Day Trips from Tokyo for Superb Views of Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and often regarded as the symbol of the nation, with numerous tourist attractions in the surrounding region. In 2013, Mt. Fuji and its related cultural properties were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

You can enjoy shopping, sightseeing, and activities in the areas surrounding Mt. Fuji, which are easily accessible by either train or highway bus, on day trips from Tokyo. In addition, there are Muslim-friendly facilities scattered throughout the region that make another great reason to incorporate this area into your travel plans.

Enjoy rides, attractions, and superb views of Mt. Fuji at Fuji-Q Highland

Fuji-Q Highland is one of Japan’s largest amusement parks, boasting a number of unique attractions. The park is easily accessible from Shinjuku by train or bus. Thrill rides are popular among visitors, with the perennial favorite being the giant roller coaster Fujiyama. The view of Mt. Fuji from the coaster is spectacular. You can also enjoy the view from the Fujiyama Sky Deck next to the roller coaster. The park has a prayer room, and the food court serves Muslim-friendly food and drinks.

Fuji-Q Highland
Address: 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi-ken
Access: From Shinjuku Station, take a train (approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the train service) to Otsuki Station, then transfer to a train to Fujikyu-Highland Station (approximately 50 minutes). Alternatively, take a bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku)  (approximately 100 minutes)

Fuji-Q Highland

Scenic spots around Lake Kawaguchiko

Near Fuji-Q Highland is Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. There are many spots around here where you can discover beautiful panoramas of Mt. Fuji, such as at Oishi Park, home to the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center. Commemorate your trip to Japan by photographing Mt. Fuji with seasonal flower blooms in the foreground. Oishi Park has over 90 types of flowers like lavender that bloom at different times of year.

Come prayer time, you can visit Fujikawaguchiko Masjid, a mosque built in 2020. A cafe in the building offers various menu options for Muslims, so you can take a rest and refresh yourself with peace of mind.

If you are visiting during autumn, the Momiji Corridor is a must-see spot. It is a river corridor along the Nashigawa River with many maple trees. The prime season is around the beginning to middle of November, when the leaves of roughly 500 maple trees (momiji) along the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko change color and are reflected on the lake. During this season, various events are held in the area and the trees are lit up in the evenings. The Momiji Tunnel, located about a 15-minute drive from the Momiji Corridor, is another popular site. Here, maple trees along either side of the road extend their branches overhead, and the beautiful leaves create a tunnel. You can compose stunning pictures combining Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko, and the autumn leaves of maple trees at these spots.

Oishi Park

Address: 2585 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken

Access: From Shinjuku Station, take a train (approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the train service) to Otsuki Station, then transfer to a train to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 50 minutes), then take a Red Line Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (approximately 30 minutes) to Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsu-kan bus stop.
Alternatively, take a bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 105 minutes), then take a Red Line Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (approximately 30 minutes) to Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsu-kan bus stop

Oishi Park

Fujikawaguchiko Masjid
Address: 6713-17 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken
Access: From Shinjuku Station, take a train (approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the train service) to Otsuki Station, then transfer to a train to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 50 minutes), then 20 minutes by foot or less than 10 minutes by taxi. Alternatively, take a bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 105 minutes), then 20 minutes by foot or less than 10 minutes by taxi
Fujikawaguchiko Masjid

Momiji Corridor
Address: Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken
Access: From Shinjuku Station, take a train (approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the train service) to Otsuki Station, then transfer to a train to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 50 minutes), then 20 minutes by bus to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, then 3 minutes by foot. Alternatively, take a bus (approximately 105 minutes) from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station, then 20 minutes by bus to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, then 3 minutes by foot

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba: enjoying nature year-round in traditional Japanese thatched-roof houses

Over near Lake Saiko, the traditional village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba offers a stunning view of thatched-roof houses and a beautiful natural landscape that changes from season to season. Inside the village, Restaurant Satoyama offers a Muslim-friendly version of hoto—a hearty local dish of noodles cooked with seasonal vegetables in a miso broth. The noodles resemble udon but are thicker and flatter. You need to pay the entrance fee to enter the village to use the restaurant.

You can also apply to participate in experiences that let you create handicrafts such as kaleidoscopes and scent sachets, or paint pottery and fabric.

Another experience you can try with advance reservations, is wearing traditional kimono. You can dress up as a ninja, samurai, or princess in traditional garb and take photos to share with your loved ones. Make reservations for activities and kimono experiences on their website. 

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba
Address: 2710 Saikonenba, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken
Access: From Shinjuku Station, take a train (approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the train service) to Otsuki Station, then transfer to a train to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 50 minutes), then 40 minutes by bus. Alternatively, take a bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 105 minutes), then transfer to a bus to Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (approximately 40 minutes)
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Oshino Hakkai: eight ponds filled with the waters of Mt. Fuji

Oshino Hakkai is about a 40-minute drive from Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. Oshino Hakkai, which literally means “Eight Seas of Oshino,” refers to the eight ponds filled with water from Mt. Fuji. It is officially associated with the World Heritage Site of Mt. Fuji. The view of eight ponds behind thatched-roof houses and magnificent Mt. Fuji in the background is a spectacular scene that will leave a lasting impression.

Oshino Hakkai
Address: Shibokusa, Oshinomura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken
Access: From Shinjuku Station, take a train (approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the train service) to Otsuki Station, then transfer to a train to Mt.Fuji Station (approximately 50 minutes), then 25 minutes by bus to Oshino Hakkai Iriguchi bus stop
Alternatively, take a bus (approximately 140 minutes) from Shinjuku Station to Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai

A huge shopping resort with a view of Mt. Fuji

On your way back to Tokyo, make time for the Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest shopping complexes in Japan. By scanning a QR code with a smartphone, overseas visitors can get an e-coupon to receive extra discounts. Visit the information center for more information. Within the mall, there are restaurants with Muslim-friendly menu items. 

Visit the welcome center in the Hill Side area of the complex to use the prayer room.

On a clear day, you can enjoy superb views of Mt. Fuji from the outdoor ITADAKI TERRACE dining space, while enjoying a cup of Shizuoka-cha, a special tea produced in Shizuoka Prefecture. 

There are many areas around the mall with splendid views of Mt. Fuji. The sunset views are especially beautiful.

Gotemba Premium Outlets has more to do than just shopping. You can relax in a private open-air hot spring bath, or even take a helicopter tour for a bird's eye view of Mt. Fuji and surrounding areas. 

Gotemba Premium Outlets
Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka-ken
Access: From Shinjuku Station, take a train (approximately 80 minutes) to Kozu Station, then 55 minutes by train to Gotemba Station and 15 minutes by free shuttle bus (buses depart from Gotemba Station every 15 minutes). Alternatively, take a direct bus from Tokyo Station (approximately 85 minutes) or Shinjuku Station (approximately 95 minutes) to Gotemba Premium Outlets
Gotemba Premium Outlets