Gotemba, Japan, a small yet stunning city set just next to the iconic Mt.Fuji, is a real treat when traveling through Southeastern Japan. Cherry blossoms blooming in the springtime, unrivaled natural landscapes, a strong foodie culture, and premium outlet shopping are just a few reasons to put Gotemba on your list. Easily accessible by train from Tokyo, Gotemba is a great place to escape the summer heat or the usual bustle of larger cities. Home to multiple natural wonders including lava caves, this is an excellent choice for families or nature lovers of all ages. You can also have a relaxing stay and enjoy the slow life at the Blueberry Lodge - Gotemba Kogen’s Tokinosumika. Whatever the agenda of your visit, wonder no more about what to do in Gotemba and be sure to add in some fun. Scroll down to discover the top things to do in Gotemba, Japan.
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1. Stroll in the Fujiheiwa Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Fujiheiwa Park is a serene park is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape. One of the park’s highlights is the beautiful Japanese garden, which is meticulously maintained and features a variety of plants, flowers, and trees. The park is an excellent spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
The best time to visit is during spring, where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Overall, Fujiheiwa Park is a beautiful destination that offers a natural beauty and serenity.
Fujiheiwa Park
Address: 3422 Higashitanaka, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0026, Japan
Website: Fujiheiwa Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
2. Play a game of golf at Fuji Country Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by on Monday, September 12, 2022
Fuji Country Club is a spectacular golfing destination located at the foot of Mount Fuji. The club boasts two championship courses that are both challenging and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The East Course is known for its hilly terrain and water hazards, while the West Course is more forgiving with wider fairways. Both courses offer stunning views of the iconic Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
The club also features a driving range, practice greens, and a luxurious clubhouse with fine dining options.
Fuji Country Club
Address: 2472 Higashiyama, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0024, Japan
Website: Fuji Country Club
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
3. Indulge in some retail therapy at Gotemba Premium Outlets
Gotemba is a mecca for those who love to shop with the Gotemba Premium Outlet’s some 200 brand-name stores from Japan and abroad. With names like Barbour, Givenchy, Issey Miyake, and Jimmy Choo, there is a store for every indulgence. Enjoy a variety of cuisines while you shop from traditional Japanese to steaks or crepes. Gotemba Premium Outlets are a must when visiting Gotemba, and offer beautiful purchases at reasonable prices.
Gotemba Premium Outlets
Address: 1312, Fukasawa, Gotemba-Shi, Shizuoka, Japan 412-0023
Website: Gotemba Premium Outlets
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily from March - November); 10am - 7pm (daily from December to February)
Traveler's tips
What is the best souvenir from Japan? For me, it is the Yukata. They are Japanese traditional clothing usually made from a cotton blend material for added comfort. The Yukata is much cooler to wear in our tropical weather. And the boy's Yukata is usually a drape-over top designed with straight seams and wide sleeves.
I picked up mine from a second-hand clothing shop in Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka. The market is famed for its glorious food and souvenir shops. Honestly, I feel the best buys come from the little hole-in-the-wall shops with no names.
My Yukata has beautiful goldfish designs with orange-swirl patterns. I bought the Obi belt separately. It is so versatile that I have worn my Yukata for Bon Odori celebrations and any events that welcome ethnic attire.
Visited this place?
4. Sip beer at Gotemba Kogen Resort's brewery
The beer at Kogen truly is unique to the area, using fresh hops and spring water from nearby Mt. Fuji. You can sip and dine happily on a range of cuisines as Kogen Resort has multiple restaurants, serving both beer-fare such as German style sausages, or traditional Japanese food at Chame. Head to Mugibatake, one of Kogen’s restaurants, to experience all five of Kogen’s beers, which are fresh on tap. While at Kogen Resort, don’t miss the shops and cafes, as well as the on-site hot springs.
Gotemba Kogen Resort
Address: 719, Koyama Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka-ken 412-0033, Japan
Website: Gotemba Kogen Resort
5. Try the sakura mochi at Toraya Kobo
Your itinerary in Japan is not complete until you have planned a trip to Toraya Kobo. It is a traditional confectionery preserving the artisanal art of wagashi. Seasonal wagashi such as mochi, matcha kinton, and Karukan manju are some of the specialties that grace Toraya Kobo’s menu at different times of the year. Set in a beautiful forest, visiting Toraya Kobo is a must any time of the year. Kobo literally means “workshop” and it is this ever-changing, ever-learning mentality of Toraya Kobo that produces some of the most delicious sweets in all of Japan.
Toraya Kobo
Address: 1022-1 Higashiyama, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0024, Japan
Website: Toraya Kobo
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
6. Rejuvenate at EXPASA Ashigara Service Area
EXPASA Ashigara Service Area offers the opportunity to bathe in warm waters and unwind. Yes, EXPASA is a roadside rest area, but visiting these carbonated springs that overlook Mt. Fuji are truly worth the trip in and of themselves. One can stay overnight at EXPASA Ashigara; part of Japan’s system which offers roadside rest stops for travelers that are more than just a place for a bathroom break. Refresh and rejuvenate while on the road at EXPASA’s bath and sauna, a treat for the weary wanderer.
EXPASA Ashigara Service Area
Address: 792 Fukasawa, Gotemba 412-0023, Shizuoka Prefecture
7. Take a whiskey-tasting tour at Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery
Gotemba was selected by the Kirin group because its climate is similar to Scotland, hence, a wonderful choice for brewing whiskey. Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery is a beautiful spot to spend some time learning about Japan’s 50-percent alcohol whiskey, which is known for its smooth taste. Tours are led daily, lasting about 70 minutes, and are free. The option for a tour in English is available. A trip to Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery is a wonderful way to start a growing interest in Japanese whiskies.
Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery
Address: 970 Shibanta, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0003, Japan
Website: Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
8. Explore lava tunnels at Komakado Kazaana Cave
Komakado Kazaana Cave is an off-the-beaten-path natural wonder to be seen. The cave is quite large, although slippery, so be mindful when choosing shoes for the adventure. Bats linger in the cave, adding to the mystery and energy of this unique location. Though there is an entrance fee, it is quite small, and is used to maintain and the cave by the preservation society. If you’re a fan of geological wonders, make sure to add Komakado Kazaana Cave to your list of Gotemba activities.
Komakado Kazaana Cave
Address: Komakado, Gotemba 412-0038, Shizuoka Prefecture
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
9. Admire the lava trees at Seikoen Lava Garden
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Beautiful Seikoen Lava Garden is a gorgeous botanical destination, with gardens that change season to season. However within the park, there is also the underground cave system, whose tunnels looks similar to the branches of trees, hence the term “lava trees.” Formed by the past eruption of Mt. Fuji, the caves have no provided lighting, and visitors must bring their own flashlights. Additionally, enjoy seasonal festivals at Seikoen Garden such as a Cherry Festival in the spring, and Maple Festival in the fall.
Seikoen Lava Garden
Address: 1382-1 Inno, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0008, Japan
Website: Seikoen Lava Garden
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily from November - January)
Price: 2 USD
10. Picnic at Fujisan Juku no Mori park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Among the many fun things to do in Japan in the summer, what could be lovelier than a picnic amid fresh air? Enter Fujisan Juku no Mori Park with stunning views of Mt. Fuji; perfect for a summertime getaway. The park is relatively new and has ample facilities from children’s playgrounds to tennis courts, a souvenir shop, and restaurants. Be warned, there is little information in English, even on the website so be prepared to be resourceful when planning your excursion.
Fujisan Juku no Mori park
Address: 1380-15, Inno, Gotemba 412-0008, Shizuoka Prefecture
Website: Fujisan Juku no Mori park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily from March - Nov); 9am - 4pm ( daily from Dec - Feb)
11. Make a pilgrimage to Jinbayama Shrine
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Gotemba is rich in holy shrines, with Jinbayama Shrine as one of the most beautiful to see. Jinbayama Shrine is used ceremonially to cut off ties with bad energy, and many people coming to Jinbayama are here to do so. The shrine is said to have been built during the Kamakura period, sometime between 1185 to 1333! There is also a nearby golf course close to the shrine.
Jinbayama Shrine
Address: 1138-1 Jinba, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0047, Japan
Website: Jinbayama Shrine
12. Hike Gotemba Trail to the summit of Mount Fuji
If your bucket list includes a summit hike of Mount Fuji, then get ready to hit Gotemba Trail which leads adventuresome hikers to the peak. The ascent from Gotemba 5th Station takes about five to seven hours, with a three- to six-hour descent. Needless to say, one needs to truly prepare before undertaking such a serious hike. The official climbing season is July to August, attracting some 300,000 hikers annually.
Gotemba Trail
Website: Gotemba Trail
NINJA WiFi
Stay connected while making your way through the beautiful streets of Gotemba with NINJA WiFi, one of Trip101’s recommended options for pocket WiFi in Japan. NINJA WiFi provides deals that can suit any taste or budget. If you’re a content creator planning on streaming your adventure, try their 10 GB package. You can opt to pick up your device at the airport counters or the Shinjuku counter for free, and you can return your devices at these counters after use. You can also have it delivered to your accommodation or workplace for a small fee.
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Embrace all Gotemba has to offer
Full of tourist attractions, Gotemba is a beautiful Japanese mid-size city, within sight of stunning Mt. Fuji. Whether you seek the thrill of new clothing, or climbing a mountain peak, Gotemba has something for every interest. Foodies will love the unique opportunities to try artisanal foods and drinks, and those who admire nature and culture will get their fill. Do not hesitate to include Gotemba in your upcoming travels–it’s waiting for you.
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