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FAQ-Climbing Mt. Fuji
Q: What is Fujiyoshida, Kawaguchiko, and the Fuji 5 Lakes Area (Fujigoko)?
A: Fujiyoshida and (Fuji) Kawaguchiko are two neighboring cities in the Fuji 5 Lakes area of Yamanashi-prefecture, Japan. The population of Fujiyoshida is 52,000 people, and Kawaguchiko is 25,000 people. Located on the Northern side of Mt. Fuji, both cities were historically resting and staging points for pilgrims traveling to view and climb Mt. Fuji from the Kanto (Tokyo and Kanagawa) area. Fujiyoshida continued to develop its community based on traditional pilgrim inns (Oshi no Ie), many of which still remain open for business today, whereas Kawaguchiko City developed from tourism of beautiful lake Kawaguchiko. At an altitude of 750-900 meters above sea level, both cities are excellent places to experience Mt. Fuji and the 5 lakes area.
Before becoming Fujiyoshida in 1951 Fujiyoshida was commonly called “Yoshida” (吉田) meaning “lucky field.” Fujiyoshida boasts Fuji-Hongu-Sengen shrine, which houses the yearly Yoshida Fire Festival, one of Japan’s “3 unique” festivals. Sengen shrine is also the traditional starting point of the “Yoshida Guchi” Mt. Fuji climbing trail. Fujiyoshida is well known for its many unique and gourmet restaurants including the local specialty handmade udon noodles “Yoshida udon.” Surprisingly different from typical udon, Yoshida no udon is thick and chewy with a hearty flavor. Fujiyoshida has over 60 family operated, independent "Yoshida No Udon" federation shops.
A short drive from Fujiyoshida, one may easily visit the Fuji 5 lakes; Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko. From each lake, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Fuji, fishing, boating, wind-surfing, and camping. Another main attraction of Fujiyoshida is Fujikyu Highland theme park and hotel resort, which is located just off the Chuo Expressway Fujiyoshida exit. Last but not least is the towering Mt. Fuji, 3776 meters tall, which supplies the 5 Lakes Area with clean delicious water, fertile soil, and beautiful nature. Official climbing season is from July 1st through August 28th every year, and hundreds of thousands of people come to climb every year and enjoy the sunrise from the summit “goraiko” (御来光).
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