Experience the best of Fujiyoshida

Fujiyoshida lies at about 800 metres on the northern slope of Mount Fuji, a long town of straight streets that run toward the mountain. It was a gathering point for the pilgrims who climbed Fuji in the Edo period, and the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, shaded by huge cedars, marks the start of the Yoshida trail to the summit. Chureito Pagoda, a five-storey red pagoda on a hillside above the town, gives the classic view of the peak, framed by cherry blossom in April and autumn colour in November.

The Fuji Five Lakes, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji, Motosu and Yamanaka, lie a short drive away, and the clear ponds of Oshino Hakkai are fed by Fuji's snowmelt. Lava caves and the dense forest of Aokigahara lie on the mountain's lower slopes nearby. The Yoshida Fire Festival in late August closes the climbing season with huge torches along the main street.

Yoshida udon are thick, firm noodles served in a soy and miso broth with boiled cabbage and often horse meat or fried tofu. Houtou, flat noodles stewed with pumpkin and vegetables in miso, is another Yamanashi dish, and the prefecture's wines, peaches and grapes appear in shops. Summers stay cool at this altitude, and winter air gives the clearest views of the mountain.