- Reference website: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000354432/appearance/
Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base
Source:Official website
"Tabinoeki Kawaguchiko Base" is a complex facility born as the new face of the nature-rich resort Lake Kawaguchi, with the majestic Mt. Fuji directly in front—perfectly positioned to explore the Hidden Gems of this scenic region.
The vast 4,000-tsubo property includes a marché boasting over 2,000 items of local agricultural products, a restaurant with open-air terrace seating, and even a winery.
This winery has become a topic of conversation as it is supervised by Hiroko Takano, a winemaker selected as one of the "100 Japanese Wine Makers." Wine enthusiasts should pay attention to the lineup of original brand wines.
The restaurant offers excellent creative dishes using abundant ingredients from Yamanashi Prefecture, including the specialty "Koshu beef roast beef bowl."
For souvenirs, the private brand "MEGU" is recommended. You can find limited items only available here, such as collaboration sweets with long-established local stores.
- Address: 521-4 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:30-17:30 *May vary depending on season and day of the week
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 0555-72-9955
- Official website: https://www.kawaguchikobase.com
- Reference website: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000354432/appearance/
