feed your soul at MOUNT FUJI

THE LATEST LUXE HOTEL IN MOUNT FUJI IS WORTH A VISIT FOR THE VIEWS ALONE
BY SARA DARLING

Japan has had a tough year with the pandemic. 

What could possibly be better than enjoying an open air hot tub, containing crystal clear, mineral-rich, rain and snow water, with an unobstructed view of its source,  Mount Fuji (don’t answer that!) 

At only 1 hour 45 minutes from the Shinjuku Bus Terminal in Tokyo (shorter by train), it is possible to plan a dual aspect trip, to really appreciate Japan’s natural phenomenon. From the bright lights of the big city, the natural landscape of lakes, forests, waterfalls and hot springs are the perfect antidote. Or you may feel inspired to do more shopping in the supersized Gotemba Premium Outlets shopping mall, which mimics those in North America- be sure to take a map and comfy shoes!

Depending on the time of year you visit, you can get a heatwave during the summer or go skiing in the spring. Once the snow has thawed, is the perfect time to explore the scenery, which includes acres of flowering cherry blossom trees- for which the region is famous. Arakurayama Sengen Park is located halfway up Mount Arakura in Fujiyoshida City of Yamanashi and offers a panoramic view of the city, and is a famous spot for the picturesque cherry trees.

But the main draw of the region is  the imposing Mount Fuji complete with its exceptionally symmetrical, photogenic cone. This cultural icon, with its snow capped peak is a recognised symbol of Japan, and is a pilgrimage for international sightseers and climbers.

As one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains" along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku, Fuji is crowned a special place of scenic beauty and one of Japan's Historic Sites. It was added to the World Heritage List as a Cultural Site in 2013, and makes Mishima a sacred place. 

So imagine that as your vista for an out of this world hot tub experience! The Tokyu Hotel Group has just arrived in Mishama, and has been specially designed to take advantage of its location. 

With a unique vantage point at the base of Hakone and Suruga Bay, clients who visit at any season can enjoy Japan’s impressive scenery from the hotel's large windows. The luxury hotel is the ideal base for exploring the area, and actively encourages recycling and restoration. 

The Hotel group is part of the Green Coin programme, which aims to lower the damage to the global environment by decreasing the number of one use plastic toothbrushes and razors. Guests who bring their own supplies, can return their green coins which will be donated in forestation activities- so far the Children's Forest Program and the Tokyu Hotels Green Coin Forests located in Tabayama village, Yamanashi Prefecture, have benefitted from the scheme.

Along with bicycles to hire, the hotel’s restaurant serves freshly caught seafood from nearby fishing ports along with locally grown produce to create a healthy taste of Japan, with all dietary requirements catered for, with advance notice. 

Whether you book this as an add on, or as a destination in itself, the Fujisan Mishima offers five star comfort in a state of the art setting, and is great place to explore the area’s hot springs at Oshino Hakki, go hiking around Lake Kawaguchiko, investigate the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum or enjoy outdoor festivals in the summer. 

For more information, check out the Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
17-1 Ichiban-cho, Mishima-shi, Shizuoka, Japan