A forest with more than 100 lava tubes gives the Kawaguchiko Field Center in Funatsu a distinctive natural setting. Also here are the Funatsu Tainai Jukei, part of the “Fujisan” World Heritage Site, and the Yamanashi Prefectural Fujisan World Heritage Center, which explores Mount Fuji’s natural, cultural, and religious significance. These attractions offer different experiences: walking through a lava landscape, visiting part of a World Heritage Site, or learning more in depth. When choosing accommodation in Funatsu, this distinction can help: you can assess the area based on the kind of experience that matters to you during your stay.

Walks in the Lava Tube Forest

The Kawaguchiko Field Center is located at an elevation of 1,050 meters in a forest formed by lava flows and featuring more than 100 lava tubes. Both guided and self-guided walks are available there. The site thus combines a tangible example of how the landscape was formed with the opportunity to explore the forest on foot. Guided hikes may require a reservation. If you prefer a guided tour, factor this requirement into your plans; if you like to organize your own visit, consider the self-guided option.

World Heritage and Interpretation of Mount Fuji

The Funatsu Tainai Jukei is part of the “Fujisan” World Heritage Site. Its entrance is inside the Funatsu Tainai Shrine. Visits take place during public opening hours; the site is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. The Monday closure does not apply from June through August. If your stay falls on a Monday, check the specific visiting hours in advance.

The Yamanashi Prefectural Fujisan World Heritage Center explores Mount Fuji’s natural, cultural, and religious significance in two buildings. Its offerings include exhibitions, films, three-dimensional models, and explanations by guides. In contrast to the Funatsu Tainai Jukei, the center focuses on placing Mount Fuji in context through several interpretive formats; the Jukei itself is part of the World Heritage Site. If the cultural aspects of your visit are a priority, you can use this distinction when choosing what to see.

Cooking Classes at the Field Center

The Kawaguchiko Field Center also offers instructor-led rice and cooking classes in a cooking vessel, by reservation. There are two clearly distinct options. One class includes the ingredients and is intended for groups of four or more. For the other option, you bring your own ingredients and equipment is loaned to you. Group size and the rules about ingredients are therefore key factors in choosing a class. When booking, ask which option is right for your group.

Visitor Information

The Fujikawaguchiko Tourist Information Center is located at Kawaguchiko Station and distributes tourist brochures and regional maps. The maps provide an overview of the region, while the brochures offer additional tourist information. If you are looking for a specific resource, ask what is currently available, as the materials distributed may change.

Discover more destinations: Otsuki, Minobu, Kōfu, Yamanakako, Fujikawa, Fujiyoshida, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.

For the broader travel guide: Yamanashi Prefecture.