Fumotoppara 

The best campsite for views of Mount Fuji and nature-lovers 

By Abbey Faye Williams / 28 August 2023 

When thinking of Japan, aside from sushi and tori gates, it's hard to not picture the iconic Mount Fuji. A symbol so timeless, it has even been immortalised on the Japanese ¥1000 bank note. 

 

Inevitably, seeing the tallest mountain in Japan is an essential activity on any traveller's Japan bucket list, but this is not always an easy feat. 

 

While most easily viewed in the clarity of the winter months, should you happen to be visiting at any other time of year, you will want to have the best chance of actually seeing Mt. Fuji when is it not hidden behind a thick layer of clouds, as is often the case. 

 

Camping at a site with a fantastic view of this magnificent mountain offers this opportunity, and as well as jaw-dropping nature and top-notch facilities, Fumotoppara Camp Site has one of the most coveted views of all. 

 

 

Why camping?

If you are a seasoned camper, you don't need to be convinced as to why camping is a wonderful option. Camping is a fantastic way of resetting the mind by connecting with nature, and what better place to do it than at the foot of one of the most awe-inspiring mountains in the world. 

 

Camping is a very popular hobby amongst Japanese natives, many of whom will take day trips or use their night off to escape the city and retreat to the wilderness. In general, Japanese people are known to take this hobby seriously and often have all the bells and whistles, plus high end gear for their camping pursuits. 

 

If however you happen to be on more of a budget, camping is one of the most affordable accommodation options in Japan, click here for more tips on how to save money during your travels in Japan. 

 

If you want to save some more cash, head to your nearest Hard Off second hand store to pick up hardly-used camping gear at a fraction of the price. If the quaint abode of a tent is not to your liking, Fumotoppara has a range of lodgings to chose from.

 

 

 

 

 

Fumotoppara Campsite Overview 

Nestled at the foot of Mount Kenashi, Fumotoppara is a grassy camp ground enveloped by green hues of a protected forest atop a sky-scraping mountain range. 

 

Alongside the stunning views of Mt. Fuji in the near distance, this camp ground is truly a feast for the eyes and the soul, where you will be quickly humbled by the impressive scale and superbness of your surroundings. 

 

Fumotoppara enjoys an authentically alpine aesthetic due to the site's historical ties with forestry, and commitment to preserve the natural environment. 

 

The grounds also boast a vast, low-light pollution view of the night sky allowing for spectular star-gazing on clear nights. 

Lodging Options 

Tent, cabin or cottage, Fumotoppara has accommodation for every preference and budget for your overnight stay. Alternatively, drop in for a spot of day camping which can be enjoyed until 17.00pm.

 

  • Cottage Kashiwa - A rustic, oak-framed cottage with window views of Mt. Fuji, complete with full kitchen and open air bath. Perfect for those who want a balance of the natural experience plus all of the home comforts. Sleeps up to 6 people. $170.50 USD per night.
  • Tent - Pitch up wherever takes your fancy on the vast open space and get grounded in nature in your own tent. $6.80 USD per person, per night
  • RV/Trailer/Large car - Enjoy extra protection from the elements in your own vehicle - $27.50 USD per night. Take a look here for more information on vehicle prices.
  • Suizanso Cottage - Japanese-style timber cottage hidden away in the forest with fully-appointed kitchen, bathroom and tatami mat bedrooms for a fully authentic experience. Sleeps up to 10 people. $136.50 USD for 1-5 guests, check the website for prices if your group is larger.
  • Kenashi Sanso - Western style room in a large timber house with shared facilities. Includes outdoor barbecue stoves and bonfire stands. $136.50 USD for 1-5 guests, check the website for prices if your group is larger.
  • Kanayama Cabin - Picturesque tatami mat cabin with private outdoor decking, direct views of Mount Fuji from a large window in the cabin. Sleeps up to 5 guests. $136.50 USD per night.
  • Korokke Cabin - Perfect for those who love quirky glamping, this calming cabin is actually made from corrugated pipe,  is surrounded by trees and has outlets for your electrical items. Sleeps up to 2 guests. $68 USD per night.
  • Maharoba - Forest based self-catered house for large groups of 20 and over. $17 USD per person, per night.

 

 

Facilities 

  • Kanayama Terrace dining hall allows for mesmerising indoor views of Mt.Fuji, offers free green tea and water which can be made hot or cold, alongside a menu of locally-sourced dishes, soft drinks, beer and coffee
  • Cow shed store sells firewood, hand made souvenirs, camping goods, local beers, filter coffee, meats and vegetables
  • Vending Machines selling dried goods such as rice and noodles
  • Japanese electric toilets are situated centrally in a naturalistic timber-made building
  • Taps and wash stations are dotted all over the grounds for your convenience
  • Responsible waste management and recycling

On Site Activities 

Besides stoking your fire and gazing enchantedly at Mount Fuji on the horizon, Fumotoppara is an ideal place to do very little at all. Here you will be poised for some well-earned headspace, while dedicating time to have meaningful conversations with friends or loved ones, should you not be visiting solo. 

 

Fumotoppara is truly a mindful travel destination, offering opportunities for you to unwind in nature, whilst its' ethos is to contribute to forest protection and employment for local people. Click here to read more about mindful travel and how it can help you to have the best possible travel experiences. 

 

  • Hiking - For those ready for an advanced hike, Mount Kenashi boasts unbelievable views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding Asagiri plateau. The trail is dotted with waterfalls, rivers and relics from a time when the mountain was used for mining gold. 
  • Mountain Biking - Traverse the nearby fields or try out the dedicated course in the forest with rental mountain bikes 
  • Education Activities for Children - Children can participate in hands-on, facilitated learning about nature, forestry and mountain preservation. While these are delivered in Japanese, non-native speakers can also participate. 

 

Low-cost and free activities you may wish to enhance your stay include:

 

  • Listening to music (though you are requested to be mindful of noise after 10pm)
  • Drawing/painting
  • Photography
  • Walking
  • Yoga/meditation

 

Nearby Activities 

Part of the beauty of Fumotoppara comes from its solitude from modern civilisation. As a result, having your own vehicle will provide the most ease when visiting one of the numerous nearby attractions. If your looking for some activities during the day, here are some recommendations:

 

  • Shira-Ito Waterfall - Popular, mystical falls set amongst mesmerising nature - 15 minute drive
  • Jinba Falls - Hidden falls with crystal clear water, perfect to cool off in - 9 minute drive
  • Fugaku Fuketsu Ice Cave - Experience the frozen belly of a dead volcano, here you will walk amongst an energising ice lake, naturally preserved by the cool underground temperatures - 19 minute drive
  • Asagiri Kogen Paragliding School -  touch the sky in tandem, what better way to see one of the most iconic views in the world - 7 minute drive
  • Tatego-Hama Beach - Picnic lake with photo-ready views of Mt. Fuji reflected on the lake surface on clear days - 21 minutes drive
  • Fuji-Q Highland - Thrill seekers rejoice, this coaster-heavy amusement park is home to both the world's longest and tallest roller coasters - 37 minute drive

Getting There 

Fumotoppara is most easily accessed by car. Follow the National route 139 Nishi-Fuji road and make a turn at Asagiri Green Park. The address is: 156 Fumoto, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture 418-0109

 

If coming from Tokyo by train, take the Fujikyuko Line to Mount Fuji station. Board the Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus from the terminal outside of the train station, towards Fujinomiya/Shin-Fuji station and get off as Asagiri Green Park. 

 

Click here for more details. From there it's around a 30 minute walk to the site entrance. Be sure to bring plenty of cash and/or your Suica card as credit card is not accepted on the buses. 

Top Tips 

  • Your stay at Fumotoppara can be easily booked on their foreigner-friendly website here, which is a huge pro as many campsites take reservations by phone only
  • Bring plenty of cash as there are no ATMs nearby
  • If warm weather is expected, consider selecting to pitch your tent under one of the trees for shade, just remember to keep any fire at a safe distance
  • Buses to and from the site are infrequent so be sure to check the timetable in advance here
  • Bring insect repellant and layer clothing after sun down 

 

Last Few Words 

While there are numerous camp grounds to be found in the vicinity of Mt. Fuji, few compare in terms of the awe-inspiring scenery and views from Fumotoppara. With its high quality facilities and abundant natural charm, there is good reason why this site is popular among Japanese natives. 

 

Whether treating yourself to a cosy cottage retreat or finding tranquility in the groundedness of camping, you will leave Fumotoppara feeling restored with a new sense of inner peace and contentment. 

Hello, I'm Abbey Faye. I'm a full time backpacker, mental health nurse and mindfulness advocate, currently slow travelling my way across Asia. 

 

This blog is where I combine my passion for mindful travel and wellbeing, bringing you the best tips and guides to give you the most meaningful, memorable travelling experience. 

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