Independent, Mount Fuji hotels

Mount Fuji is Japan’s most revered natural treasure. Standing about 100kms from the heart of the Japanese capital, Mount Fuji is the captain of the country’s three holy mountains. The site has been granted many different accolades, including status as a World Heritage site in 2012. It has become one of the world’s most photographed landforms, with its almost-perfect volcanic shape and gorgeous snow-capped caldera.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts flock to this beautiful corner of Japan to conquer Fuji’s peak. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted as much of the terrain along with the local weather conditions create a rather challenging climb to the top. The climbing season only lasts for two months: July and August. Tours do not operate outside these months, but independent climbers can still brave the cold and dangers to try and reach the top.

Surrounding the mountain is the Hakone-Fuji-Izu National Park. This sprawling, untouched pocket of Mother Nature is home to some beautiful hot springs which attract thousands of tourists annually. Plenty of breath-taking hiking paths wind through the park too, providing views of the iconic mountain and the Fuji Five Lakes.

Address and contact: Mount Fuji, Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112, Japan

Opening times and fees: official climbing season open in July and August only

Most of the hotels near Mount Fuji are located in the pristine town of Fujikawaguchiko, which is situated upon the shores of beautiful Lake Kawaguchi. Many of these properties are high-end accommodation options, with gorgeous views of Mount Fuji and the shimmering lakes that hug the mountain’s base. Making advance reservations is highly recommended as this area is a popular spot for tourists year-round.

Some of the high-end hotels near Mount Fuji boast entertaining, convenient and relaxing facilities for guests. Restaurants area common onsite feature, and offer up-market fare for diners. Spa services, fitness centres, tennis courts, swimming pools and even access to golf courses are on offer throughout Mount Fuji’s hotel options. Rooms are usually individually decorated. Some offer both Japanese and Western style rooms, with modern amenities like cable television, private bathrooms, contemporary bedding, Wi-fi, 24-hour room service and high-definition flat-screen televisions.