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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Gotemba sharing quite a few of those!
Gotemba is a land of enchantment where the mountains are alive and the breeze is full of magic.
Its serene beauty can leave you bewitched and lost in its spell.
From exploring the majestic Mount Fuji to indulging in exhilarating shopping sprees, Gotemba has a treasure trove of delightful experiences waiting for you.
So come and join the adventure, and let your soul be captivated by the breathtaking sights and sounds of this wonderland.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Gotemba:
1. Gotemba Premium Outlets
Gotemba Premium Outlets is a sprawling shopping complex in Gotemba, Japan, featuring over 200 stores selling high-end fashion and luxury brands.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped open-air mall and check out top designer brands like Gucci, Prada, and Burberry.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or cafes, take in views of Mt. Fuji from the observation deck, or try your luck at the on-site casino.
Don’t miss: The Toki no Sumika illumination event, which takes place every winter and sees the entire mall lit up with stunning light displays.
Insider travel tips: – Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
2. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain, standing at 3,776 meters high, with Gotemba Trail being one of the popular trailheads.
What to see or do: Hiking Mount Fuji through the Gotemba Trail offers stunning views of the rugged terrain, wildflowers, and volcanic rocks. At the 8th Station, hikers can take a rest and enjoy a hot or cold beverage.
The trail offers the ideal location for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking sunrise view from Mount Fuji’s summit.
You can also experience the beauty of the mountain during a guided tour with a local expert who shares fascinating stories about the area’s history and culture.
Insider travel tips: – Plan ahead and make sure to check weather conditions before visiting Mount Fiji.
3. Fuji Safari Park
Fuji Safari Park is a wildlife park located at the base of Mount Fuji in Gotemba, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can experience the park in their own cars or take a guided bus tour and observe exotic animals in their natural habitats.
The park houses over 70 different species of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, and elephants. There is also a petting zoo and amusement park within the park.
Don’t miss: The Lion Bus is a popular attraction where visitors can observe lions from inside a specially designed vehicle. The park also offers feeding experiences with some of the animals, including lions and tigers.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and allow for plenty of time to explore the park. Be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks as food options are limited within the park.
Consider upgrading to the Premium Car option for a more intimate safari experience.
4. Gotemba Kogen Resort
A popular ski resort located in the town of Gotemba, Japan.
What to see or do: Skiing and snowboarding are the main draws at this resort, with 19 runs and 12 lifts available for visitors.
In addition to winter sports, the resort also offers hiking trails, hot springs, and a range of dining and shopping options.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views of Mount Fuji from the resort’s slopes are a stunning highlight.
Visitors can also experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Hakone-En Tea House, or take a short trip to the nearby Gotemba Premium Outlets for some retail therapy.
Insider travel tips: For the best skiing conditions, try to visit the resort during the peak winter months of January and February.
Accommodation can be booked directly through the resort’s website, and visitors should also consider purchasing lift tickets in advance to save time and money.
For a unique cultural experience, take a day trip to the nearby Hakone Shrine and Onsen to witness traditional Japanese rituals and soak in natural hot springs.
5. Mishima Skywalk
The Mishima Skywalk is a pedestrian suspension bridge located in Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan, with a length of 400 meters and a height of 70 meters.
What to see or do: Walk across the bridge for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: The Glass Floor observatory located on the bridge where visitors can see straight down to the valley floor below.
Insider travel tips:
6. Oyama Afuri Shrine
Oyama Afuri Shrine is a Shinto shrine located at the base of Mount Fuji in Gotemba, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine’s grounds, which include a main hall, a purification fountain, and several smaller shrines. The shrine is also a starting point for those who wish to hike Mount Fuji.
Don’t miss: One of the main attractions at Oyama Afuri Shrine is the panoramic view of Mount Fuji. On a clear day, visitors can see the iconic mountain and its surrounding landscape from the shrine’s observation deck.
Insider travel tips: The shrine can be crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
There are also several hiking trails near the shrine that offer stunning views of Mount Fuji. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water if you plan on hiking.
7. Hakone Shrine
A Shinto Shrine located in Hakone, Japan, dedicated to the gods of the mountain.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various buildings and gates that make up the complex, including the famous “floating” torii gate on Lake Ashi.
The shrine also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ashi.
Don’t miss: The annual Hakone Shrine festival, held on the first Sunday in June, is a colorful event featuring traditional music and dance performances, as well as a portable shrine parade.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, arrive early in the morning before the crowds. Additionally, be sure to take a boat ride on Lake Ashi to fully appreciate the beauty of the area.
If coming from Tokyo, consider buying a Hakone Free Pass, which includes transportation to Hakone and discounts on local attractions.
8. Hakone Open Air Museum
Hakone Open Air Museum and Gotemba Premium Outlets are two popular tourist destinations located in the city of Gotemba, Japan.
What to see or do: Hakone Open Air Museum boasts a unique outdoor sculpture park featuring over 100 exhibits from both Japanese and international artists. Visitors can also explore the multiple indoor galleries showcasing a variety of art styles and mediums.
Don’t miss: The “Symphonic Sculpture” located in the outdoor park of Hakone Open Air Museum is a must-see. It is a giant, three-dimensional xylophone that plays music when the ball rolls over the aluminum bars.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can purchase a combo ticket at Hakone Open Air Museum that includes a one-way bus ticket to Gotemba, making it convenient to explore both attractions in one day.
9. Owakudani Valley
Owakudani Valley is an active volcanic valley located in Gotemba, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can ride the cable car to the top and witness the active volcano and hot steam vents. They can also take a hike on one of the many trails around the valley.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the black eggs, a local delicacy, boiled in the hot sulfuric water. They are said to add seven years of life to those who eat them.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to bring cash as credit cards are not accepted at many of the vendors selling the black eggs. Also, be prepared for a strong sulfur smell in the air throughout the valley.
10. Ashinoko Skyline
Ashinoko Skyline is a scenic road that runs up the peaks of Mount Hakone through the Ashinoko mountains.
What to see or do: The Ashinoko Skyline road offers stunning views overlooking Lake Ashinoko and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Take a thrilling drive up the winding road, or enjoy a more leisurely experience with stops at the various viewpoints and rest areas.
There is also a popular observatory deck that offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the region.
Don’t miss: The overlook at the Susuki Pass is a must-see spot along the Ashinoko Skyline. The stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area make it the perfect spot for photo ops.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check the weather forecast before visiting the Ashinoko Skyline, as fog and rain can often obstruct the scenic views.
Additionally, try visiting during the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds and traffic.
Finally, if you have the time, taking a cruise on Lake Ashinoko at the bottom of the mountain is the perfect way to complete your experience.
11. Hakone Ropeway
A scenic ropeway ride connecting Sounzan and Togendai in Hakone, with a stop at Owakudani and views of Mount Fuji. Gotemba is a town near the base of Mount Fuji, known for its outlet malls.
What to see or do: Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ashinoko from the ropeway. In Owakudani, take a walk to see the volcanic activity, including hot springs and sulfur vents.
Check out the outlet malls in Gotemba for discounted designer brands.
Don’t miss: The view of Mount Fuji from the ropeway on a clear day.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and be sure to check the weather forecast before going for the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji.
In Gotemba, be aware of the closing times of the outlet shops as they tend to close much earlier than regular stores.
12. Hakone Pirate Ship
Hakone Pirate Ship is a unique sightseeing experience that takes passengers on a cruise around Lake Ashinoko on a replica pirate ship.
What to see or do: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape from the deck of the ship. The cruise takes about 30 minutes, during which passengers can relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take plenty of photos of the stunning views from the ship. Also, keep an eye out for the interesting pirate-themed decor and details on the ship.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to take a cruise is during clear weather when the views are most spectacular.
13. Narukawa Museum of Art
Narukawa Museum of Art is a private museum located in Gotemba, Japan, featuring a wide range of Japanese art that dates back from the 16th century to contemporary times.
What to see or do: Visitors can expect to see a vast collection of Japanese paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and calligraphy. The museum’s vast collection includes works from artists such as Yokoyama Taikan and Kawai Gyokudo, amongst others.
The museum’s expansive gardens offer a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.
Don’t miss: One of the museum’s most noteworthy pieces is the 25-meter painting by Yokoyama Taikan, which took him ten years to complete.
Insider travel tips: It’s advisable to visit the museum on weekdays to avoid the crowds. If you’re lucky, you may get to meet the owner, who occasionally gives guided tours.
The museum shop offers unique souvenirs, including beautiful postcards with traditional Japanese designs.
14. Gora Park
Gora Park is a beautiful landscaped garden situated in Gotemba, Japan. The park boasts of a fragile and delicate beauty that has attracted tourists from all over the world.
What to see or do: The park has various attractions to offer visitors such as the Rose Garden, greenhouse, traditional Japanese garden, and fountain garden.
You can walk through the beautiful gardens, take a ride on the park’s Ferris wheel or rent a paddle boat and row around the pond.
The park also has beautiful restaurants where you can sit and enjoy a meal while soaking in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the park is the French-style garden. This garden features a wide variety of colorful flowers, offering visitors magnificent views and great photo opportunities.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Gora Park is during the spring months when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.
It’s also recommended to avoid weekends and holidays as the park can get quite crowded.
Make sure to carry comfortable shoes as there’s plenty to explore, and don’t leave without trying some of the local delicacies at the park’s restaurants.