Things to do in Matsuda

The Japanese icon of Mount Fuji is not only the country’s highest mountain, but also a perfectly formed volcano. Although its last eruption was in 1707, it’s still active. The potential for a reawakening of this sleeping giant merely adds to its wonder. Look for the mountain if you’re in Tokyo or Yokohama on a clear day. Take the bullet train, a marvel in itself, which runs past the mountain between Tokyo and Osaka.

Located near Tokyo and with 290 outlet stores, Gotemba Premium Outlets® is one of the best spots for shopping in the Shizuoka region of Japan. Plan to spend hours here if you’re an enthusiastic shopper looking for bargains. The mall has three large sections connected by pedestrian bridges. Visit the food hall and separate restaurants when you need a break from shopping.

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is a forest-fringed lake within the ranges of Mount Hakone. The lake was formed within Mount Hakone’s caldera, after the volcano erupted 3,000 years ago. Today, it is a pristine area dotted with small villages, lakeside resorts, pleasant walking paths and dense forests.

Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park set against the backdrop of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to rides inspired by popular television series, it’s a wonderland for kids and grown-ups alike. Opened in 1969, Fuji-Q Highland has around 40 attractions.

Fun and relaxation await for adults and children alike at Hakone Kowakien Yunessun. This aquatic amusement park consists of 23 hot spring baths, including traditional, open-air and themed pools. Come to experience the therapeutic qualities of an onsen in clothing and non-clothed areas.

Experience the splendor of the great outdoors at Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the five lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji. Explore the area's beauty by hiking one of the scenic trails, each offering gorgeous views of the mountain. Or work up a sweat with a jog or a bike ride on the 8.3-mile (13.5-kilometer) cycling road that circles the shores. You can rent a bike from several places along the lake's northwestern shore.