Holiday in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

What makes Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park special as a destination?

The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, southwest of Tokyo, combines Japan's holiest symbol, therapeutic hot springs, and a dramatic coastal landscape in a single, expansive protected area. The park stretches from Mount Fuji in the north through the Hakone region to the Izu Peninsula and the volcanic Izu Islands in the Pacific. Mount Fuji (3,776 meters), Japan's highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is much more than just a mountain — it is a spiritual symbol that has inspired artists, poets, and pilgrims for centuries. The Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) at the northern foot offer the most famous viewpoints: Lake Kawaguchiko with its reflection of Fuji is one of Japan's most iconic motifs. Between July and September, the ascent to the summit is possible — a night start for the sunrise (Goraiko) over the sea of clouds is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the country. The Izu Peninsula offers a completely different side of the park: rugged coasts with hot springs bubbling directly from the rocks by the sea, subtropical vegetation, and charming onsen towns like Atami and Shimoda. The Jogasaki Coast with its volcanic rock cliffs and suspension bridges is a hiker's paradise. In Shuzenji, one finds one of Japan's oldest onsen towns with moss-covered stone steps and steaming bamboo groves. The Izu Islands in the south offer dive sites with tropical underwater worlds just a few flight hours from Tokyo. The national park is a perfect weekend destination due to its proximity to Tokyo and can be excellently explored with the Hakone Free Pass.