My first time in Fujiyoshida

The first thing that will surprise you when you arrive in Fujiyoshida is how huge Mount Fuji is! You can see the magnificent Mount Fuji from all over the city, and you'll be amazed by its presence, seeing it from "here and there!"

Among them, Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can see Mount Fuji beyond the five-story pagoda, is a very popular viewpoint. In spring, about 650 cherry trees bloom, creating a magnificent spectacle in conjunction with Mount Fuji. The view of Mount Fuji from the "Kin Torii" in the city center is also perfect for photos, and there is a constant stream of tourists with cameras.

When it comes to Mount Fuji, climbing is an activity that simply cannot be overlooked. The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, the starting point of the most popular Yoshida Route for climbing Mount Fuji and accessible by car, is bustling not only with climbers but also with many tourists from all over the world. There are also plenty of gourmet foods and souvenirs that can only be found at the 5th Station!

Why not experience climbing Mount Fuji, instead of just admiring it, at least once in your life?

Mount Fuji has been revered as an object of faith by many people since ancient times. In Fujiyoshida City, there are still historical sites and shrines that offer a glimpse into the history of "Mount Fuji worship" and "Fuji-ko" (Fuji pilgrimage groups).

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is a sacred place where worship and rituals have been performed for over 1900 years, with Mount Fuji being the object of deity. The path leading to the shrine grounds is imbued with a unique atmosphere that invigorates the mind and body, and simply being there makes you feel purified. Every July, the "Opening Ceremony" is held to pray for the safety of climbers, and in August, the "Yoshida Fire Festival" marks the end of the climbing season. The fire festival, in particular, is a sight to behold with its brightly burning torches and impressive floats. Even today, prayers are offered for climbers who gather from all over the world.

The "Oshi," a group of guides who developed around the Edo period, is a unique cultural aspect of Fujiyoshida. These guides provided lodging and hospitality to followers of the Fuji-ko pilgrimage who gathered from all over Japan, and some of the Oshi residences from that era still remain in the city, offering a glimpse into their lives.

The spirit of hospitality towards visitors is still carried on today, and travelers are warmly welcomed.

"Hataori" refers to weaving, textiles, and fabric products. Fujiyoshida is a town that has been producing high-quality fabric products since ancient times. It may not be mainstream yet, but it is a hidden gem and a source of stylish fashion!

Its history dates back to the Heian period, when it was so famous as a production center that people even paid taxes in the form of cloth. During the Edo period, the beautifully colored and patterned "Kai silk" was highly valued as a lining for kimonos and became extremely popular! After that, following the post-war boom and slump, which is considered the golden age of weaving, a new era is now dawning.

For the past few years, young artisans and designers have taken the lead in starting various initiatives, combining traditional, advanced techniques with new ideas. These include launching original brands, developing new products in collaboration with famous designers and students, and holding events to reach a wide audience of fashion enthusiasts. The "Hataori Machi Festival," held every October, brings together fabric products from all over Japan. With hands-on workshops and live performances, the event attracts fashion lovers who appreciate high quality to Fujiyoshida.

Every third Saturday of the month, various textile factories in Fujiyoshida open their own shops. This offers a valuable opportunity to talk directly with artisans, tour the factories, and more. Click here for details.

With its incredibly firm and chewy noodles, a soup blended with miso and soy sauce, and topped with boiled cabbage and horse meat, Yoshida udon has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. Its roots lie in the meals of weaving merchants during the economic boom. At that time, men made udon for lunch in place of the women who had to operate the weaving machines all day long. It is said that the udon was kneaded with all their might to make it more filling, resulting in its firm and chewy texture.

Even today, there are over 50 Yoshida udon restaurants in the city, and you can enjoy the unique characteristics of each restaurant, such as the soup, noodles, toppings, and the "suridane" (a type of udon noodle dish) which allows you to enjoy variations in flavor.

Fujiyoshida is full of spots where you can enjoy nature and have active fun.

Fuji-Q Highland, popular for its thrilling rides and unique haunted houses, boasts numerous "world-class" attractions that hold many Guinness World Records. Theme parks such as "Thomas Land" and "Lisa and Gaspard Town" attract a wide range of generations, from young children to adults. Since 2018, admission has been free, making it even more accessible.

Other recommended spots include Fuji Walking Park and Fujimi Takanori Park, where you can be soothed by seasonal flowers; Fujisan Ranch, where you can interact with animals; and PICA Fujiyoshida and Shakushiyama Gateway Camp, where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as barbecues and camping. You're guaranteed an incredibly exciting experience.