You can’t get much closer to Mount Fuji than a visit to Fujiyoshida unless you climb the mountain itself. Everywhere you look, the namesake peak is here. Hikers head to the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station, where treks on the Yoshida Trail begin. From its renowned Yoshida udonnoodles to its popular silk products, this captivating city has much to offer.
Stop at Arakurayama Sengen Park to see the five-story Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the distance. Whether it’s cherry blossom season or fall foliage time, this is one of the top Mount Fuji viewing spots in the Kanto region.
For more views and photo opportunities, head to Fuji Sansaku Koen and Suwanomori Natural Park (Fuji Pines Park), a red-pine forest at about 2,900 feet (900 meters) of elevation. Next, visit the Arakura Sengen Shrine, with 300 cherry trees and a bright red torii gate. Founded in 705, the shrine is a popular destination for locals and visitors wishing for family happiness. In the spring, when hundreds of cherry trees are in bloom, the whole scene with Mount Fuji in the background is awe-inspiring.
After building an appetite strolling between mountain viewpoints, enjoy a bowl of Yoshida udon noodles, the local specialty. These firm noodles in a miso soup base, with water from Mount Fuji, are topped with cabbage, salty-sweet meat, egg and tempura. Choose from more than 60 udon noodle houses in the city or take the opportunity to dine in the living room of a private home, where visitors are welcomed and encouraged to enjoy homemade udon soup.
Finally, don’t leave Fujiyoshida without purchasing a silk product. Silk has been produced here for more than 1,000 years. Locally woven pieces, from umbrellas to ties to kimonos, are sought after throughout the country.
Travel to Fujiyoshida via express busesfrom Shinjuku. The area is also served by train. For its accessibility from Tokyo, abundant Mount Fuji views and renowned cuisine, Fujiyoshida is a must-visit destination.
