Top Active Leisure & Sport Spots in Japan

If you want to take photos, do it discretely. I found out it’s not allowed during classes, and I had to put away my camera.

I suggest visiting on a weekday. It was way less crowded than on weekends when I went. I had more space to enjoy the dojo and watch the practice.

I recommend spending some time at the museum inside. It’s not huge but packed with cool judo history. Plan about 30-45 minutes, it’s worth it.

Bring some cash! The gift shop had cool judo gear, but they only accepted cash when I visited. I ended up missing out on a cool t-shirt.

I suggest checking the weather beforehand. It can change fast at Fuji, and a clear day makes a huge difference for views and pictures.

Wear good hiking shoes! I learned the hard way that flip-flops are a big no if you want to enjoy the trails without blisters

Start your hike early, like around 6 AM, to avoid the crowds and catch the beautiful sunrise from the trails. Trust me, it's breathtaking!

Make sure you try the local food! The noodles are delicious, and eating in the small restaurants is way cheaper than resort food. I suggest hitting up the ‘Okan’ for a real feel of local eats.

Grab a local guide to save some time getting around. The village can be a bit confusing. I really wish I had thought about this beforehand—it would have saved me some wandering time.

I recommend getting a multi-day lift pass if you plan to stay longer than two days. It’ll save you some yen and make getting around the slopes much easier. Just be sure to plan your days right.

I think it’s worth getting a stadium guidebook or app. It gives you insights on the teams playing, player stats, and helps make sense of all the fandom. It adds to the overall enjoyment!

Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks. Concession prices are a bit steep, and the food options can be limited. Plus, you won't have to deal with long lines!

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks. Food at the resort is pricey and I found it tough to find a decent meal without breaking the bank.

I suggest getting your lift ticket online before you go. It saved me a ton of time in the morning rush. Trust me, those queues can be killer!

I recommend checking the weather app a day before your visit. I totally misunderstood conditions and it was a bit cloudy, but still super fun.