Top 5 Summer Spots in Gotenba, Shizuoka, Japan

Gotenba City is one of the fifth stations of Mt Fuji and a beacon for Mt Fuji climbers during the summer months. Even for non climbers the cooler temperatures at the fifth station are a big draw. But Gotemba in Shizuoka Prefecture is maybe best known for its outlet, the Gotemba Premium Outlets. For my family of six neither make the list of our top things to do in the area. Here is some of the top summer spots we do enjoy in the Gotenba City area:

1. Summer Night Illumination

Night illumination is usually only something you see during in winter in Japan, but there are a handful of locations where you can enjoy summer night illuminations. The Tokinosumika Resort in Gotenba is one such place and one of the largest that is commutable from Tokyo.

Season: the area has night illumination at different times of the years. The summer illumination starts early and June and runs until the end of August. You can view the night illumination until August 31st this year, 2019.

Hours: the illumination is generally turned on at dusk. It stays on until 9 pm or later if there is night events on in the area. 

Cost: free with free parking.

Address: Koyama, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0033

Access: About a six minute drive from the Susuno Interchange of the Tomei Expressway.

2. Tokinosumika Fountain Show

This water fountain show was the first of its kind in Japan. It uses water with color, projection mapping and music to create a moving water show. The show at Tokinosumika Resort holds the record of the highest water jet spurt in a fountain show in Japan. At one point the water jets up 150 meters.  A great summer spot in Gotenba.

Season: all year round.

Hours: in summer they have five showings from 7 pm to 9.20 pm

Cost: 1000 yen for adults, 200 yen for children. Guests of the resort receive a discount. 

Address: Koyama, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0033

Access: About a six minute drive from the Susuno Interchange of the Tomei Expressway.

3. The Big Bang Carousel

Beside the location for the water fountain show there is a really fun playground for kids. It closes before dark, but the carousel, which can also be ridden by adults, stays open late. During the day it has a great view of Mt Fuji and at night you can enjoy the night illumination.

Season: all year round.

Hours: 10 am to 10 pm.

Cost: 100 yen per person, per turn.

Address: Koyama, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0033

Access: About a six minute drive from the Susuno Interchange of the Tomei Expressway.

4. Tokinososumika Natural Hot Spring Chame 

There are several hot springs in the Gotenba area, but Chame is one of the most luxurious. Also, it is adults only, so if you want a relaxing time away from the kids this is a good option. Furthermore, on a clear day there is an unspoiled view of Mt Fuji. 

Season: all year round

Hours: 10 am to 9 pm

Cost: 1,500 yen on a weekday, 2,000 yen on weekends. 

Address: 719 Koyama, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0033

Access: About a seven minute drive from the Susuno Interchange of the Tomei Expressway.

5. Komakado Cave

The Komakado Cave is small and only takes about half an hour to visit. But I have added it to the top five summer spots in Gotenba because of its main appeal during this hot and sticky season --coolness!

Stepping into Komokado Cave is like stepping into a cooler box. The cooler temperatures and dry air offers a welcome relief from the daytime heat and humidity. 

Season: all year round, but the caves are closed when there is heavy rain or extreme weather conditions

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week, but as per above the caves are closed when there is bad weather.

Cost: 200 yen for adults, 150 yen for junior and high school students, 100 yen for elementary aged children

Address: 69 Komakado, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0038 

Access: About a five minute drive from the Gotenba Junction or a fifteen minute drive from the Susuno Interchange of the Tomei Expressway.

The first four spots on this list are in the Gotemba Kogen aka Tokinosumika Resort.

We first stayed in Gotenba in 2008 when serendipity brought my husband and I to the resort. We have visited ten times since that initial stay. In the initial years, Gotenba was largely frequented by domestic holidaymakers and climbers. Over the years we have watched the number of international travelers swell and the area grow to a popular getaway.

Tokinosumika in turn has continued to increase and improve its offerings. Apart from the four summer spots mentioned above, there are pools, a splash pad, dozens of sporting facilities (climbing, putter golf, soccer, fishing, volleyball, tennis etc), eateries and a museum to name but a few. It is a one-stop spot for hours of entertainment guaranteed and has certainly added to the overall appeal of Gotenba as a summer destination in Japan.