The Mount Fuji Lava Cafe, located in the Fujisan World Heritage Center in Yamanashi Prefecture, released a new Red Mount Fuji Curry on January 12 inspired by the woodblock print Fine Wind, Clear Morning from Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series of landscape prints.

Red Mount Fuji Curry: ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

This red hot lava curry gets its vibrant colour from its picante spices and red chili oil. But it’s not simply a bowl of spiciness – it also has typical Japanese flavours like a dashi made from skipjack tuna and kombu. It’s also mixed with grape juice made from grapes grown in Fuefuki, Yananashi for deeper flavour.

Upon ordering this curry you can pick from three different levels of spiciness. Those who order the highest level, dubbed “Mount Fuji’s Peak,” are offer to take part in an eating challenge. If you’re able to devour the hottest version of this curry within 22 minutes and 30 seconds the price of your bill will be wiped and you will receive a free ice cream.

The Red Mount Fuji Curry serves as a follow up to the cafe’s original Blue Mount Fuji Curry which erupted in popularity on Japanese social media.

These ‘Mount Fuji Pancakes’ are cooked in lava furnaces at Mount Fuji. They’re being sold at The Noborisaka Hotel.

Mount Fuji Pancakes

Price: ¥980 (Tax Included)

Cooking the pancakes in a lava furnace causes the molecules to vibrate due to the far infrared effect. This means it cooks at a high temperature in a short period of time. Because of this, the necessary moisture ceases to evaporate, resulting in a soft, fluffy and deliciously cooked pancake. They’re made with mascarpone which leaves a refreshing taste in your mouth

Strawberry Chocolate Fondue Pancake

Price: ¥1,880 (Tax Included)

Mount Fuji European Style Curry (only 30 served per day)

Price: ¥1,280 (Tax Included)

There’s other dishes cooked in the furnaces too including pizza, steak and fried vegetables. It’s different from cooking in an ordinary furnace. The surface doesn’t burn but the heat, juices and flavour remain inside.

Try this ultimate Mount Fuji meal for yourself.

Fujiyama Onsen is currently undergoing renovation and will reopen on July 14. Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, the site sits at the foot of Mount Fuji.

The facility is being fitted with a new stone sauna where you can have a clear view of Mount Fuji. There’s also a new hammock resting spot as well as hot yoga classes amongst other things. All of these changes transform Fujiyama Onsen from a simple natural hot spring site into a full-day experience.

The fourth and highest floor now has a relaxation area with a picturesque view. There’s also other stone saunas in a quiet area with the lights dimmed for winding down, as well as break rooms called ‘hot rooms.’

Hot rooms are equipped with heated flooring and there’s a reading corner with manga and magazines as well as cushions. Everyone is free to move between the sauna area and hot rooms.

*A separate fee of ¥600 is charged for use of the stone sauna area and hot room space.

The third floor resting area has rooms with tatami flooring and a wide view of Mount Fuji as well as hammocks and a kid’s room. There are 6 hammocks – three chair types and three for laying down.

The menu of the site’s restaurant, Fujiyama Dining, has also been updated. You can look forward to specially made Yamanashi Prefecture chicken and lots of locally source ingredients as well as beer.

Hot Yoga classes begin from July 21. By exercising at high temperatures, you’ll be able to stretch your muscles much easier as well as get rid of any waste in your body. It’s also good for dieting and your skin.

Gaze at Mount Fuji while having a relaxing time at Fujiyama Onsen.

Fujikyu Unjokaku is a rest house located at Mt Fuji’s 5^th station up Fuji Subaru Line Road, which goes to the highest point of the mountain that’s accessible by transport. The start of this summer’s mountain climbing season begins on July 1, and in conjunction with this, new measures are coming into place.

The number of climbers to Mt. Fuji increases year by year. A survey that was conducted showed that there are around 50 nationalities of people who climb the mountain, and that 1 in 3 people taking the Yoshida Trail are foreigners.

Despite bringing in so many foreign tourists and visitors, many people are unsure of how to book reservations to stay in the mountain lodges and have highlighted how they cannot use their credit or debit cards up there, amongst other things. To tackle these issues, Fujikyu Unjokaku is introducing several services catered toward foreigners climbing Mt. Fuji.

・Foreign Currency Exchange Center – 158 Currencies

Starting from July 1, a manned exchange center will be introduced onto the first floor of Fujikyu Unjokaku which will handle 158 different currencies. If you suddenly realise you need Japanese yen while you’re climbing, then you can have your money exchanged, meaning you no longer need to worry about not having cash on you for shops that don’t take card or if you want to shop up the mountain. They offer superior rates, and you don’t need to present your passport or fill out any documents either making it a very useful and convenient service.

Running: July 1, 2018 – September 10, 2018 (No holidays during mountain climbing season)

Time: 7:00am-10:00pm

・Mobile Payment Service ‘WeChat Pay’ Introduced

WeChat Pay is a mobile payment service that will enable you to book accommodation with Fujikyu Unjokaku and can be used in restaurants and shops.

・Online Accommodation Bookings Now Available

Fujikyu Unjokaku’s capsule hotel service Mt. Fuji Lodge is introducing an online booking system. It’s a popular capsule-style hotel that guarantees privacy with semi-double size individual rooms, a women’s-only space, and more. Bookings will take place on the Fujikyu Unjokaku website and can be made in Japanese or English – with credit and debit cards too. Bookings are also possible via Japanese travel agents as well as non-Japanese online travel agents such as Expedia and Agoda. This will allow easier hotel booking for foreign travelers climbing Mt. Fuji.

Booking Timetable

Running: July 1, 2018 – September 10, 2018

Booking Page (English): https://goo.gl/PwW2dA

Booking Page (Japanese):https://goo.gl/QzYnFx

・Cyclist Services Improved

There has been a recent demand for more cycling accessibility around the Fuji Five Lakes area. The Mt. Fuji 5^th station wants to be recognised as the holy ground for cyclists and so is introducing services aimed at cyclists including free bicycle tool rentals, merchandise related to bicycles and original bicycle safety omamori charms, bicycle stands, a photo spot, a photo panel exhibition of winners of the Mt. Fuji Hill Climb, and more.

Plenty of other services have been revamped for climbers and travelers too, including the restaurant, more souvenirs, increased guarantee of rental spaces for mountain climbing tools and more.

Why not take the challenge of climbing Mt. Fuji this summer?

The new bicycle activity shop BonVelo will open on June 1, offering a range of exciting activities including ‘Mount Fuji Downhill‘ and ‘Mount Fuji Hill Climb.’

Mount Fuji Downhill has mountain bikes delivered all the way up to Mount Fuji’s 5th station so you can ride down without stopping. This new activity is aimed at people who’ve made the effort to go to Mount Fuji and want to have some fun. Daisuke Imanaka, the first Japanese person to compete in Tour de France, was appointed as the project adviser of this activity, which is sparking much attention.

The shop’s name bon velo is French and means ‘good bicycle.’ Each activity they have on offer makes use of high grade mountain bikes and electronic sports bikes that can ride for you.

For example, if you take on the Mount Fuji Downhill Subaru Line course, a mountain bike will be delivered to the 5th Station at the entrance of the Yoshida Trail on Mount Fuji. From there, you will cycle down to the bottom, offering a truly special experience that you can’t easily get anywhere else.

In some other courses, like the Hill Climb course, you’ll get to use an e-bike. Since they are equipped with a motor, you won’t have to exert yourself, meaning even bike beginners or novices can enjoy themselves. You can even enjoy your ride as a couple or with friends.

Another great aspect is that there are plenty of activities for people of all levels, as well as people of all ages.

Experience the thrill of cycling down Mount Fuji yourself!

The Lava Cafe, located in the north block of the Fujisan World Heritage Center in Yamanashi Prefecture, has introduced the new Mt. Fuji Curry to its menu.

The blue coloured curry dish is made to look just like Mount Fuji while the pickles represent the surrounding forest at the base of the mountain Aokigahara, also known as the ‘Sea of Trees.’ This Instagrammable meal is aimed at both Japanese and foreign tourists.

There have been many curry dishes on the market with rice formed in the shape of Mount Fuji, but this dish not only maintains the shape, but the colouring too. It took them over half a year to perfect the dish.

The cafe will also begin serving a ‘mega size’ version of the blue curry from June 22 to bring it closer to the size of Mount Fuji. They also plan to release a spicy red version in autumn to bring to life the scene when Mount Fuji appears red when the sun’s rays shine over it. Make sure you don’t miss out on this one either.

Head to the Lava Cafe to try eating this stunning curry that you can’t get anywhere else!

For this article, we’ve compiled a Top 5 list of great places to visit in Japan within just one hour of Tokyo. The commute is short, so they’re perfect locations for day trips if you’re staying in Tokyo. We’ve also included the easiest routes to get to them.

Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture)
Nikko is a popular site for tourism, home to the famous Toshugu Shrine which is a registered World Heritage Site. It has great access with Asakusa, making it a perfect location for shrine visits.

Recommended Spots: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/tag/nikko

Mount Fuji (Shizuoka Prefecture / Yamanashi Prefecture)
Mount Fuji was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2013. Its graceful, sempiternal beauty has made it an unmistakable symbol of Japan throughout the world.

Be careful when traveling there, as the closest station to the mountain isn’t Fujisan Station (‘Mount Fuji Station’), but Kawaguchiko Station. There is also a direct bus there to and from Shinjuku.

Recommended Spots: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/87612

Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Kamakura is famous for its old-fashioned streetscape and shrines. It’s also close to other popular tourist spots such as Enoshima, a small island off the coast, so you can have a lot of fun there with plenty of things to do no matter how many times you visit. If you’re a travel lover, then we also recommend boarding the hugely popular Enoshima Electric Railway.

Recommended Spots: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/tag/kamakura

Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Hakone—Japan’s leading onsen, or ‘hot spring’ spot. Hakone Shrine is known for the red torii archways which sit on the bank of Lake Ashi. The town is also known for being home to countless nearby ryokan with hot springs, so you can enjoy hopping from one to the other. And to get there, you can take the direct Romancecar train from Shinjuku which goes straight to Hakone Station.

Recommended Spots: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/tag/hakone

Chichibu (Saitama Prefecture)
Chichibu is appealing for its rich natural environment. Those who love the outdoors will be enticed by this city. As will anime-lovers, since this is the place where Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is set. They even sell maps of where all the places in the series are located, as well as souvenirs of the characters.

Did you like this list?

You might enjoy stretching your legs and branching out to see what else Japan has to offer during your time in Tokyo.

Japanese glamping resort Hoshinoya Fuji is holding its Glamourous Fuji Tozan mountain climbing program to climb Mount Fuji again later this year from August 30th to September 9th. The program is run by Hoshinoya Fuji but will be held with the help of professional mountain climbers of Mount Fuji who will safely guide people to the top while educating them on the cultural background of the mountain. The program is also introducing foot treatment this year. Those who attend will be supported all the way through the program before, during and after the climb.

For many people, Mount Fuji is a place they want to climb at least once in their lives. In 2017 (July 1st―September 10th season), 285,000 people climbed the mountain, which is a 85,000 increase since record keeping began in 2005.* However, due to lack of preparation and previsions, as well as other factors such as the climb being a day trip, many people have injured themselves or given up the climb partway through. That’s where Hoshinoya Fuji comes in. They will take people to the 5th station by car 800m up Mount Fuji, allowing for a safe and easy climb to the apex.

*Source: Ministry of the Environment, Kanto Region

Another important piece of background information to Mount Fuji is its status as a heritage site. You can go to see the Asama shrines surrounding the mountain, as well as the torii gates and shrines up the mountain trail, but to enjoy learning about those pieces of culture, you need real mental and physical strength. The program by Hoshinoya Fuji takes this into consideration and will support you for the entire trip.

You will be led by expert guides and offered guidance before the trip, support with equipment, a safe trip during the day, a sleep and meal at a gorgeous mountain hut and more, meaning even first-timers can enjoy a nice, stress-free climb.

If you’ve never climbed Mount Fuji before then how about using this as an opportunity?

Mt. Fuji is known as Japan’s tallest mountain, towering over at 3,776m. In 2013, it was designated a Culture Site and added to the list of World Heritage list. The mountain extends over Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture, and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the mountaintop from Tokyo at high ground. Here are five spots we recommend visiting if you want to see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo and get some great photos.

The Top of Mount Takao

acchonnさん(@acchonnbrike_1978)がシェアした投稿 – 1月 16, 2017 at 8:59午後 PST

Located in the city of Hachioji in Tokyo, Mount Takao is a very popular tourist site. It stands at a humble 599m, and if you’re up for taking to the apex, you can get a clear view of Mount Fuji. Mount Takao is easily accessible from the city, and although the journey to the trip is challenging, it’s very much worth it if you to see the beautiful Mount Fuji.

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

Kei Hibioさん(@hibiok)がシェアした投稿 – 11月 3, 2016 at 2:08午前 PDT

Tokyo Tower is a landmark tower of Tokyo. The observation deck gives you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, poking its head up ever so slightly. You can’t see it on a cloudy day, so be sure to head to Tokyo Tower on a clear and sunny day for the real experience. It’s the perfect photo spot as you can get a snap of Tokyo city with Mount Fuji in the background.

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

minminさん(@msm.aries0405)がシェアした投稿 – 1月 7, 2018 at 12:44午前 PST

Skytree is a staggering 634m high. It’s the tallest tower in the world and the second tallest structure. With no obstruction from other buildings, you are given an unbroken view of Mount Fuji. The best time to visit is early morning on a clear day. When taking a photo, be sure to have a long-distance lens for an even more beautiful picture.

Haneda Airport International Terminal

羽田空港国際線旅客ターミナルさん(@haneda.airport_international)がシェアした投稿 – 12月 31, 2017 at 7:37午前 PST

There’s an observation deck on the 5^th floor of Haneda Airport International Terminal where you can see Mount Fuji. There’s also a Mount Fuji observation deck called “Fuji Midai” (富士見台) prepared specifically for seeing the mountain. You can get a picture with Tokyo Monorail and the buildings of Shinagawa with Fuji as the backdrop.

Roppongi Hills

Waruo Jiatamaさん(@waruo)がシェアした投稿 – 12月 28, 2017 at 6:15午前 PST

Roppongi Hills is an office building standing at 238m tall. It’s home to a movie theatre, art and cultural facilities, various brand stores and more. The spectacular Mount Fuji can be seen from the rooftop sky deck of Roppongi Hills. If you’re shopping there or on your way back from lunch, then why not head on up to the roof for a look?

Did you like our list? You can enjoy a view of Mount Fuji at different perspectives around Tokyo, each with their own distinct beauty.

If you’re tied to Tokyo on your trip and can’t travel to Mount Fuji, then be sure to use this list so you don’t miss out.

What Kind of Place Is Mount Fuji?

Mt. Fuji is known as the highest mountain in Japan (standing at 3776 meters), and its beautiful shape and symmetry have made it the internationally recognized symbol of Japan.

The foothills of this mountain span across both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, while the summit of Mt. Fuji can be seen from tall buildings and mountains in Tokyo and from the windows of the shinkansen on clear days. Mt. Fuji was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2013 and has since become an even greater tourist attraction than it once was.

The majority of those who visit this mountain come during the months of July to September when it is climbing season.

To learn more about Mt. Fuji itself, please check out the following article: Mount Fuji Climbing Guide: Access, Trails, Hiking Tips and More.

Available for a limited period from Saturday 26^th March to Sunday 17^th April, ride the Fujikyuko line to enjoy the tremendous view of Mt. Fuji and Japanese cherry blossom in full bloom. The Fujikyuko line sakura campaign offers a satisfying and breath-taking scenic view, which is enough to satisfy anyone!

This campaign will run for 1 month from the start date. The first train will leave from Otsuki station and end its journey at Kawaguchiko Station on a railroad 500m high! At this magnificent height, passengers can enjoy the view of sakura dotted around the track, which will continuously bloom for the entire month, and notice how the scenery changes.

Furthermore, the sakura will be illuminated during the evening every day at Tanokura station, Higashi-Katsura station and Kotobuki station. Additionally, available on only Friday 9^th and Friday 15^th April, passengers can appreciate authentic beer produced around the local area of Mt. Fuji as part of an all-you-can-drink event, which will be made available on the ‘Nonden’ (飲んでん) train. This is a magnificent combination to compliment the relaxing evening sakura view from the window of the train ride!

Upon arrival at the stations illuminated with evening sakura, passengers will be given the opportunity to leave the train to take photographs of these beautiful seasonal blossoms glowing in the light along the platform. The train will stop long enough for you to soak in the glow and magnificence of the beautiful cherry blossoms and to fill your camera!

Do not overlook this fantastic opportunity to enjoy Mount Fuji and Sakura!

As the name suggests, the Fujisan View Express is an opportunity for you to relax in the comfort of this well-kept express train and admire the magnificent towering figure of Mount Fuji, which carries world cultural and natural heritage. The Fujisan View Express and the ‘Fuji Tozan Densha’, which are both owned by the same train line company, were designed by Eiji Mitooka (水戸岡 鋭治 ), a man of wide knowledge and achievement in the field of industrial design.

It is possibleto make two round trips on the Fujikyuko Line from Ōtsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station on a weekday, and three round trips on Saturdays and holidays! During the Saturday and weekends two round trips, Mount Fuji themed sweets are available to enjoy with the ‘Sweets plan’ (スイーツプラン). Reservations for the special carriage (carriage no.1) will be open from Wednesday 23^rd March.

Come absorb this breath-taking experience and gaze at Mount Fuji to your heart’s content — don’t miss this opportunity!

Check out the link below for further information: