The fun of touring Mount Fuji is not purely in the mountain itself. In the surrounding areas, there are loads of facilities that can be enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults. We selected 4 spots that are popular around Japan.
4 Most Popular Spots at the Base of the Mountain
Theme Park
Fujikyu Highland: Thrills and Energy that May Even Exceed Mount Fuji?!
This is a theme park that has some of the most thrilling rides in Japan. "Fujiyama," referred to as "The King of Coasters," reaches speeds of 130 kilometers per hour, with its largest drop measuring 70 meters! There are multiple other rides here that are featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. "Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear," a haunted house where you walk through an abandoned hospital, is another must-see attraction that is sure to thrill you. There are also attractions that allow you to experience the world of anime, including "Evangelion: World," "Gundam Crisis," and "Mizuki Shigeru's Ge-Ge-Ge Haunted Mansion"!
Location
5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Phone: 0555-23-2111 Hours of Operation: varies; please check homepage Entrance Fee: park entrance 1,300 yen (adults); free pass 5,000 yen (adults)
http://www.fujiq.jp/
Hot Spring
"Fujiyama Onsen," a Japanese-style environment where you can enjoy hot water from the base of Mount Fuji
There are multiple hot springs in the vicinity of Mount Fuji. Of those hot springs, "Fujiyama Onsen" is perfectly suited for tourists from overseas. Gazing at Mount Fuji while soaking in the high-quality water that wells up from the base of the mountain is sublime! Built using traditional construction methods with the Important Cultural Property Building "Kusakabe Folk Museum" as a motif, the pure wooden bathroom is a highlight of the facility. As it is located right next to "Fujikyu Highland," you can even receive a special discount if you visit both.
Information
4-1524 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Phone: 0555-22-1126 Hours of Operation: morning bath 7 AM - 9 AM (enter by 8:30 AM); normal hours 10 AM - 11 PM (enter by 10 PM) Entrance Fee: morning bath 600 yen (adults); normal hours from 1,500 yen (adults) * Varies with day and season, so please check the homepage
http://www.fujiyamaonsen.jp
Shopping
“Gotemba Premium Outlet”: Among Japan's Largest in Terms of Shop Numbers and Area
Over 200 shops are lined up across the expansive grounds, which offer a view of Mount Fuji. Featuring a wide variety of shops featuring famous Japanese and international fashion brands, interior accessories, cosmetics, tableware and more, this outlet offers a shopping experience that can keep you occupied for the entire day. In the spring of 2013, the first outlet shop directly operated by Sanrio opened here. There are over 1,000 character goods, so why not take a look for your favorite?
Information
1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka Phone: 0550-81-3122 Hours of Operation: March to November 10 AM - 8 PM; December to February 10 AM - 7 PM Entrance Fee: free of charge
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/
Zoo
"Fuji Safari Park,“ Where You Can Enjoy Japanese Nature and Wild Animals from Around the World
At this special location, you can view animals from around the world with Mount Fuji in the background. At the "Safari Zone," where you can watch animals from a vehicle that circles the park, you can get so close to the carnivorous animals that you can almost feel their breath! If you want to spice up your experience, we recommend the "Night Safari," where you travel around in a vehicle while the park is lit up. This unique opportunity allows you to view animals in the darkness, surely a rare opportunity! (The Night Safari is subject to an additional charge, or is 1,700 yen alone for adults. For 2013, this is held on weekends and holidays until October 27; until September 1, it is held every day. Hours are from around 5 PM - 7:30 PM.)
Information
2255-27 Aza Fujiwara, Susono-shi, Shizuoka Phone: 055-998-1311 Hours of Operation: varies by season; in summer, mainly 9 AM - 5 PM (not including Night Safari) Entrance Fee: park entrance 2,700 yen (adults)
http://www.fujisafari.co.jp/index.html