Top 10 Cool Down Spots Around Mt. Fuji for a Refreshing Summer Escape
Mt. Fuji, known as Japan's tallest mountain, is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings and numerous tourist attractions. The Mt.Fuji area is located at a high elevation, making it quite cool even during summer months, which has made it a popular summer retreat destination.
In recent years, Japanese summers have frequently seen scorching temperatures approaching 35 degrees Celsius, making urban areas uncomfortable to live in. However, the Mt.Fuji area maintains lower temperatures even during summer, making it a recommended place to escape the summer heat.
In this article, I'll introduce Cool Down spots and tips around Mt. Fuji where you can escape the unbearable summer heat, so please use this as a reference for your visit.
Although the Mt.Fuji area is cool, there are days when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius in summer
While the climate around high-altitude Mt. Fuji is cool even in summer, there are days when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
The average temperature around Lake Kawaguchiko is 27 degrees Celsius. However, in some cases, there are quite a few days when temperatures exceed 30 degrees, similar to Tokyo. However, the 5th Station, which serves as the trailhead, is located at a high altitude, so even in summer, the average temperature remains comfortably cool at below 20 degrees Celsius.
Note that the sunlight in summer is stronger than in Tokyo, so sun protection such as hats is necessary.
Although it's cooler than Tokyo and other places in Japan, sightseeing for extended periods can be physically draining. Please try to safely and stress-free enjoy sightseeing around Mt. Fuji by effectively utilizing the Cool Down Spots around Mt. Fuji (summer) that I will introduce below.
7 Nature-Rich Cool Down Spots around Mt. Fuji (summer) Where You Can Escape the Summer Heat
Mt. Fuji 5th Station
Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the trailhead of Mt. Fuji, is called this because it's located midway between the foot and the summit. Every summer during the climbing season, it's a bustling spot filled with many climbers heading to the summit of Mt. Fuji and tourists who want to see Mt. Fuji up close.
At the entrance of the trailhead, there are plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants. There are also walking paths and shrines that can be enjoyed without special equipment, so you can easily immerse yourself in Mt. Fuji's magnificent nature even without climbing.
During the climbing season, direct buses operate from Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station to the 5th Station, which is very convenient. As it's located at a high altitude of 2,000 meters, the temperature remains below 20 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable even in summer. There are days when it gets quite cold, so be sure to bring long-sleeved clothing when visiting.
Address: 5617 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture (Yoshida Entrance)
Hours: 8:30-17:30 (July 1-September 10: 6:00-20:00)
Closed: January-March
Phone: 090-2152-2305 (Mt. Fuji 5th Station Tourism Association)
Official Website: http://www.fujiyama5.jp/
Fugaku Wind Cave
The Fugaku Wind Cave is a 150-meter-long horizontal cave formed by Mt. Fuji's eruption, located within the Aokigahara Forest. The temperature inside the cave remains at a constant 3°C year-round, making it a popular natural air conditioner during summer, attracting many tourists seeking a refreshing cool escape from the heat.
Inside the cave, you'll find ice pillars that never melt even in summer, which were once used to store silkworm eggs. Since the cave was formed by volcanic eruption, you can experience nature's grandeur through features like lava shelves and rope-shaped lava formations.
In front of the cave, there's a shop selling local specialties including wines from Yamanashi Prefecture. The restaurant is also popular, offering regional delicacies like Yoshida Udon from Yamanashi and Fujinomiya Yakisoba from Shizuoka.
Address: 2068-1 Aokigahara Nishi-ko, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: April 1-October 15: 9:00-17:00 / October 16-November 15, March 16-March 31: 9:00-16:30 / November 16-March 15: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-85-3089
Official website: https://www.mtfuji-cave.com/
Narusawa Ice Cave
The Narusawa Ice Cave is a highly popular vertical cave along with Fugaku Wind Cave. Created by an eruption more than 1,150 years ago, it's called the "Ice Cave" because its interior temperature remains at 3°C year-round and is constantly surrounded by ice.
Inside the cave are numerous ice pillars formed by water freezing as it seeps from the ceiling, with the largest measuring 50cm in diameter and 3cm in height. These impressive ice pillars are quite massive, and visitors can view these beautiful chunks of ice while enjoying the cool atmosphere inside the cave, which serves as a natural air conditioner during summer.
The cave extends for 150 meters, creating quite an adventurous experience. Similar to Fugaku Wind Cave, guided tours are available, making it ideal for those who want to explore the cave at a leisurely pace.
Address: 8533 Narusawa, Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: April 1-October 15: 9:00-17:00 / October 16-November 15, March 16-March 31: 9:00-16:30 / November 16-March 15: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-85-2301
Official website: https://www.mtfuji-cave.com/contents/company/
Asagiri Plateau
The Asagiri Plateau is a highland area in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka, offering up-close views of Mt. Fuji. Located at an elevation of 650-1,000 meters, it's highly popular as a summer retreat due to its cooler climate compared to urban areas.
The plateau features farms where visitors can interact with animals and camping grounds, with numerous spots to fully enjoy nature. Lake Tanuki is particularly famous as a Mt. Fuji photography spot, known for the beautiful "inverted Fuji" where Mt. Fuji appears upside-down reflected on the lake surface on clear days.
The location is easily accessible, about 50 minutes by bus from the nearest station. If you want to leisurely enjoy nature while gazing at Mt. Fuji, this is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Nehara, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: Varies by facility
Closed: Varies by facility
Phone: 0544-22-1155 (Fujinomiya City Tourism Division)
Official website: https://www.asagiri-kogen.com/
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a famous scenic spot with ponds containing snowmelt water from Mt. Fuji. There are eight ponds in total, with water so clear you can see the bottom, allowing visitors to feel refreshed while observing the spring water.
The crystal-clear water is beautiful and mystical, and was designated as a component of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage site when Mt. Fuji was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2013. On clear days, you can see beautiful Mt. Fuji beyond the ponds, making it a popular photography spot.
Within the Oshino Hakkai grounds, there's the Hannoki Museum where visitors can see exhibits of 18th-century lifestyle, silkworm breeding facilities, and ponds inhabited by rainbow trout. If you want to see beautiful snowmelt water, Oshino Hakkai is definitely worth visiting.
Address: Oshinosato, Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-84-4222 (Oshino Village Tourism Association)
Kawaguchiko Lake
Kawaguchiko Lake is known as one of the Fuji Five Lakes, famous for its beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. The view of Mt. Fuji from the southern shore is particularly stunning, and on clear days, you can see the mountain's reflection in the lake, creating the popular photo spot known as "upside-down Fuji."
The lakeside is known as a natural treasure, with cherry blossoms in spring and lavender in early summer. It's also famous for autumn leaves that brilliantly change color, and the Maple Corridor on the north shore of the lake is illuminated at night, becoming a popular spot bustling with many tourists.
Kawaguchiko Lake is also active with summer activities, with canoeing, kayaking, and lakeside cycling being popular. Enjoy the magnificent nature while gazing at majestic Mt. Fuji. One of the best Cool Down Spots around Mt. Fuji (summer) is right here at Kawaguchiko Lake, where the water creates a refreshing atmosphere even during the hottest months.
Address: Kawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-72-6700 (Kawaguchiko Tourism Association)
Yamanakako Lake
Yamanakako Lake is the largest lake among the Fuji Five Lakes, characterized by its whale-like shape when viewed from above. It's a lake with many spots where beautiful Mt. Fuji can be viewed, and on clear days, you can see the "upside-down Fuji" reflected in the lake.
Around the lake, there are many tourist attractions including stylish restaurants, hotels, art museums, and hot springs. The lakeside has well-maintained cycling paths, and during summer it's cool and famous as a place where cycling enthusiasts gather from all over Japan. As one of the premier Cool Down Spots around Mt. Fuji (summer), visitors can enjoy the pleasant breeze while cycling along the shoreline.
A fireworks display is held every August, and in autumn, there is a fall foliage festival during which the lakeside autumn leaves are illuminated. If you want to slowly enjoy the magnificent nature around Mt. Fuji, Yamanakako Lake is the best lake.
Address: Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-62-3100
Official website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/
Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls is a 20-meter high waterfall in Fujinomiya City. The water flowing through the falls comes from melted snow from Mt. Fuji. "Shiraito" means "white threads," and it's called this because the flowing water looks like white threads.
The area around the falls is surrounded by negative ions, and in summer, it not only serves as a natural air conditioner but also has a relaxing effect. This makes it one of the most refreshing Cool Down Spots around Mt. Fuji (summer) for tourists seeking relief from the heat. There are two viewing spaces, one near the falls and one on the upper right bank. From the viewing platform on the upper right bank, you can see Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Near Shiraito Falls is Otodome Falls, which is 25 meters high and unlike Shiraito Falls, it flows with a powerful sound. Enjoy the magnificent nature around Mt. Fuji while viewing these two contrasting waterfalls.
Address: Kamiiide, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: 9:00-16:30
Closed: Never
Phone: 0544-27-5240
Official website: https://fujinomiya.gr.jp/guide/170/
Join Magical Trip Tours for a Comfortable Sightseeing Experience in a Private Car
If you want to smoothly travel around tourist spots in the Mt. Fuji area, definitely consider joining this tour. With this private chartered day trip tour, you can travel directly from your Tokyo hotel to Yamanashi prefecture in a guide-driven car.
On the tour, you can enjoy the natural richness around Mt. Fuji, delicious local cuisine, and magnificent cultural heritage. Participants can freely arrange their own schedule, so it's possible to flexibly accommodate sudden schedule changes.
The tour allows efficient travel entirely by car, with the advantage of moving smoothly without getting caught in public transportation crowds. If you want to enjoy sightseeing in Yamanashi while having fun chatting with an English-proficient guide, please consider joining this tour.
Meeting Point: Hotels around Shinjuku
Tour Area: Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Indoor Activities Are Also Recommended! Two Cool Down Spots around Mt. Fuji (summer) to Enjoy Indoors
While it's nice to spend time outdoors feeling nature around Mt. Fuji, indoor activities are also recommended.
Below, I'll explain two Cool Down Spots around Mt. Fuji (summer) that can be enjoyed indoors.
GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS
Source:Official website
Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan's largest outlet malls located in Gotemba city. Situated at a high elevation where summers are cool, with magnificent views of Mt. Fuji from within the mall, it's a popular tourist destination representing Shizuoka.
The mall is divided into three areas with approximately 290 shops. Beyond just shops, its strength is that you can fully enjoy shopping in a resort atmosphere, with day-trip hot spring facilities featuring open-air baths overlooking Mt. Fuji and accommodation facilities.
Access is convenient, with free shuttle buses running every 15 minutes from Gotemba Station. On weekends and during extended holidays, surrounding roads become heavily congested, so it's best to visit as early as possible.
Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Business Hours: March-November: 10:00-20:00 / December-February: 10:00-19:00
Closed: Varies by store
Phone Number: 050-1721-1028
Official Website: https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/
Hakone Area
Known as one of Japan's representative hot spring towns, the Hakone Area is full of places to spend time indoors, including day-trip hot spring facilities and stylish museums. Hakone's charm is that it can be enjoyed without staying overnight, thanks to well-developed transportation systems like trains and buses.
There are various types of day-trip hot springs, including bathing facilities where you can enjoy hot springs and meals, as well as hotels offering day-trip bathing plans. Although bathing time at these hot springs is limited, you can casually enjoy the hot springs of famous hotels.
Hakone also has an abundance of museums. This is because highlands have low humidity, making them suitable for storing art collections. You can enjoy them even on rainy or snowy days, so it's recommended to enjoy art while viewing beautiful nature.
Address: Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business Hours: Varies by facility
Closed: Varies by facility
Phone Number: 0460-85-5700 (Hakone Town Tourism Association)
Official Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/
Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: Private Car & Guide Tour
Experience a private Hakone tour from Tokyo with hotel pickup (certain areas only). During this 10-hour journey, you'll enjoy Hakone's nature, art, and food. The tour covers all major attractions including Hakone Shrine, a Lake Ashi boat ride, the ropeway with Mt. Fuji views, and the Hakone Sculpture Forest Museum.
A highlight is hearing interesting stories about Hakone from your guide. This tour is perfect if you want to learn everything about Hakone without missing anything important.
The food was my favorite part of this tour. I especially loved the black eggs - regular eggs that turn black from being cooked in hot springs. They look unusual but taste delicious, so make sure to try them!
If you want a quieter experience away from busy tourist spots, visit Café Ryusenkei. This special place is hidden in Hakone's forests, where you can drink great coffee while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of this artistic town.
- Meeting point: Pick-up service available (please check the official website for covered areas)
- Tour area: Hakone
- Start time: 8:00
