10 Things to do in Mount Fuji apart from standing in awe of it! 

The view of Mt Fuji from the shore of Lake Kawaguchi is framed by pine trees, and if you’re lucky, it’s a great spot to get a reflection of the mountain, on a clear day, that is. I had to wait for about 8 hours to get this, but I got one. While waiting, hop on a bicycle for a lap around the lake, or sit at the cafe eating matcha ice cream. The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum is also not too far off, for you to check out.

Pro tip: Here in November or early December? Head to Autumn Tunnel, a street on the east side of the lake where the fall leaves and crimson trees make for the most stunning photos.

Watching the sunrise from Mt Fuji is spectacular. It usually takes about two days with stops, so plan for it in advance. If you are up for the challenge, then hike up in 6 hours, but only between July and September.

• The Yoshida Trail, on Mount Fuji's Yamanashi Prefecture side, is the most frequented and easily accessible path. Typically, the ascent takes six hours, while the descent, on a different path, takes about four hours. Many hikers use this trail for the breathtaking sunrise view at the summit, often splitting the hike into two segments with an overnight stay at the 7th or 8th station. However, the Yoshida Trail's popularity means it can be very crowded during peak times, such as weekends and holidays, which may impact your hiking pace.
• For a different experience, consider the Fujinomiya Trail. Though shorter than the Yoshida Trail, it is steeper and more challenging, with the same path used for both ascent (approximately 4.5 hours) and descent (around 2 hours). I’ve tried this one. I made it to the top and back. But I also am fairly fit!
• Alternatively, the Subashiri Trail on the mountain's eastern side provides a quieter hike but it’s got fewer rest spots and toilets. It joins the Yoshida Trail near the Original 8th Station.
• The Gotemba Trail is the longest, taking over seven hours for the ascent, as it starts at a lower elevation and has limited huts near the 7th and 8th stations.
• For seasoned hikers, the Ohachi-meguri Trail is the best. This 90-minute loop around Mt. Fuji's summit crater provides a stunning 360-degree view of Japan, adding an extra zing to the Fuji hiking experience.

Ice Ice Baby! Or at least surreal stalactites offer a magical escape from the rest of the holiday. Nestled in the Aokigahara Forest, the Narusawa Ice Cave has been formed over millennia. Expect to see glittering ice formations that are sometimes over 3 meters! Then skip over to the Fugaku Wind Cave too. With walls made of basalt, the cave was once used as a refrigerator to keep the eggs of silkworms during the Edo period and Meiji period. It’s still icy cold even in the summer!

The Ide Shuzo Sake Brewery is close to Kawaguchiko Station, and one that uses water from Mt Fuji to make all the beverages. The brewery tour takes place at 9:30 AM and 3 PM if you want to take the English option. It is also smack in the Ureshino Onsen so not only can you soak in the hot springs and have this delightful sake, but also shop away. Oh, plus, the view of the cherry blossoms from here is spectacular!

Sitting in an onsen while gazing at the mountain is one of the most relaxing things that you can do. The Hottarakashi Hot Spring, Fujikawaguchiko Onsen, Yamanakako Onsen, or Hakone Onsen are other options. Just remember that you cannot go into the onsen if you have tattoos. It’s a strict rule in most places as the tattoo symbolizes members of organized crime groups. But do check, as some are open to any with tattoos too.

Lake Motosuko’s claim to fame is that it features on the reverse side of the 1000 Yen bill. It’s rather difficult to get to, but once here, it’s great to set up camp. Literally. You can make base at the campsites on the shore then head off on adventures involving hiking, fishing, boating and other water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. Motosuko and its sister lakes Saiko and Shojiko, are connected by underground waterways and maintain the same water level.

The Kachi Kachi Ropeway, a scenic cable car adventure, whisks you near the summit of Mt. Tenjo, in three minutes. It’s ideal for sweeping views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji. To avoid the crowds, it's wise to arrive early. While there, read up on the Japanese legend about the fight between a bloody-thirsty tanuki (a version of a raccoon) and a sadistic rabbit. At the base of the mountain, just near the ropeway, get kawaii cookies from Fujiyama Cookies.

Oh, you’re here for some shopping with a view? Great! Nothing like wandering around over 200 outlet stores with the looming Mt Fuji in the background, eh! Get discounts on brands like Gucci, Burberry, Balenciaga, and Coach. Plus, kids and sports options too. They also have a Ferris wheel and an onsen in case you are accompanying the shopper but with no interest in the activity yourself!

If you’re here in the cherry blossom season, Mt. Fuji is a fine place to see it all. The popular Fuji Shibazakura Festival takes place from mid-April to late May or early June, and is perfect to see 800,000 stalks of shibazakura on display. Pink, white, and purple are dominant hues, and you won’t get tired of seeing them. They also sell pots of pink moss and shibazakura-themed souvenirs if you want to take home some of Japan.

Hakkai means “Eight Seas” and that is what you will see in this little village. Well, almost. There are eight ponds, each with its own unique charm and rich aquatic life. But if you can get Mt. Fuji in the background, you’ll have won Instagram! Sample freshwater fish and Houtou noodles, a regional specialty, when here! What are the ponds called? Yufu Pond, Bottomless Pond, Choshi Pond, Zhuo Pond, Yong Pond, Mirror Pond, Acorus Pond, and Exit Pond.