10 Things to Do in Fujinomiya on a Small Budget

Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha is a historic and iconic shrine that's not only culturally significant but serves as the traditional beginning of the Mount Fuji hike. It was originally built more than 1,000 years ago to protect against volcanic eruptions, and it rapidly became one of the most influential shrines in the country.

Visiting the shrine is free, so you won't have to pay anything to see its impressive architecture and nearly 500 cherry trees on the grounds. The path to Mount Fuji is freely accessible as well. You can get to this shrine near the town centre around Miyacho.

Fujinomiya and Gotemba trails are scenic hiking trails that offer fun yet seemingly opposite experiences for travellers, with one being busy and one being quiet. On the Gotemba trail, in particular, the scenery is complemented by the silhouette of Mount Fuji on the clouds and unforgettable views of the sunrise, though you won't see many other hikers.

The Fujinomiya trail is one of the most popular trails in the region, and it's easy to traverse, given how high it starts. Just keep in mind that it can get steep and rocky on slopes. Each trail is free and can be found around Mount Fuji, northeast of the city centre.

The Shiraito Falls are among the most iconic waterfalls in the country, with water falling an impressive 20 metres across a 150-metre wide cascade. Numerous souvenir shops are available on the nature trail from the road to the site. The falls are free to visit.

When you visit, you'll notice that they tend to be quite thin-looking, like white pieces of thread relative to the massive cliff face behind them. Visit during the summer and you're likely to find the water a bit fuller, thanks to all the snowmelt. They're located a few kilometres north of the city centre.

Asagiri Kogen, or the Asagiri Plateau, is a notable spot of flatland popular for hiking and more extreme activities like hang gliding and paragliding. The plateau's elevation is typically around 800 to 900 metres, but that pales in comparison to the towering peak of Fuji that decorates the backdrop here.

Visiting this plateau means travelling through picturesque countryside. If you're interested in hang gliding and paragliding, it's more affordable than you might think, with plenty of services in the area available. The plateau is located a few kilometres due north of the city centre.

Wakutamaike is a pond near the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine that's crystal clear and a designated National Special Natural Monument. The water in this pond is so clear that, from some angles, there doesn't appear to be any water at all.

About 200,000 tonnes of water come from Mount Fuji into this pond every day, and the porous volcanic rock it flows through is what creates the filtered, clear appearance. See it all for yourself for free, just a short distance west of the town centre.

The Kiseki Museum of World Stones hosts a comprehensive collection of unique stones from around the world that you can see and touch. The name Kiseki comes from what the strange stones, like the manju stone and cherry blossom stone, were called in the Edo period.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore a wide variety of different stones sporting shapes you may not have ever imagined with a collection that spans the entire world. Admission is just 700 yen, which is less than 5 quid, so it's remarkably easy to fit into your budget.

The Mishima Sky Walk is a scenic pedestrian suspension bridge, one of the longest of its kind in Japan, that offers picturesque views of Fuji. It runs 400 metres in total and is elevated high enough to see not only the mountain in the distance but a wave of green forest and the ocean in nearby Suruga Bay.

While the bridge is open all day, some of the best views are only available in the mornings and evenings. The sunsets from October to February are especially popular. It's all available several kilometres east of the city centre near Sasahara Shinden.

Getting around by bus is one of the most affordable ways of transport around Fujinomiya, with frequent routes that can get you to the top spots around Mount Fuji. Fujinomiya Station is the central hub for the bus network right in the middle of Fujinomiya City, and it can get you around the Fuji Five Lakes, the Fujisan Sengen Shrine and Shiraito Falls, among other locations.

To get the most out of the bus routes, opt for the Mount Fuji West Side Story Passport. With this handy pass, you'll have 2 days of unlimited bus use for just 2500 yen or about £15.35.

Fujinomiya Yakisoba Antenna Shop is a popular and affordable local restaurant specialising in Fujinomiya yakisoba, a type of stir-fried noodles. The region is known for these noodles, and this restaurant has some of the cheapest and most delicious in town, running you only about 1000 yen at most or a bit over 6 quid.

Tasting the speciality at this restaurant is almost a requirement for an authentic Fujinomiya experience, so you won't want to miss out. The restaurant offers traditional local yakisoba in addition to super spicy variants. It's located in Omiyacho near the centre of town.

Maruchu Market is one of the town's most iconic markets, offering a diverse selection of delicious dishes for relatively low prices. Not only can you get plenty of fresh ingredients here, but they also provide fresh, home-cooked takeout.

Bento is one of the specialities at this market, so it's a convenient and affordable way to find a bit to eat when you're looking to save in Fujinomiya. Several juices are also available here to complement any bento. It's located on the north side of Fujinomiya, a few kilometres from the city centre.