Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji behind

No. 25 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit 2026

Mount Fuji

Yamanashi and Shizuoka, Japan

Japan's highest and most iconic mountain, a near-perfect volcanic cone.

Photo: Stjepko Krehula, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Mount Fuji rises to 3,776 m and has inspired artists and pilgrims for centuries. It is listed by UNESCO as Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.

The Fuji Five Lakes area to the north, especially Lake Kawaguchiko, and Hakone to the south-east are the most popular places for views. The official climbing season is roughly July to early September.

Best time to visit

Late autumn to early spring often gives the clearest views. July and August are the climbing season but often hazy. Cherry blossom around the lakes usually blooms in April.

Highlights

  • 1

    Lake Kawaguchiko

    Lakeside views of Fuji, with ropeways and parks.

  • 2

    Chureito Pagoda

    A five-storey pagoda framing the mountain.

  • 3

    Climbing Fuji

    Marked trails to the summit in the summer season; registration and fees apply on some trails.

  • 4

    Fuji Five Lakes

    Walking, cycling and hot springs around the lakes.

Getting there

Highway buses and trains reach Kawaguchiko from Tokyo in about 2 hours. Hakone is reached by train from Tokyo in about 1.5 hours.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and any visitor limits change, so check the official information before you go.
Time needed
One to two days.

Official information: UNESCO: Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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