Mt. Fuji is split between Yamanashi Prefecture on the north side and Shizuoka Prefecture on the south. The Shizuoka side is a familiar departure point for mountaineers, with three of the four trails located here. Regardless of whether or not you intend to climb Mt. Fuji , the surrounding area offers numerous natural attractions and amusements.

Situated on the western side of Mt. Fuji, this expansive plateau is home to herds of cattle, making it a major dairy farming area. Walking along the prairie you'll come across picture-perfect scenes of Mt. Fuji mirrored in lakes and ponds, with cows and goats grazing nearby. You can also enjoy hands-on activities such as cow-milking and walking with goats.

Head to Shiraito Falls to see an impressive wall of water flowing straight down a wide expanse of rock. The water creates a gradated spectrum of white and blue hues, with the dense trees above framing the falls in a sea of green.

Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to Fuji Safari Park , which trumps other zoos by providing the animals with ample outdoor space tailored to their natural habitat. Board a bus (or drive your own car) to see giraffes, elephants, cheetahs and lions living life under the shadow of Mt. Fuji.

Experience a traditional boat ride across the Kano River. Lasting around 20 minutes, an experienced boatman will row you across the river. After the ride, relax in Senbonhama Park, or head to Numazu Port to browse through the stalls of fresh fish.

For an extended trip, head south to the Izu Peninsula , where you'll discover oceanside inlets lush with vegetation. The sea and mountains collide, creating unbeatable views and plenty of recreational opportunities. Relax in an outdoor spa, walk along undisturbed beaches, swim, surf and trek along mountain paths through rich natural landscapes.

Visit one of the most important spiritual sites for Mt. Fuji's pilgrims, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine , to purify yourself before tackling the mountain from its traditional start point. In cherry blossom season, you can enjoy cherry trees in the shrine grounds and views of the snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji.

Shoppers will find great deals at Gotemba Premium Outlets, which are filled with around 290 stores. With beautiful views of the mountain, this vast shopping promenade is an ideal stop to stock up on any gear for your trip, find discounts on luxury brands or have a bite to eat.

From Tokyo, numerous train and bus services provide access to the various attractions around Mt. Fuji. By train, ride the Hikari or Kodama service on the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima or Shin-Fuji stations. From there, many of the surrounding destinations are a short local train or bus ride away.