All About Japan

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.

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.

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.

Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park

Walk through a former imperial villa on the Numazu coast, featuring turn-of-the century furniture and woodwork.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Muji Huts Are Back & Ready for Purchase

Previously only available to other businesses, these tiny Muji homes can now be purchased by anyone.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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