Looking for alternatives to Mount Fuji? Then you’re in the right place.
It’s a common misconception that the mountain to climb in Japan is Mt. Fuji. While it is both the most striking and tallest mountain in the Japanese archipelago, we would argue it’s infinitely better to climb a nearby mountain to marvel at the snow-capped beauty from afar, rather than to climb Fuji itself. Luckily, there are several nearby peaks that provide a spectacular vista with Mt. Fuji center stage.
Mt. Fuji: Don’t do it for the views
Every summer in Japan (July to September), the promise of climbing Mt. Fuji to see the sunrise attracts bus load after bus load of visitors. The recommended format is to hike up during the day, sleep in a cramped hut for around ¥15,000 per person, and then do the final leg in the early hours — just in time to catch the iconic first rays of the sun rising over the eastern edge of Japan.
Of course, if the weather conditions are less than ideal, you may simply be stuck inside a cloud with no view at all — and hiking up a busy trail comprised of volcanic scree in darkness is not quite the idyllic experience that the postcard-perfect snow-capped images of Mt. Fuji suggest.
Fortunately, Fuji is not the only mountain in Japan for which the sun rises! Here, we offer you a couple of rewarding alternative hikes in the same general region as Mt. Fuji — within easy reach of Tokyo.
Mt. Mitsutōge
Mitsutoge is perhaps the best mountain to catch a good view of Mt. Fuji, and on a clear day has a spectacular 360-degree vista spanning from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji and over to Japan’s Southern Alps. It’s easily doable as a day trip most of the year, and with the summit being 1786m it’s not too strenuous a climb.
There are multiple routes to choose from — here’s a map (in Japanese) detailing them all. The easiest option would be option A (see below), taking the same route up and down. Whichever route you decide on, allow at least 4.5 hours for the hike.
You’ll find a few possible eateries (including the highly recommended Tenkachaya) along the way, but do bring some provisions with you in case they’re closed. There should at least be a vending machine or two on the way for liquid sustenance, but better be safe than sorry. The peak at just over 1700m will be a little cooler than at ground level, so bring an extra layer or two.
Pro tip: During winter, the path may be tricky due to snow and ice, so it is not recommended for inexperienced climbers.
Altitude: 1786m (5860ft)
Difficulty: Easy – medium
Season: Spring – autumn, and winter for more experienced climbers
Time required: Day trip from Tokyo
How to get to Mount Mitsutōge
Traveling from Tokyo, there’s a regular JR limited express train (the Azusa/Kaiji) running from Shinjuku towards Kawaguchiko, which requires a transfer to the Fujikyu Railway at Otsuki.
Otherwise, you can take the JR Chuo Rapid Service to Takao, change to the regular Chuo Line and take it to Otsuki, then hop onto the Fujikyu Railway. This route is a little cheaper, but adds 30 to 40 minutes to your travel time.
To get to the mountain itself, you can either:
A. Start From Mitsutōge Station
Get off at Mitsutōge Station, head north to the Mitsutōge Green Center and follow the trail sign posted to Mitsutōge (三つ峠) up to the summit from there.
B. Take the bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Mitsutogetosanguchi
If you like, you can stay on the train from Shinjuku until you reach the Kawaguchiko terminus, then take the Fuji Kyuko “hiking” bus (which only runs between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.) to the other side of the mountain and get off at the Mitsutogetozanguchi Stop.
From there, follow the signs to Mitsutōge (三つ峠), or stay on the bus to the final stop Tenkachaya (天下茶屋) and get some of their very popular hōtō (ほうとう) noodles before hiking up.
Note: If you go for Route B, and book in advance, you can take the snazzy, direct Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku Station.
How much does it cost to get to Mt. Mitsutōge?
Route A:
- JR Limited Express Azusa + Fukijyu Railway: ¥3,090 one way, about 2 hours
- JR Chuo Line Special Rapid Service + Fujikyu Railway: ¥2,070 one way, 2 hours 20 minutes
Route B:
- JR Limited Express Azusa + Fukijyu Railway: ¥3,530 one way, about 2 hours 30 minutes
- Limited Express Fuji Excursion (direct train): ¥4,130 one way, about 2 hours
- Bus: ¥840, 25 minutes
Mt. Akadake
Akadake (赤岳) — literally “red peak” — is one of the Yatsugatake (八ヶ岳) range of peaks, and at just under 3000m it makes for a spectacular view at sunrise. You hike up, stay in one of the mountain huts (山小屋) and then summit to catch the first rays of sun and a spectacular view stretching over Kanto, Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Southern Alps.
If you start very early, you could do the hike in a day — it’s about 18km (11mi) and 1700m (5577ft) elevation.
Note that if you don’t have your own transport, like a rental car, you’ll need to check the timetables of public transport carefully, as the mountain trail is a long bus journey from the station.
Do check weather conditions before departing and be sure to bring warm clothing, waterproofs, plus plenty of food and water.
Altitude: 2899m (9511ft)
Difficulty: Medium – hard
Season: Summer, other seasons for experienced climbers with appropriate ice gear etc.
Time required: A good two-day trip from Tokyo
How to get to Mt. Akadake
Take the JR Limited Express Azusa/Kaiji from Shinjuku to Chino (茅野駅) (heading to Matsumoto 松本), which takes about 2 hours. Then you take the bus to Minotoguchi (美濃戸口). The bus timetable can be found on this page.
Once you arrive at the final bus stop, hike through the forest on the trail for about an hour until you reach Minoto-sansō (美濃戸山荘).
Then take the right trail to Gyōja Goya or “Gyōja Hut” (行者小屋), which — depending on your speed — will take another hour or two. If you’re staying the night then check in, otherwise follow the trail marked to 赤岳 from behind the hut.
It’s fairly steep climb from there and a scramble up some rocks until you get to the top of the ridge. Take a right along the ridge, enjoying the spectacular views on either side.
You’ll ascend past a couple more mountain huts (which you could stay the night at instead of Gyōja Goya, if you reserve) and finally arrive at the Akadake summit.
To return, either loop back the way you came, or continue over the summit and take the right path to Amidadake (阿弥陀岳). The trail continues to Nakadake (中岳), and then drops again to another junction, where you can either hike up to Amidadake or continue down to the right back to Gyōja Goya.
Note: There are a few alternative accommodation options on the mountain, in particular Akadakekosen (which has its own hot spring), an easy 40-minute hike from Gyōja Goya.
Staying at Gyōja Goya
You can stay a reasonably comfortable night with dinner and breakfast meals at Gyōja Goya for ¥10,000. You can book on their website.
Note, on the reservation form there’s Akadakekosen (赤岳鉱泉) or Gyōja Goya (行者小屋), so be sure to check the right one! They say to call if you’re booking with less than one week’s notice.
How much does it cost to get to Mt. Akadake?
- Limited Express Azusa/Kaiji train: ¥5,650 one way (don’t bother with local trains, as they take too long and time can be tight on this hike)
- Bus: ¥1,000 one way
Video guide: Alternatives to Mt. Fuji
Other Tokyo area hikes
We’ve covered a few other easy hikes and day trips in the Tokyo area on Tokyo Cheapo. While nowhere near as epic as Fuji-san or the two above, they are all pleasant days out. You might want to start with these two:
Mt. Mitake
Altitude: 929m (3048ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Season: All year
Time: Day trip from Tokyo
Further info: Read the Mitake hiking guide on Tokyo Cheapo
Koburi Pass
Altitude: 500m (1640ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Season: All year
Time: Day trip from Tokyo
Further info: Read the Koburi Pass hiking guide on Tokyo Cheapo
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to see Mt. Fuji without hiking it?
Our favorite way to see Mt. Fuji without climbing it is to climb a nearby mountain. After that, Mt. Fuji bus tours are another good way to enjoy those views without having to lace up your hiking boots.
Can you see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo?
Yes, on a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo. We recommend checking out our guide to observation decks in Tokyo for tips on the best spots.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in November 2016. Last updated: May 2024. Always plan your routes carefully and ensure you are well prepared for your hike!
