Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic symbol, is a must-see during any trip to Japan. The best way to view its beauty is to take a trip to visit the mountain areas and spend a night there. The best places to stay close to Mount Fuji are Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi. Both locations offer good hotels and ryokans with views of Mount Fuji.
If you're short on time for a trip to the mountain's base, you could still catch great views from certain spots in Tokyo. Find out below how to choose the best places to stay for great Mount Fuji views.
1. Hakone - High-end Ryokans with Mount Fuji Views
Hakone is a great spot near Mount Fuji, known for its beautiful natural scenery and natural onsens. If you're looking for a place near Mount Fuji to stay, we recommend that you choose Hakone as it offers high-end Japanese ryokans.
The Best Places to Stay in Hakone with Views of Mt Fuji
The best places to stay in Hakone for views of Mt Fuji are Gora and Motohakone-ko by Lake Ashi. Many hotels in Gora and Lake Ashi offer rooms with direct views of the mountain, or some with mountain views from the gardens or outdoor onsens.
Gora is a mountain town famous for its natural hot springs. It offers mostly high-end ryokans with onsens in beautiful natural settings. The Hakone Ropeway is nearby, making it easy to visit the Owakudani Valley and Lake Ashi, the major highlights in Hakone.
Motohakone-ko, by Lake Ashi, is the best place to view Mount Fuji in Hakone. However, it is a bit far from the other areas, so you would need to take a longer bus ride to get there. Many hotels and ryokans there offer great views of both Mount Fuji and the lake. If you wake up early, at about 6 am on a clear day in winter, you might catch a sunrise over Mount Fuji.
The Best Hotel in Hakone with Mt Fuji Views
Hakone Hotel: this is a large hot spring resort on the shore of Lake Ashi. Rooms on the fourth-floor offer views of Mt Fuji, with some providing vistas of both the mountain and the lake. However, please note that this hotel does not have private onsens.
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone: This hotel offers very great views of Mt Fuji in its garden and outdoor hot spring. Non-staying guests can also pay for access to its outdoor bath during the daytime.
Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Hakone
- The chances of seeing Mount Fuji in Hakone are limited. Whether you could see Mount Fuji really depends on the weather. So, when choosing where to stay, think about more than just the chance of a clear view.
- Hotels in Yumoto, the main town of Hakone, offer the most convenient access to both Tokyo and the surrounding attractions. If you're traveling independently, Yumoto hotels are your best choice.
2. Lake Kawaguchi - Ryokans with Onsens with Views of Mt Fuji
If you want the best chance to see Mount Fuji, head to Lake Kawaguchi. There, you would get a clear view of the mountain. However, the hotels in this area are pretty simple and are usually local ryokans. Most ryokans have onsens with views of the mountain. The best views are from hotels on the north bank of the lake.
From hotels on the northern shore, you can see Mount Fuji clearly and enjoy its reflection in the morning, especially in winter. There are also a lot of hotels to choose from.
The Best Hotels in Lake Kawaguchi
Both hotels are located on the north bank of the lake.
Meifujien Hotel: This hot spring resort has baths with great views of Mt. Fuji, open to outside guests daily from 1 PM to 8 PM. The entrance fee is 1,200 yen.
Konansou: Rooms with private outdoor baths and views of Mt. Fuji
Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Lake Kawaguchi
- If you can't find a hotel on the north bank, you can try the east side, where some hotels offer partial views of Mount Fuji
- Avoid hotels on the south side, as they do not have mountain views.
- Hotels in Lake Kawaguchi are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons in spring and winter. It's best to book 3 to 6 months in advance.
3. Lake Yamanaka - Closest Views of Mt Fuji
Lake Yamanaka is the closest lake to Mount Fuji, offering visitors a stunning view of the mountain up close. It's also much quieter, with far fewer tourists. If you don't mind simple living conditions, you could stay overnight and wake up to see Mount Fuji right outside your hotel window.
The best spot to stay is Hirano no Hama on the east side of the lake, where you could enjoy beautiful sunrises over Mount Fuji.
There are many open-air onsens with great views of Mt Fuji on the west side of the Lake such as the Yamanakako Hirano Hot Spa-Ishiwari no Yu and Yamanakako Hot Spa-Beni Fuji no Yu. Yamanakako Hot Spa - Beni Fuji no Yu has an outdoor bath in a large courtyard, giving you great views of Mount Fuji. All the baths offer beautiful mountain scenery. From December to March, on weekends and holidays, the hot spring opens at 6 AM, so you can see the snow-covered Beni Fuji.
However, most types of accommodation there are simple local ryokans, which are even simpler than those at Lake Kawaguchi. We recommend staying in Kawaguchiko and taking a side trip to Yamanaka.
4. Tokyo City
If you can't make it to the destinations listed above, Tokyo is also a great place to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.
On clear days, you could see Mount Fuji from different spots in Tokyo. Some of the best places include Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky, and more. Tokyo Skytree is particularly great for a distant view as it has the highest deck. You could also spot Mount Fuji from hotels, such as those in Ginza and Shimbashi, Park Hotel Tokyo, and Sunshine City Prince Hotel.
When Are the Best Months to See Mount Fuji?
The best months to see Mount Fuji are from October to early April during the colder months. During these periods, the weather tends to be clearer, resulting in better visibility of the mountain. Additionally, early mornings are often recommended for viewing Mount Fuji as the air is clearer and the mountain is more visible.
Plan a Trip to Japan to See Mount Fuji
Except for the places mentioned above, there are also other places to enjoy a view of Mount Fuji. Want more suggestions for a trip to Japan? We are here to help. Contact us now for an online expert to help you plan your trip to Japan.
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