SHIZUOKA Mt. Fuji (Shizuoka) Discover great lakes, resorts, onsen and outdoor recreational possibilities around Japan’s most fabled peak

Visible from hundreds of kilometers away yet only a short bullet train ride from Tokyo, Mt. Fuji draws visitors from the world over who come to see and sometimes climb the famous peak. What many travelers don't know is that there are other natural attractions, fantastic recreational possibilities, historic sites and shopping options around the base of this iconic mountain.

To the north, for example, the Fuji Five Lakes are a regular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly people into trekking and water sports. The vast Asagiri Highland region to the west offers similar options. And onsen are scattered throughout the area, many with magnificent views of the mountain.

For something completely different, head to nearby Gotemba , site of Japan's biggest premium outlet shopping mall.

Mt. Fuji and its environs are reachable by bus, train, car and air.

Trains from major stations along the Tokaido Shinkansen route—including Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka—run to Shizuoka and Shin-Fuji stations, and slower trains go to Fuji, Fujinomiya and Gotemba stations.

Many highway buses connect Tokyo and Shizuoka as well as individual sightseeing spots around Mt. Fuji. Buses operate between Shin-Fuji, Fujinomiya and the Fuji Five Lakes stations, stopping at sights such as Shiraito Falls along the way. Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, handles flights from Sapporo, Okinawa, Fukuoka and Kagoshima, as well as international destinations such as Seoul, Taipei and a few major cities in China.

People head for the Mt. Fuji area in droves throughout the year, but the traffic is especially high in summer as urbanites escape the city heat and humidity. The Fuji Five Lakes arrayed around the northern side of the mountain—Kawaguchiko , Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko—are prime water sport, cycling and hiking destinations. You'll find onsen, amusement parks like Fuji-Q Highland and the most-trafficked trail up Mt. Fuji on the Yamanashi side as well.

With cherry blossoms and azaleas in the spring, lavender and hydrangeas in the summer, colored leaves in the fall and snowfall in the winter, the mountain's skirts are constantly changing color. No matter when you're visiting, the Mt. Fuji area will be showcasing some of Japan's beautiful scenery.

The venerable Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengen shrines associated with Mt. Fuji draw a constant stream of visitors, and are a traditional starting point for climbing the mountain. A 10-minute walk from Fujinomiya Station, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha 's origins date back to BCE, although the current structures were built in the 17th century.

Located east of the mountain, Fuji Speedway , presents a modern contrast. Site of many major auto-racing events, the speedway can be reached via bus from Gotemba Station.

The Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan's flagship shopping discount malls and boasting over 200 stores, is a more recent attraction in the area.

On the Shizuoka side of Mt. Fuji , you can explore natural phenomena such as Shiraito Falls and Asagiri Highland. Shiraito Falls is one of the area's most mesmerizing attractions, formed from Mt. Fuji snowmelt and named for its cascading “silken thread” waters that fall from a 20-meter-high cliff spanning 150 meters.

Asagiri Highland—Asagiri means “morning mist”—is a popular summer resort with broad meadows, dairy farms, camping sites, golf courses and paragliding schools. Lake Tanuki here is a good spot for cycling, camping and fishing.

Situated just south of Mt. Fuji, Fuji Safari Park is a popular zoo where the animals roam free in environments that approximate their natural habitat. You can observe the creatures—including lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, rhinoceroses, zebras and bison—from private vehicles or special buses, and on a nature trail.

Izu Shaboten Zoo is another fun possibility—an odd combination of a zoo and a cactus garden—that's especially good if you're traveling with kids, since many of the animals can be touched and even held.

You've got more green tourism options thanks to an initiative called Fuji-no-Kuni, meaning “Mt. Fuji Country.” Shizuoka Prefecture has over 50 locations where you can try your hand at various arts and crafts, participate in outdoor excursions and experience a traditional Japanese inn or restaurant.