Morning Adventures at Mt. Fuji: Top Activities and Opening Hours for Early Risers
Mount Fuji, which can be considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols, is one of the country's premier tourist destinations where you can experience magnificent natural beauty, and I visit regularly myself. The surrounding area is home to numerous attractions, and simply touring around Mount Fuji allows you to enjoy various aspects of Japan.
However, due to Mount Fuji's enormous size, visiting all the tourist spots in the surrounding area takes quite a bit of time. In fact, a friend of mine visited Mount Fuji, but when returning home told me, "I didn't know which tourist destinations I should really visit, and I regretted not doing thorough research beforehand."
This shows that Mount Fuji can be a challenging destination for first-time foreign visitors to fully enjoy.
If you want to experience the Mount Fuji area efficiently and in-depth, I highly recommend having a knowledgeable local guide create the perfect itinerary and touring according to their plan. I actually participated in the "Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide" myself and was amazed by both its convenience and rich content.
This tour is offered by Magical Trip, which won Tripadvisor's Best of the Best award consecutively in 2024 and 2025.
Thanks to our high-quality tours and the unique experience of enjoying tourist destinations like a local, Magical Trip's tours are consistently popular. For those who want to enjoy the Mount Fuji area efficiently and deeply, and for those who want to experience various parts of Japan like a local, I definitely recommend trying a Magical Trip tour.
Introduction
Mt. Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters tall, is Japan's highest mountain, straddling both Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture. It is also considered Japan's most beautiful mountain and serves as a symbol of Japanese culture.
What makes Mt. Fuji particularly popular among visitors is enjoying Mt. Fuji's beautiful mornings. In Japan, the sunrise over Mt. Fuji has long been considered sacred. For those who climb Mt. Fuji, watching the sunrise from the summit or partway up the mountain is called "Goraikō" and represents one of the major purposes of mountain climbing.
Additionally, watching the morning sun rise over Mt. Fuji from various spots around the mountain is extremely popular. Regardless of the season, many people gather with cameras to photograph and enjoy the sunrise.
In this article, we'll introduce spots where you can fully enjoy Mt. Fuji's mornings and places where you can have fun. We've compiled spectacular sunrise viewing spots, recommended cafes where you can eat breakfast, and hotels that allow for efficient sightseeing from early morning.
If you want to enjoy Mt. Fuji's beautiful mornings, please use this as a reference for Mt. Fuji what to do in the morning activities.
Mt. Fuji Climbing Can Be Enjoyed from as Early as 3:00 AM
Mt. Fuji climbing has four routes. From the Mt. Fuji 5th Station onwards, entry to the mountain is possible from 3:00 AM on all routes. The Mt. Fuji 5th Station is the highest point accessible by car, and from the 5th Station onwards, climbing is done on foot.
However, buses that go from the base of Mt. Fuji to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station before 5:00 AM are limited to only the holiday shuttle bus that arrives at Subaru Line 5th Station at 4:45 AM. The number of buses is also limited, and you might miss the beautiful sunrise moments that can be seen from the 5th Station onwards.
The typical Mt. Fuji climbing plan is a two-day climbing plan. Climbing starts around 10:00 AM from the 5th Station on the first day, and you stay overnight at a mountain hut at the 7th or 8th Station. On the morning of the second day, you reach the summit, see the moving sunrise called "Goraikō," and then descend.
For those who want to see the sunrise while climbing and enjoy Mt. Fuji in the morning, we recommend a climbing plan where you climb the day before and stay overnight at a mountain hut.
List of Sunrise Times by Season
The sunrise times differ slightly between Kawaguchiko Town, located at the base of Mt. Fuji, and the 5th Station, located at approximately 2,400 meters elevation. The difference in sunrise times between the base and the 5th Station becomes greater in winter.
During the climbing season from June to August, sunrise can be seen around 4:30-5:00 from the 5th Station to the summit. When climbing, the typical plan is to stay overnight at a mountain hut the night before, start climbing around 1:00 AM, and watch the sunrise during the climb or at the summit.
When viewing the sunrise from the base or surrounding spots, consider around 5:00 in summer and around 6:00 in winter as guidelines. Since sunrise times vary depending on daily weather conditions, we recommend checking weather apps or the internet before heading out to sunrise spots.
5 Recommended Spots Around Mt. Fuji for Morning Tourism
From here, we'll introduce tourist spots around Mt. Fuji that can be enjoyed from the morning. We've carefully selected 5 recommended spots where you can see beautiful Mt. Fuji sunrises and morning spectacular views.
Lake Yamanaka Myojinyama Panorama Observatory
Source:Yamanaka Lake
Lake Yamanaka Myojinyama Panorama Observatory is an observation deck near Lake Kawaguchi, a lake at the base of Mt. Fuji. You can look down at the beautiful lake and see the magnificent Mt. Fuji rising beyond it. Also, depending on weather conditions, you can even view the Southern Alps, Japan's highest mountain range, beyond Mt. Fuji.
Myojinyama Panorama Observatory is one of the premier scenic spots in the Lake Kawaguchi area, famous for beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. There's a wooden observation deck that was just built in 2024, with clean restrooms and comfortable benches.
When I visited in the morning, I could see the majestic scene of Mt. Fuji and the lake slowly turning red in the morning sun. There wasn't a single cloud in the sky, and I could clearly see the gentle, beautiful foothills of the mountain.
This spot is recommended for those who want to see Mt. Fuji's summit and its collaboration with the lake from a slightly distant point.
- Address: Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hours:
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 0555629977
- Official website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10348
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a spot where you can see beautiful spring-fed pools created by spring water from Mt. Fuji. There are eight pools, and you can enjoy spectacular morning views of Mt. Fuji together with the pools and surrounding traditional houses. Additionally, gift shops and restaurants serving local gourmet food are gathered in the surrounding area.
At Oshino Hakkai, you can enjoy pools with surprisingly high transparency and Mt. Fuji reflected like a mirror on the water surface. While it's a popular tourist spot with many tourists during the day, mornings are less crowded and you can spend time leisurely.
Since I had visited during the day before, this time I went early in the morning. There were hardly any people, so I could spend very fulfilling time seeing the transparent pools where you could see to the bottom and Mt. Fuji in a mystical atmosphere.
While Oshino Hakkai is an enjoyable spot during the day when you can stop by gift shops and restaurants, if you want to enjoy the fantastical beauty of the pools and Mt. Fuji, please visit in the morning.
- Address: Oshigusa, Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hours:
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 0555844222
- Official website: http://www.oshino.jp/
Asagiri Plateau
Source:Wikipedia
Asagiri Plateau is a highland area located on the western foothills of Mt. Fuji. This spot features expansive pasturelands for livestock farming, offering unobstructed views of the massive Mt. Fuji from the highland. The name "Asagiri" means "Morning Mist" in Japanese, as mist frequently occurs in the morning, which is how this area got its name.
The vast Asagiri Plateau area contains multiple tourist facilities. For those wanting to enjoy Mt. Fuji's spectacular views, Asagiri Nature Park is highly recommended.
There's a vast open space with nothing obstructing the view, where you can observe Mt. Fuji's entire panorama from close range. What to do in the morning at Mt. Fuji includes witnessing the sun rising behind Mt. Fuji, creating a sacred scene as if divine light is radiating from behind the mountain.
Also popular is Roadside Station Asagiri Kogen, a rest stop with restaurants and gift shops. This very large rest facility allows you to purchase local specialties and exquisite gourmet items like soft-serve ice cream while gazing at Mt. Fuji.
Going out in the morning and then spending the entire day driving around the area is also recommended.
Asagiri Nature Park Information
- Address: 487-5 Fumoto, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0544221168
- Official website: https://fujinomiya.gr.jp/guide/2019/
Mount Fuji Hongu Sengen Shrine
Mount Fuji Hongu Sengen Shrine is a historic shrine located at the base of Mt. Fuji. In Japan, climbing Mt. Fuji has been considered not merely mountaineering but a sacred act. Hongu Sengen Shrine is where climbers have come to offer prayers before ascending Mt. Fuji.
At Mount Fuji Hongu Sengen Shrine, facilities where you can receive amulets and other items have opening hours starting from 8:30 AM. However, entry to the shrine grounds is possible from 5:30 AM, making early morning worship possible. When I visited around 6:00 AM, there were several people visiting for worship despite the early hour.
Compared to daytime, there are fewer people and it's quieter, so you can leisurely worship at the shrine or thoroughly photograph Wakutama Pond, which is made from pure spring water from Mt. Fuji.
The grounds feature this pond as well as very clear and beautiful streams flowing throughout. For those visiting in the morning, taking a walk while viewing the clean water will refresh your spirits.
- Address: 1-1 Miyacho, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0544272002
- Official website: http://fuji-hongu.or.jp/sengen/
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Source:Official website
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway connects the shores of Lake Kawaguchi at the base of Mt. Fuji with nearby Mt. Tenjo. From the ropeway, you can view the magnificent Mt. Fuji up close and the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi below. At the summit, there's an observation deck, shops selling soft-serve ice cream, and a small shrine.
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is an extremely popular spot with many visitors, and you may wait several tens of minutes to an hour to board the ropeway. However, if you go by around 8:00 AM in the morning, you can immediately board an uncrowded ropeway.
When I visited, the weather was good, so I could enjoy the large Mt. Fuji and sparkling Kawaguchi Lake both from the ropeway and from the mountain summit after disembarking. At the summit, there's also a swing where you can ride while facing Mt. Fuji, making it a recommended photo spot.
After 9:00 AM, many tour groups arrive and it becomes very crowded. By all means, go early in the morning to leisurely enjoy this popular scenic spot.
- Address: 1163-1 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0555752929
- Official website: https://www.mtfujiropeway.jp/
3 Recommended Breakfast Spots Around Mt. Fuji
If you're enjoying Mt. Fuji tourism what to do in the morning, have a delicious breakfast at cafes where you can enjoy beautiful scenery. We recommend the stylish American-style cafe CISCO by the lakeside, and Patisserie HACONIWA where you can enjoy exquisite local vegetables and fruits.
Patisserie HACONIWA
Source:Official website
Patisserie HACONIWA is a cafe where you can eat authentic sweets made by famous patissiers and delicious breakfast. From the rooftop seating and terrace seats, you can see Lake Kawaguchi and the large Mt. Fuji. Since this cafe allows pets, many people with dogs also use this establishment.
I ordered the "Premium Morning Set" in the morning. It's a set with croissants, sausages, and a salad filled with vegetables grown at the base of Mt. Fuji. The salad vegetables were truly fresh, with a juicy texture and crisp bite.
The "Peach Shortcake made with peaches from Yamanashi Prefecture" that I purchased for takeout as dessert was also exquisite, with elegant sweetness that brought out the natural sweetness of the fruit.
If you're looking for a spot around Mt. Fuji where you can eat delicious breakfast and dessert made with local ingredients, please try Patisserie HACONIWA.
- Address: 69 Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 08074004117
- Official website: https://haconiwa-yamanakako.com/
CISCO
Source:Tabelog
CISCO is a stylish café located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. The interior and menu are designed with an American style concept, where you can enjoy third-wave style light roast coffee made with careful hand-drip brewing. There's also terrace seating, and from the terrace you can see Mt. Fuji and the beautiful lake.
Since brunch menu is available from 9:00 AM, I used it for breakfast. The brunch menu offers pancakes, sandwiches, and four types of toast to choose from. I ordered toast generously spread with butter and maple syrup, along with cake.
The toast had a buttery aroma that stimulated the appetite, with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior texture. With plenty of light streaming through the large windows, I was able to spend a wonderful breakfast time leisurely gazing at the lake.
The food and coffee are American-sized portions, which are larger compared to typical Japanese restaurants, offering generous volume. If you want to have breakfast at a stylish café by the lakeside, please visit CISCO.
• Address: 927-1 Kodachi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Closed: Wednesdays
• Phone: 0555734187
• Official website: http://www.kawaguchiko-hana.jp/index.html
FUJI PANORAMA CAFÉ
Source: Official website
FUJI PANORAMA CAFÉ is a café located on a paid observation deck called Fujisan Deck. Surrounded by herb gardens, you can enjoy special desserts and herbal tea while viewing the magnificent Mt. Fuji spread out before you.
The windows are large glass panels from floor to ceiling, so you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Mt. Fuji in the morning from any seat. What I particularly enjoyed was that all the tables had mirror surfaces. Mt. Fuji reflects upside down in the mirror surface.
When you hold a camera or smartphone over the table, you can take beautiful photos of Mt. Fuji reflecting like a mirror. Morning is an especially good timing for beautiful photos because there are fewer clouds.
The food focuses on desserts like parfaits, with several types of pizza also available. The "Blended Herbal Tea" made with herbs grown in the surrounding herb garden had a wonderful aroma and fresh taste. For those who enter the observation deck, I also recommend strolling through the herb garden along with using the café.
• Address: 1996 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone: 0555833715
• Official website: https://herb-fuji.com/%E3%81%B5%E3%81%98%E3%83%91%E3%83%8E%E3%83%A9%E3%83%9E%E3%82%AB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7/
If You Want to Enjoy Sightseeing from the Morning, Focus on Your "Accommodation"
If you want to enjoy sightseeing around the Mt. Fuji area from the morning, you should be particular about your accommodation hotel. To arrive early in the morning at the spots recommended in this article, it's important to stay at a hotel in a location with easy walking or driving access.
This time, I'll introduce two hotels on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi that are optimal for enjoying mornings around Mt. Fuji and then having an efficient day of sightseeing afterward.
Fuji Lake Hotel - A Hotel with Views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji
Source:booking.com
Fuji Lake Hotel is a long-established hotel on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. While some facilities and parts of the building are traditional, they are kept clean and comfortable. Guest rooms include those with Mt. Fuji views and those with lake views. You can also enjoy beautiful Mt. Fuji views from the rooftop observation room.
This time, I stayed in a room with an open-air bath that offers Mt. Fuji views. Taking a relaxing hot bath in the morning while gazing at the majestic morning Mt. Fuji was a moving experience. Since my body and mind felt refreshed from the morning, I was able to spend the rest of the day very meaningfully.
Since you cannot see Mt. Fuji from the large communal bath, those who want to see Mt. Fuji while bathing in hot springs should book a room with an open-air bath.
The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, also introduced in this article, is within walking distance. I highly recommend this hotel for those who want to efficiently tour the Lake Kawaguchi area from the morning.
• Address: 1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Opening hours: Check-in: 3:00 PM, Check-out: 10:00 AM
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone: 0555722209
• Official website: https://www.fujilake.co.jp/
Ooike Hotel - A Hot Spring Inn with Mt. Fuji Views
Source:Official website
Ooike Hotel is also a popular hotel on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. It has many facilities and services that families will appreciate, including wine servers where you can enjoy Yamanashi's specialty fruit wines by the glass, and a well-equipped play area with a ball pool.
At Ooike Hotel, guests can participate in a special tour to enjoy Mt. Fuji in the morning. You'll go to Lake Motosuko, about 30 minutes by car from the hotel, to enjoy the spectacular view of the rising morning sun and Mt. Fuji. The shores of Lake Motosuko are very quiet, with an atmosphere like a hidden paradise that few tourists visit.
After sunrise, you can take a walk around the beautiful morning lake and experience the traditional Japanese outdoor tea ceremony "Nodate."
Please try Ooike Hotel if you want to enjoy sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchi from the morning, or if you want to visit Lake Motosuko in the morning through the special tour.
• Address: 6713-103 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Opening hours: Check-in: 3:00 PM, Check-out: 10:00 AM
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone: 0555722563
• Official website: https://www.ooike-hotel.co.jp/
