A city at Mount Fuji's northern foothills, with old streets and distinctive local food.
A late-morning meal at Izumiya in Fujiyoshida. The grilled fish and udon were nothing unusual, but the salty seasoning, crisp skin and rice good enough to eat on its own made an ordinary meal linger.
A one-night stay at HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort, within walking distance of Fuji-Q Highland, with a room overlooking Mount Fuji and the park, pink dawn light on the mountain, and a top-floor hot spring and open-air bath.
A January 2026 afternoon and evening at Fuji-Q Highland in Fujiyoshida, with Mount Fuji views, Takabisha's 121-degree drop, the Ferris wheel, spinning thrill rides and practical notes on face-recognition entry.
An unplanned New Year lunch at Tonkatsu Genroku in Fujiyoshida, with crisp and tender pork cutlet, notably good rice, and an unusually firm bowl of udon.