Mitsutōge

This mountain on the shores of Kawaguchiko offers one of the most impressive Fuji views in the entire area. It’s a tough hike that will take the entire day if you opt to descend down to Mitsutoge station, so start early in the day and bring plenty of water/lunch/snacks.

You can save a bit of time by taking the Mt. Tenjō Ropeway (open daily 9am to 5pm, 500 yen one-way, 900yen round-trip). At the top of ropeway, the route enters a beautiful forest lined with bamboo grass and occasional views between gaps in the foliage. It will take several hours to reach the top of Mitsutōge (which is actually three different peaks in quick succession, which are collectively known as Mitsutōge). The first of the three peak is Kenashiyama, so after leaving the ropeway traverse through the forest, cross a paved forest road, and ascend the meandering ridge to Shimo-san. From there, it a straightforward climb that steepens just below Kenashiyama before meeting up with a track coming in from the left. Turn right here for Mitsutōge Sanso and its incredible view of Mt. Fuji. The hut offers overnight accommodation (8500yen with 2 meals, advanced booking required, tel: 090-5339-6238) and makes for an amazing place to enjoy the sunrise. You can retrace your steps back to Kawaguchiko or continue past the hut to a junction and turn right for a long and steep descent to Mitsutoge station (a 24-min train ride back to Kawaguchiko station).

Ryūgatake

This mountain, located on the shores of Lake Motosu northwest of Mt Fuji, offers unobstructed Fuji views from its broad, grassy slopes. It takes a bit of planning to get there, as you’ll need to take a Fujikyu bus from Kawaguchiko to Motosuko. The bus actually loops between Shin-fuji and Kawaguchiko stations, stopping at Motosuko along the way. Board the bus at Kawaguchiko station and get off at Motosuko bus stop (45 minutes, 900 yen one-way, hourly buses between 9:05 and 11:05am).

From the bus stop, walk down to the shores of the lake and turn left to enter the campground. The trail goes straight through the campground before climbing up steeply to the ridge, where the first glimpses of Fuji come into view. Continue straight to reach an open grassy field marked with a gazebo. This is the start of the steep climb to the summit, which is made more pleasant by the unobstructed views of Fuji directly behind you. On the summit there is a picnic table so sit back and enjoy the views. If short on time, then retrace your steps back to the bus stop. Otherwise turn left on the summit and traverse the ridge for 30 minutes before dropping right down a steep trail through the forest to the shores of the lake. Turn right and walk another hour along the shores back to the bus stop. Allow 4 to 5 hours to complete the loop.