The Ferris Wheel with a Fuji View
The Fujikawa Service Area isn't just a rest stop—it features a 60-meter Ferris wheel with a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. And if you want to test your nerves, you can do the loop in a glass-bottomed gondola!
Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park
Walk through a former imperial villa on the Numazu coast, featuring turn-of-the century furniture and woodwork.
Tokiwa Hotel: Top-Tier Garden in Yamanashi
The garden at the Tokiwa Hotel in Kofu City, Yamanashi was ranked the third-best traditional garden in Japan in 2012 and 2013. And even if you can't afford a stay in this top-class hotel, you can still visit the garden for free!
10 Cool Autumn Spots in Japan's National Parks
When autumn comes to Japan, there's no better place to see it than the nation's national parks. One look at these 10 picturesque spots and we're sure you'll agree!
Ryokan Kikori: Seasonal Cuisine to Die For
Found in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi, this traditional Japanese inn offers seasonal cuisine that's to die for, as well as offering a great base for activities around the Mount Fuji area.
Fujisan World Heritage Center
Opened inJune 2016, the Fujisan World Heritage Center aims to outline the geological and cultural significance of Japan's most iconic mountain.
5 Cosmic Night Views in Japan's National Parks
Just because the sun goes down doesn't mean there's nothing left to enjoy in a national park. Whether on a lonely beach or a mountain plateau, reduced light pollution often offers a brilliant chance to glimpse a once-in-a-lifetime night view!
Jinba Falls: Crystal Clear Fuji Water
The area around Mount Fuji is known for the crystal clear groundwater that wells up throughout the region. On the mountain's western foot, you can see the water cascade clear and cold over Jinba Falls.
The Shrine with the Best View of Mount Fuji
Chureito Pagoda in Yamanashi Prefecture offers what is possibly the single most definitive view of Mount Fuji in Japan.
Zuzuya: Ink Talismans at a Fuji Pilgrim's Inn
With a history of some 400 years, Zuzuya is one of only two pilgrim's lodgings in Kamiyoshida still offering rooms to Fuji worshippers preparing to climb their sacred mountain. It's also a great spot to make an ink talisman from an Edo Period wood block!
Hoshinoya Fuji: The Glamorous Outdoors
Don't be fooled by Hoshinoya Fuji's claim to be a 'glamping' resort. This is nothing less than the height of luxury in the woods!
Suntory Hakushu Distillery
Nestled in the mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture, the Suntory Hakushu Distillery will walk you through every step of the whisky-making process—with ample tastings to follow!
Hacks for Dealing With Dietary Needs in Japan
The food in Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido and most anywhere in Japan might cause you to forget about your dietary restrictions. However, for those of us who cannot forego our diets due to health or religious reasons, these are our tips to dining to Japan.
The Traditional 'Front Door' to Mount Fuji
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is the head of all Fuji-worshipping shrines, and the traditional 'front door' to the ascent up Mount Fuji.
Enter the 'Womb' of Mount Fuji
This system of caves beneath the surface of Mount Fuji are believed to represent the womb of Konohana Sakuya-hime, the goddess of the mountain. And you can climb right inside!
Get a Fuji Omelet in Yamanashi
Sylvans restaurant features a terrace, a conservatory, a garden that's open to dogs, and a gift shop where you can buy Fujizakura Heights Beer, a German-style microbrew made right on the premises.
Mount Fuji's Northern Gateway
Said to date all the way back to the year 110, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine marks the entrance to the Yoshidaguchi climbing trail on the north side of Mount Fuji.
Muji Huts Are Back & Ready for Purchase
Previously only available to other businesses, these tiny Muji homes can now be purchased by anyone.
Succulent Stew at Dai Min
Located in Hokuto City, Yamanashi, Dai Min (臺眠) offers succulent salmon and melt-in-your-mouth beef stew.
Get Your Face Wrapped in Gold
One Japanese hot spring will wrap your face in gold leaf at a price that's more affordable than you might think.
