Mt. Ryugatake Hike near Lake Motosu | Best Mt. Fuji View Trek

Hi, it’s Daichi from KOKO Journey!

If you are looking for the ultimate, crowd-free view of Mt. Fuji, I’ve just found the greatest spot. Today, I hiked Ryugatake Mountain(竜ヶ岳/ Mt. Ryugatake), located right next to Lake Motosu (one of the famous Fuji Five Lakes), and it completely blew me away.

Here is why this mountain needs to be on your Japan itinerary—before the rest of the world finds out about it!

All photos in this post were taken by me, Daichi from KOKO Journey.

@kokojourney3776 Ryugatake Mountain Trekking Didn’t see even a single international tourist on the trail today. As most of the signs are only in Japanese here, Ryugatake still feels untouched by international tourism. A quiet local hiking spot with peaceful trails and one of the best Mt. Fuji views around the Fuji Five Lakes area. Honestly feels like a hidden spot that the world hasn’t discovered yet. For private tours around Mt.Fuji, visit kokojourney.com #ryugatake #mtfuji #fujiviews #japantrekking #kokojourney ♬ 散歩道 – JUDY AND MARY

Mind-Blowing Views of Mt. Fuji

Let’s start with the best part: the scenery. Unlike the heavily congested viewing spots in Kawaguchiko or Hakone, Mt. Ryugatake offers a completely unobstructed, panoramic view of Mt. Fuji.

As you walk along the open mountain ridge, Mt.Fuji stands right in front of you, looking absolutely massive and majestic. The contrast between the deep green of forest and the towering mountain is something you have to see to believe.

A True Local (Zero Tourists!)

Here is the wow part of my day: I did not run into a single foreign tourist during the entire hike.

Why has this place stayed so quiet? The secret lies in the lack of English infrastructure.

Almost all the signs on the trail are exclusively in Japanese. Because it hasn’t been fully globalized yet, it remains a total gatekept secret for local hikers. If you want an authentic, peaceful trekking experience without the crowds, this is the place.

Quick Kanji Sheet: Screenshot or Save This:)

Since the trail signs are almost entirely in Japanese, navigating can be a bit tricky.
To make your hike much smoother and safer, I highly recommend taking a screenshot or making a quick note of these basic Kanji characters of Ryugatake before you go. It will help you make the right decisions at trail forks:

Mt. Ryugatake: Fast Facts

To help you plan your trek, here is the essential data on the mountain.

Ryugatake Access

Public transportation to this specific trailhead is limited. You pretty much must rent a car or take a taxi to get here.

Where to start: Set your GPS to the Lake Motosu Campsite (本栖湖キャンプ場). There is a parking lot there, and the trailhead is just a short walk from the campsite.

18 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0337, Japan