Japan is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. To the Japanese, these mountains are sacred because within them live spirits known as kami (神).
And the most scared of all those mountains is Japan’s Mount Fuji, which welcomes over 300,000 pilgrims and spiritual seekers every year.
Japan’s famous mountain stands in Shizuoka Prefecture, just a few hours from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets. This iconic landmark offers a perfect spiritual escape from the city’s relentless energy.
Many people seek spiritual connection with Japan by climbing Mount Fuji in a day trip from Tokyo. However, you don’t have to climb Japan’s tallest mountain to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
I’ve lived in Japan for decades and I have found many meaningful ways to experience Fuji’s majestic peak without having to climb it.
Lake Kawaguchiko: The Best Spot to View Mount Fuji
For most people touring Japan, the first and only time that they get a glimpse of Mount Fuji is on the Shinkansen (bullet train) going from Tokyo to Kyoto.
While glimpsing the great Japanese mountain enroute is exciting, it isn’t exactly a moving experience.
In my opinion, the best place to experience Mount Fuji is around Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture. Here, you can…
- Views from Lake Kawaguchiko are breath-taking! Some of the best photos of Mount Fuji are taken from this vantage point.
- Avoid the hordes of tourists marching their way to the top of the mountain.
- Enjoy the open spaces that Yamanashi offers. The natural scenery and the awe of Mt Fuji close up looks like a meeting of Heaven and Earth.
- Marvel at the unique view of the mountain. You can’t see Fuji when you arrive at the foot of the mountain because you are too close to it.
How to Get to Lake Kawaguchiko from Tokyo
Lake Kawaguchi is in southeastern Yamanashi, near the Shizuoka border. It is easily accessible from Tokyo by train or highway bus.
- Start at JR Shinjuku Station, Platform 12.
- Take the JR Chuo Line to JR Otsuki Station (approximately 1 hour).
- Transfer to the Fuji Kyuko Line to reach Kawaguchiko Station (note: the JR Rail Pass is not valid on this line, although you can use your Suica Card).
Alternatively, you can take a highway bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal directly to Kawaguchiko Station, with a travel time of just under 2 hours.
The Impact of Seeing Mount Fuji Up Close
My family and I drove to Yamanashi from Kyoto to stay near the lake. There are a lot of mountains coming into Yamanashi, so I hadn’t yet seen Mount Fuji in the distance.
Suddenly, my wife yelled “Look! Look! WOOOOWWWWW!” Then, my children got excited. When you see the mountain close for the first time, it is simply awe-inspiring.
It towers over the landscape and takes up much of the horizon. I feel very lucky and blessed to have seen such a close view of Japan’s most famous icon.
Understanding Mount Fuji’s Religious Significance
Standing at 3,776 meters (2.35 miles), Mount Fuji is a sacred landmark in Japanese spirituality, in both Shinto and Buddhist faiths.
What I love about this mountain is that it exists as the physical embodiment of a deity!
In fact, traditional shrine buildings aren’t needed to house sacred objects here because the whole area is considered so special. Princess Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of Mount Fuji and volcanoes, remains the principal deity.
People still honor her at many shrines around the mountain’s base.
Don’t let a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo just become an opportunity to show off on Instagram! Make the most of your time around Lake Kawaguchiko and soak in the atmosphere.
I can tell you that my time spent visiting the quiet spiritual sites around Lake Kawaguchi will stay with me for a lifetime.
Following the Footsteps of Japanese Pilgrams
The Yamanashi Prefecture has a special spiritual connection to great Mt Fuji that you be apart of.
You can take the Yoshida Trail, which is an ancient pilgrimage trail that took travelers to the great mountain. Nearly 100 lodging houses lined the path to give pilgrims a place to rest.
Today people still follow this trail to visit the shrines and lakes that offer the best views of Mt Fuji.
Key spiritual stops along the traditional pilgrim route include:
- Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine – The starting point for worship-ascent.
- Kawaguchi Asama-jinja Shrine – This ancient shrine to the gods of the mountain was built in 864 to appease the mountain’s volcanic nature.
- The sacred Oshino Hakkai Springs – Japanese hot springs are a fantastic way to unwind and ground yourself.
Mt Fuji Spiritual Symbols and Meanings
Mount Fuji’s sacred landscape shows that climbing the mountain represents a deep spiritual experience. Pilgrims move from the mundane world (俗界 – zokkai) to the sacred realm (聖域 – seiiki) during their ascent.
Pilgrims wore white Gyoi clothes traditionally – the same garments used for the deceased. These clothes symbolized spiritual death and rebirth through the climbing experience. This is the same reason why people still climb Fuji-san today.
Modern day trips from Tokyo to Mount Fuji still carry elements of this spiritual heritage. The mountain’s sacred character touches visitors worldwide, even though the journey from Tokyo takes less time now.
Planning Your Mount Fuji Spiritual Journey
You may not have thought about this, but you must plan when to visit Mt Fuji.
This might come as a surprise, but you can’t climb Fuji all year round, and you can’t get a clear view of it all year round. This is why timing is important.
When we went to Yamanashi, we had an amazing view of Fuji-san right outside the Airbnb accommodation. The sky was clear, and Mount Fuji looked huge! The mountain loomed over us like a giant. It was that close!
Despite this, on our last day the clouds were so thick that we could not see a thing. It was as if by magic the mountain completely disappeared.
When Can I See Mount Fuji Clearly?
The best time to see Mount Fuji with clear views is from November to February. The air is typically clearer during these winter months, which increases your chances of seeing the mountain without difficulty.
Clear views reach their peak in December, giving you perfect moments to reflect on the mountain’s majesty.
Each season brings its own spiritual meaning – winter’s pure snow shows purity, while autumn’s colors remind us about life’s constant change, and the cherry blossoms signify rebirth.
When is the Best Time for a Spiritual Climb Up Mount Fuji?
If you want to climb Mount Fuji, you must do this during the official climbing season from early July to early September. This is when over 200,000 pilgrims climb the sacred slopes. Mountain huts and facilities operate fully during this time.
How Much Does It Cost to Climb Mount Fuji?
Mount Fuji faces unprecedented pressures, prompting us to adapt our approach.
New measures took effect from July 2024. These include a ¥2,000 climbing fee on the Yoshida trail. The fee helps manage visitor flow and supports conservation efforts.
The mountain’s access will also have time restrictions – no entry between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m.
| Conservation Fee Type | Amount (¥) |
| Basic Climbing Fee | 2,000 |
| Optional Donation | 1,000 |
Famous Sacred Spots Around Mount Fuji
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha leads a sacred network of Sengen shrines circling Mount Fuji. This main shrine oversees over 1,300 Sengen and Asama shrines throughout Japan. It was built over 1,000 years ago to protect against volcanic eruptions.
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja stands as a must-visit site that marks where pilgrims traditionally begin their climb to the summit. This is the shrine with the most famous view of Mount Fuji with the Chureito Pagoda. The shrine’s grounds feature:
- Ancient cedar trees that have seen countless pilgrimages;
- Traditional purification fountains;
- Sacred prayer halls dating back to 1615;
- Ornate wooden masks and murals adorning the walls.
Power Spots for Meditation
I recommend several meditation spots where the mountain’s energy feels strongest.
The Funatsu Tainai Lava Tree Molds (remember that Mount Fuji is still an active volcano) create a unique spiritual atmosphere – these natural caves, shaped by ancient lava flows, symbolize rebirth for those who enter them.
| Time of Day | Best Power Spots | Activity |
| Morning | Lake Kawaguchi Shore | Sunrise meditation |
| Midday | Sengen Shrine Gardens | Traditional prayers |
| Evening | Chureito Pagoda | Sunset contemplation |
Holy Water Sources
Oshino Hakkai stands as the most sacred water source near Mount Fuji – eight crystal-clear ponds fed by mountain snow melt. Pilgrims use these springs to purify themselves before climbing Mount Fuji.
The water takes over 20 years to filter through volcanic rocks. These ponds belong to the “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration” World Heritage site.
Each pond carries its own spiritual meaning – Kagami Pond’s waters help visitors identify right from wrong. We always stop at these springs during our Tokyo-Fuji trips.
Their remarkable clarity and historical significance in Mount Fuji worship never fail to amaze our guests.
This 4 to 5-hour guided tour includes trekking gear, private transportation, and a knowledgeable guide.
Enjoy a complimentary beverage at a scenic viewpoint.
Final Thoughts
Mount Fuji is more than Japan’s iconic peak – it’s a living sanctuary where ancient traditions blend with modern spiritual seeking.
Our trip through its sacred landscapes shows why millions make this pilgrimage yearly. From centuries-old shrines to pristine meditation spots, the mountain holds deep meaning.
The mountain’s true magic doesn’t lie in rushing through tourist spots. Mindful experiences create deeper meaning. Traditional tea ceremonies, guided meditations, and cultural immersion help visitors connect with this sacred place in ways casual tourists might miss.
This sacred mountain’s spiritual heritage needs our steadfast dedication to responsible tourism. Conscious travel choices and respect for local customs will help preserve Mount Fuji’s legacy for future spiritual seekers.
A day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji gives you more than spectacular views. You’ll connect with centuries of Japanese spiritual tradition and maybe even find something profound within yourself.
Author: James Saunders-Wyndham
James Saunders-Wyndham is the founder and voice behind Romancing Japan, a blog devoted to sharing the lifestyle, travel, and cultural experiences of Japan.
Drawing on his years spent living there, James offers practical insights into local traditions, contemporary trends, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
When he isn’t writing, he’s exploring spending time with his family, touring historical landmarks, and seeking out hidden gems that help his readers experience Japan.
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