6 things to do around Mt Fuji in spring

Among Japan’s many amazing attractions and experiences, Mt Fuji, cherry blossoms and fireworks often top visitors’ lists. The Zekkei Fireworks show brings all three cherished symbols together in one unforgettable celebration. Held at Fujiten Snow Resort at Mt Fuji’s first station every April, the world-class pyrotechnic extravaganza invites you to enjoy panoramic views of the sacred peak and the beauty of sakura, all while being immersed in a mesmerising display of fireworks.

Some of the country’s top pyrotechnicians gather at Mt Fuji for the event, so you can count on a sensational show. The companies set to showcase their craft at Zekkei are long-established and highly decorated fireworks producers, each having honed their skills and artistry for over a century.

While the Zekkei Fireworks is accessible only to ticket holders, this exclusivity is balanced by a wide variety of seating options to suit all types of spectators, with prices catering to different budgets.

What’s more, the event only admits 3,000 people, even though the venue can accommodate over 10,000. This means you’ll have plenty of space to relax, and the serene natural environment allows you to fully enjoy Mt Fuji, cherry blossoms and fireworks in peace.

The famous Fuji Five Lakes – Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Motosu, Sai and Shoji – differ significantly by way of scenery and recommended activities. The area around Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest to reach and well-developed as a tourist destination, with numerous hotels, campsites, excursion boats and popular green spaces such as Oishi Park, while the smaller and relatively more secluded Lake Motosu and Lake Shoji offer a near-to-nature experience. Those eager to get a move on can try to windsurfing and canoeing at Motosu. 

Bikers of all ages and experience levels will enjoy Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the five lakes and the one closest to Mt Fuji. A dedicated cycling path traces around 80 percent of the lake’s 14-kilometre circumference. It’s well-paved and largely flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels. Circling the lake makes for a relaxing way to immerse yourself in the local nature, and there are plenty of superb Fuji photo ops along the way. Rental bikes are available at several locations along the northwestern shore of the lake.

The surroundings of Mt Fuji boast an abundance of onsen. Hot natural spring water, cool spring air, mountain views and blooming sakura combine for an essentially Japanese experience you can only get in the area. For bathhouses with a Fuji view, Lake Kawaguchi is a good place to start. Hotel Mifujien offers guests higaeri (day visit) use of their seventh-floor public baths with epic scenes of Mt Fuji and the lake.

For more variety, 20 minutes south by car, Fuji Yurari near Lake Sai offers 16 different indoor and outdoor baths. Benifuji at Lake Yamanaka has half a dozen indoor and outdoor hot springs, all from which you can enjoy Fuji-san.

While attitudes towards tattoos are relaxing in Japan, tattooed bathers should be sure to check each onsen’s tattoo policies before visiting. Although it doesn’t offer Fuji views, a safe bet for the tattooed is Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko. For those that prefer saunas, CYCL at Lake Yamanaka earns a special mention for its modern facilities and Fuji-filled vista.

East of Aokigahara Forest, between Lake Motosu and Lake Sai, are numerous underground caves formed by lava from a massive eruption of Mt Fuji in the 9th century. Three of the largest of these caverns are connected by hiking paths, making them a convenient and fascinating one-day outing for adventurous types.

The Lake Sai Bat Cave is the largest of the three and inhabited by – you guessed it – more bats than you can shake a trekking pole at. If you’d rather avoid a close encounter with hundreds of winged creatures, crouch into the Narusawa Ice Cave, an 81-metre-long underground loop that is covered in ice year round. Water trickles and drips from the ceiling, forming ice pillars. The temperature inside averages about 3°C, so the cavern was historically used as a natural refrigerator.

Nearby, the Fugaku Wind Cave offers views of illuminated ice and impressive stalactites and ice pillars all along its 201-metre length. At the back of the cave are rock walls covered with a type of luminescent moss known as ‘goblin gold’ that glows greenish-gold, adding to the otherworldly scenery.

If you like your Mt Fuji experience a little more adrenaline-filled, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by missing out on a trip to Fuji-Q Highland. This theme park has some seriously intense thrill rides, among them the ‘big three’ rollercoasters Eejanaika, Fujiyama and Takabisha, which boast some of the world’s fastest speeds, biggest drops and steepest inclines.

For panoramic Fuji scenes, head to the sky deck near the Fujiyama coaster. While both the coaster and the deck offer great views, only one of them travels at 130km per hour. The tower is also home to the Fujiyama Walk: a course where you can stroll through the air with no guardrails, only a harness keeping you tethered to the structure.

On top of the rollercoasters, the park also has a river rapid ride, Thomas the Tank Engine Land, Power Rangers-esque battle performances, spooky haunted houses, a skate park, numerous eateries and its own hotel.

There’s no shortage of restaurant options around Mt Fuji, with the Lake Kawaguchi area in particular offering a solid selection from izakayas to Indian curry. But you’ve made it all the way here; why not try something authentically local instead?

Consider hoto, a hearty, warming dish of flat udon noodles and vegetables in miso soup, or the similar Yoshida udon, a speciality of Fujiyoshida. That same town is also the home of Harvest Terrace, a comfy brewpub where you can pair meaty grub with German-style Fujiyama beer made with spring water from Mt Fuji. Friends of artisanal brews will also want to keep an eye out for Fujizakura Heights beer, crafted in the foothills of Fuji and available at select local restaurants.