Japan’s tallest and most famous mountain, Mt. Fuji is here! Explore the old town in beautifully preserved Takayama city, and the ancient thatched-roof houses in the World Heritage Site Shirakawago.
Highlights
Mt. Fuji (Yamanashi)
Mt.Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. On the Yamanashi side, the Oshino Hakkai and the Fuji Five Lakes are famous tourist attractions. You can enjoy watching Mt. Fuji from hot spring resorts such as Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone, or you can enjoy hiking up the mountain in summer. The fifth station of Mt. Fuji can be reached by bus in about one hour from Kawaguchiko station, and those who wish to reach the top of the mountain are recommended to stay overnight on the way.
Shirakawago and Takayama
Shirakawago located in Gifu prefecture is famous for its gassho-zukuri inns and is registered as a World Heritage Site along with Gokayama in Toyama prefecture. One of the best ways to experience Shirakawago is to stay at one of the farmhouses now used as guest houses. It is accessible by bus from Takayama and Kanazawa. In Takayama, you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the beautifully preserved old streets. You cannot miss the Takayama Festival, one of the most popular festivals in Japan held in spring and autumn.
More Destinations
- Nagoya
- Nagoya in Aichi prefecture is the third-largest city in Japan and is accessible from Kyoto and Osaka within less than an hour each. Nagoya Castle was built in the early Edo period as the domain office of the three legendary Tokugawa families of Japan. It is famous for being the place to see cherry blossom viewing during the spring season. Nagoya is also known as being home of Toyota, Japan's famous automobile company.
- Ise
- Ise is the source of vitality for Shintoism, a religion unique to Japan. Ise Jingu Shrine, where the sun goddess is enshrined, is considered the most sacred place for Shintoism. After worshipping at the shrine, enjoy shopping and gourmet food at the nearby Oharai city and Okage Yokocho Ise. Ise offers various specialties such as Matsusaka beef, Ise shrimp, and abalone.
- Shizuoka
- Shizuoka prefecture is known for its tea leaves and views of Mt. Fuji, and the natural beauty of the coast and mountains will refresh your mind. You can enjoy hot springs in Atami and Ito, the major hot springs in Japan. Outdoor sports such as trekking in the Fuji Five Lakes on the north side of Mt. Fuji is also attractive. You can enjoy shopping at Gotemba, which has one of the largest shopping outlet malls in Japan.