A famous saying in Japan reads: “A wise man climbs Mt. Fuji once, only a fool climbs it twice.”
Wise, foolish, or somewhere in between, it’s fair to say that seeing Mount Fuji in the flesh is a sight to behold. Out of all of the bucket list opportunities that Japan has to offer (and trust me, there’s a LOT) nothing is more universal than being lucky enough to sneak a peak of the mighty Mount Fuji.
And mighty it is, on a clear day you’ll catch sight of it all the way from Tokyo. But why not see it up close and personal?
So if you’re embarking on this wise ‘ol pilgrimage to Mount Fuji, where should you stay? With so many tiny towns clustered around the base of the sacred mountain, it can seem impossible to work out where the best place to stay is.
Fret not, whether you’re planning to drag yourself 3,776 meters up or kick it back and soak in an onsen, I’ll spill on everything you need to know when it comes to where to stay in Mount Fuji.
Kawaguchiko
At the northern edge of Mt Fuji is an area called the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko). The five are all stunning spots from which to view the volcano or plan an attack on the peak.
Yamanakako
Lake Yamanakako is the second-most developed of the lakes and the biggest, to boot. It’s southeast of Lake Kawaguchiko, on the other side of the city of Fujiyoshida.
Fuji City
This is a working Japanese city first and a Fuji viewing spot second. Factories, neighbourhoods, commuter stations, and everyday life rub shoulders with a massive volcano casually looming in the background.
Hakone
Hakone is where people go when they want to feel like they are doing something scenic and cultured, even if the mountain itself decides to stay hidden behind a wall of clouds.
Located in the heart of one of Japan’s National Parks, Mt Fuji lies about 100km southwest of Tokyo, in striking distance of the great capital. It’s the tallest mountain in Japan and an active volcano that draws around 300,000 climbers in the two-month summer climbing period each year.
And that’s not counting the tourists and travellers who make a camp near the base, to bask in the sight of the snow-capped peak without scaling its heights.
There aren’t really ‘neighbourhoods’ around ‘Fuji-san’, but rather a collection of villages and towns, each with a different shade of Japanese hospitality on offer.
Japanese hospitality, by the way, is the stuff of legend, and a simple hostel may become your favourite accommodation ever! It’s in the little things…
So, aside from our pick for top five, you could go for Gotemba, southeast of Mt Fuji, and home to stunning cypress forests and cherry blossom trees. There’s also Fujinomiya, southwest, with its historic Shinto shrines and waterfalls.
Or Fujiyoshida, northeast, where you can find the iconic Chureito Pagoda (you know, the red one on postcards with cherry blossoms in the foreground and Mt Fuji in the background?) to take the most perfect insta-snap of your life!
While you can take a day trip to Mt Fuji from Tokyo, it’s worth it to stay a few nights. Whether you want luxury, the great outdoors, or a combination of both, there’s a town with the perfect Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for you, waiting at the foot of Fuji-san!
Mt Fuji’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In…
We’ve picked the five best neighbouring towns for you to stay in, filtered by whether you want to make it rain, or make the yen last, whether you’re cool, with kids, or both.
1. Kawaguchiko – Where to Stay in Mt Fuji Your First Time
At the northern edge of Mt Fuji is an area called the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko). The five are all stunning spots from which to see (or scheme your climb of) arguably the most beautiful place in Japan.
Kawaguchiko is the most famous of these, partly for its stunning scenery, and partly for its easy accessibility and the fact that it’s well set up for tourists. Kawaguchiko can be reached within two hours from Shinjuku Station, Tokyo’s busiest. Though it’s doable as a day trip, giving yourself some time here is a good option, as there is a lot to see and do.
The great part about Fuji Five Lakes is that each season offers something unique, and arguably as attractive as the others. I like to think of them as Pokemon cards to collect, so I always have a reason to come back.
- Best For: Classic Fuji views
- The Vibe: Polished and scenic
- Proximity to Airport: 2–3 hours from Tokyo
- Transport Level: Easy and frequent
- Budget: Mid to high
- Crowds: Busy, especially daytime
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Top Things to Do in Kawaguchiko
- Climb Mount Fuji, obviously. Best done in July and August, be sure to book your hut in advance!
- Find a killer spot to take a night photo, over the shimmering lake of course. Next to Kawaguchiko Amphi Hall is my pick.
- Ride the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Views for days!
- Hold a tune at the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, theme park and museum.
- Take a break from the serenity at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park!
Best Hotel: Auberge Mermaid
This is a great price for such an amazing view of Mt Fuji from the lounge. Seeing as it’s so close to the lake as well, you get real bang for your buck here. With a free private onsen and tatami beds, you’ll be getting the full Japanese experience. The staff are friendly, the food is decent and the views are epic.
Best Unique Stay: Togawaso
Togawaso offers a gorgeous setting while in Fujikawaguchiko. The location is ideal and the rooms are spacious. The property is right by a small park that has beautiful gardens and Bonzai trees. Togawaso is a traditional-style stay with sliding doors in the shared lounge and bento boxes for lunch. If you’re after an authentic stay, I’d 10/10 recommend this place.
Best Hostel: Fuji Guest House Ao
Fuji Guest House Ao is a simple but cozy hostel right by Lake Kawaguchiko with insane rooftop views of Mt Fuji. It has easy access to major sightseeing spots in Mt. Fuji area.
You’ll have a blast using the FREE rental bikes around the lake while watching the absolute BEST view of Mount Fuji. Follow an Lake Kawaguchiko itinerary for an extra dash of fun!
2. Yamanakako – Where To Stay in Mt Fuji On a Budget
Lake Yamanakako is the second-most developed of the lakes and the biggest, to boot. It’s southeast of Lake Kawaguchiko, on the other side of the city of Fujiyoshida. Tucked away in between mountain ridges, Yamanakako gives a real sense of seclusion and peace to any trip, and it has managed to keep its prices at a reasonable level for accommodation and transport.
There is a small town at either end of the lake (east and west) where you can find some Japanese style accommodation, ryokan and minshuku, and simple eating establishments. These often only serve a variety of one kind of food, like ramen or curry, but what they do, they do well! And you can sometimes find a good meal set for about ¥500 (US$4.70). Hint: the green tea is usually free!
One of the main reasons to visit this area, other than that mountain just over there, is the hot springs, onsen. Relaxing in an outdoor onsen at the end of the day is one of the great delights of travelling here, especially those with views over the lake. Speaking of, the best place to set up a shot of the double threat is to head to Panorama Dai, an observation area on Yamanakako’s undeveloped northern shore.
- Best For: Budget stays, quieter Fuji views
- The Vibe: Laid-back, local, low-key rural
- Proximity to Airport: 2.5–3.5 hours from Tokyo
- Transport Level: Limited, buses rule
- Budget: Low to mid, solid value
- Crowds: Light, even in peak seasons
Top Things to Do in Yamanakako
- Get onto the lake for a range of watersports. Fishing, skiing, windsurfing and swimming all have their place here.
- Capture a stunning scene from Panorama Dai.
- Soak in an onsen with incredible views (try Benifuji no yu).
- Wander through the Park of Literature, absorbed in the historic culture of the region.
- Be wowed by the Hana no miyako Kouen, 300,000m2 of flowers, changing with the seasons.
Best Hotel: Guest House Zen
If you’re after a dream Mt Fuji escape, this place tops the charts. The rooms are sparkling clean and the tatami mats are surprisingly comfy! There is a kitchen if you want to whip up a home-cooked meal and it’s less than five minutes walk to the bus stop. The guest house offers FREE bike use which is a big highlight and a great way to explore the local area.
Best Hostel: Guesthouse Murabito
A fantastic travel-mad husband and wife team put together their dream guesthouse near Lake Yamanakako, which is the biggest lake in Fuji 5 lakes and closest one to Mt.Fuji. Their experience as Fuji guides means you’ll be in great hands for tips and advice!
Best Airbnb: 120-year-old renovated villa with a view of Mt Fuji
You will never forget a stay at this Villa in Yamanakako, the view of Mt Fuji and the immaculately designed interior will leave you speechless. Not to mention, this property is HUGE and can fit you and your finest 11 friends and family. So start sending out invites to pack out this epic place… if you split the cost, it actually works out pretty damn affordable.
3. Fuji City – Most Accessible Area To Stay Near Mt Fuji
This is a working Japanese city first and a Fuji viewing spot second. Factories, neighbourhoods, commuter stations, and everyday life rub shoulders with a massive volcano casually looming in the background. When Fuji shows up here, it feels less staged and more accidental.
Fuji City is logistically smooth. JR trains run straight through, highways are close, and getting here from Tokyo or onward to Kyoto makes sense on a map and in real life. Hotels are business-style and reasonably priced, food is local and unfussy, and nothing is designed to funnel you into a souvenir shop.
On clear mornings, the mountain looks enormous and dramatic, rising straight up behind the city. There are rivers, parks, bridges, and coastal spots where Fuji dominates the skyline with zero crowds. No lake reflections or curated viewpoints like other spots to view Fuji – just pure, unadulterated mountain.
- Best For: Budget travellers, easy logistics
- The Vibe: Local, functional, no-frills
- Proximity to Airport: 2–3 hours from Tokyo
- Transport Level: Very high, direct JR lines
- Budget: Low to mid
- Crowds: Light, mostly locals
Top Things to Do in Fuji City
- Izakaya-hop in the Yoshiwara suburb.
- Bargain hunt (or souvenir shop) on the Yoshiwara shopping street.
- Visit the World Heritage Centre for a rundown on Fuji’s history.
- Take a ride on the Gakunan Railway to check out Fuji-san from many angles.
- Sample the local taste sensation of Tsuke-Napori, the ultimate in Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine! Didn’t know that was a thing now, did ya!
Best Budget Hotel: Hotel Nishimura
Situated a short stroll from Yoshiwara-honcho Train Station, Hotel Nishimura is rated 9.3 on travel sites and provides guests with a convenient base when visiting Fuji City. Guests of the 3-star hotel can also enjoy complimentary internet in all areas.
Best Hotel: Hotel Route-Inn Fuji
Hotel Route-Inn Fuji provides comfortable 3-star accommodation in Fuji City. Guests can also enjoy free internet throughout the property. There are a variety of facilities available to guests of the hotel, such as a dry cleaning service and laundry facilities.
Best Airbnb: Traditional Japanese Mansion
You’re gonna love this authentic Japanese garden house. It’s got two rooms: a traditional tatami room and a charming bedroom with a bed that overlooks the garden. It’s the ideal spot if you’re craving a quiet, peaceful getaway. The host is super friendly and always has awesome tips for day trips, but he knows how to give you space too.
4. Hakone – Coolest Place to Stay Near Mount Fuji
Hakone is where people go when they want to feel like they are doing something scenic and cultured, even if the mountain itself decides to stay hidden behind a wall of clouds. It sits close enough to Mount Fuji to brag about the connection, but far enough away that views are a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Hakone runs on onsen culture and slow travel. Ryokan, hot springs, forested hills, misty lakes, ropeways dangling over volcanic vents, and transport routes that feel like an attraction in their own right. It is polished, orderly, and built to ease visitors gently into relaxation whether they asked for it or not.
Logistically, it is very friendly. Easy access from Tokyo, well-connected transport loops, and signage that assumes you have never been here before. That makes it popular for short breaks and first-timers who want nature without committing to rural logistics.
- Best For: Onsen stays, slow travel
- The Vibe: Scenic, relaxed, polished
- Proximity to Airport: 1.5–2 hours from Tokyo
- Transport Level: High, loop-style transport
- Budget: Mid to high
- Crowds: Busy daytime, calmer nights
Top Things to Do in Hakone
- Cruise on a pirate ship on Lake Ashi (Ashinoko = same thing), overlooking Fuji-san in all its glory.
- Walk the Old Tokaido Road and imagine the entourages it’s seen.
- Find delicious and cheap ramen shops in the back alleys of Hakone Yumoto, away from the tourist trap main street.
- Visit Odawara Castle and be a samurai for the day! Or a ninja…
- Take the whole family to Yunessun for a new take on a water park. Just keep those tattoos covered!
Best Hostel: K’s House Hakone
Voted The Best Hostel Chain Worldwide 2010 & 2011 and 2nd Best Small Hostel Chain 2014. Their communal natural onsen (hot spring) with open-air bath will be a great experience you can enjoy and feel relaxed with. It’s fantastic value for money with great facilities and plenty of space for a family.
Best Hotel: Irori Guest House Tenmaku
Irori Guesthouse is conveniently located right by the Open Air Museum and not too far from the station. There are great common areas and a kitchen which provide a great space to mix and mingle with other travellers. I’d recommend getting involved in their shared dinner option! The guest house offers dorm rooms and private rooms.
Best Airbnb: Hakone Villa with Private Onsen, Ryokan Style
Hakone Villa is a gorgeous, authentic Japanese-style Airbnb with all the modern comforts. The private onsen is the highlight feature of the place, as is its Japanese garden where you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery from the tatami. The price may seem eye-watering on first glance, but split it between a big group and you’ll find it’s actually surprisingly affordable for a stay so unique.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Mt. Fuji
The risk with visiting Mt. Fuji is low but never zero…it is a volcano after all! Do yourself a favour and get some decent travel insurance under your belt before coming.
FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Mt Fuji
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Mt Fuji and where to stay.
Which Part of Mount Fuji Should You Choose?
Mt Fuji is a glorious sight, and it’s surrounded by glorious options for where to stay. Each town offers something different and uniquely Japanese.
If you want that quintessential Mount Fuji experience, I’d go with Kawaguchiko. Just be prepared to wrangle through crowds that are just as eager to see Fuji as you are! For something more low key, maybe Yamanakako will be more up your street. Don’t forget to soak in the onsens wherever you stay – it’s basically a rite of passage in these towns scattered across Fuji’s base.
No matter where you choose to pick, Mount Fuji can only be seen 80 days out of the year, so time it right and you’ll be in for a good’en. May the odds be ever in your favour!
