What is Gotemba and What to See and Do there?

Located at the foot of the iconic Mount Fuji and to the south of Tokyo, Gotemba is an idyllic resort town surrounded by nature. It’s a great day-trip and overnight destination for those looking to get away and relax as it offers hot springs, stunning hiking trails, historical and cultural sights, outdoor activities, and plenty of unique eateries. Whether it’s exploring caves and lava enriched landscapes, or indulging in hot springs and local delicacies – Gotemba has a bit of something to offer in terms of sightseeing and adventures.

History of Gotemba

Gotemba, which is renowned for its production of shōchū, a type of Japanese alcohol made from potatoes, has long been a place of pilgrimage for those seeking a unique experience. Its history stretches back to more than two centuries ago when during the Edo period (1603–1868), people started visiting the area for its hot springs. In turn, the area became known for its production of shōchū and the Gotemba Distillery was established in 1858 allowing visitors and locals to replenish themselves with the much-loved beverage.

Things To Do On and Around Gotemba

Gotemba has many unique attractions to explore whether you’re looking for historical sites, hot springs or outdoor activities.

Take a Gotemba Skatepark Tour

Gotemba is home to some of the best skate parks in Japan, so if you’re looking for an exciting adventure that doesn’t involve too much physical activity – this is a great option. Each park is designed differently and there are several options available such as the Takahaman Skate Park, Gotemba Valley Skate Park, and Suruga Heights Skate Park. All of the skate parks are free to enter, however, you’ll need to rent skateboarding gear, which can be done easily through online rental companies such as Rent a Skate Park.

Get to Know the Lava caves at Osato Caves

The Osato Caves are one of Gotemba’s natural wonders and should definitely be on your list of places to visit! Inside the caves there is a colonial structure that has been long forgotten however the caves still have various paintings revealing their once inhabited existence. What’s interesting about this is that the ceiling of the cave are lava fields which were created around 2000 years ago! You can enter this beautiful tunnel with a guide so you don’t get lost and also find out more about Osato’s history.

Visit Gotemba Premium Outlets

Who doesn’t love shopping? 12 kilometres from Gotemba there is a sprawling shopping mall known as Gotemba Premium Outlets which is one of Japan’s largest outlet malls with over 200 stores. The mall is a great place for those who love fashion and want to save money on their shopping sprees as there are plenty of discounted items available here.

Relax at a Hot Spring

Relaxing in a hot spring also known as onsen is one of the best experiences available in Japan as it offers a great way to relax and reinvigorate your body after long days travelling around. At Gotemba you have few different options when it comes to hot springs, one of which being Shuzenji Onsen located in a medieval hot spring village filled with temples, shrines, and cultural attractions. Alternatively you can relax at Hakei No Yu Onen which is a delightful open-air bath made from natural hot spring waters that are known for their healing effects.

Hit The Trails Around Minami Alps National Park

Those keen on outdoor activities will be happy to know that Gotemba is located at close proximity of Minami Alps National Park which is an untouched natural area great for camping, picnics, flower hunting and more. The national park offers different trails varying in difficulty as well as an abundance of natural beauty making it worth every step. Alternatively, you can challenge yourself to climb Mount Hoei via the five-station mountain trail or take an easier path by enjoying the scenery while trekking Mt Kaiyodaki. Whichever route you decide to take, make sure not to miss out on enjoying spectacular views of Mt. Fuji along the way!

Discover the Gotemba Shoruichi Samurai District

Gotemba was home to many samurai warriors in the past and there are still some sites left scattered around the town related to these warrior clans. This is why it’s worth taking a visit to places such as Gotemba Shoruichi samurai district where you can discover old-style houses as well as samurai-related artifacts such as armor and clothing – all housed within traditional establishments that have stood for hundreds of years.

Enjoy Local Cuisine Through a Food Tour

Gotemba is renowned for its delicious cuisine which includes local favorites like nagashi somen (a type of cold noodle dish typically served during summertime), local varieties of pickles, traditional pork miso soup and fresh fish caught from nearby waters. To top it all off, Gotemba produces shochu which gives meals and drinks a local twist – another speciality that needs to be tasted when visiting! For those looking to really understand Gotemba’s local delicacies and enjoy multiple bites in one go – consider joining a food tour like the Gotemba: Guided Nighttime Food Tour with Drinks. The tour experts offer a great mix of both authentic Japanese cuisine as well as dishes inspired by foreign flavors that are sure to give your tastebuds quite a surprise!

Overall, Gotemba offers lots of interesting activities and attractions for tourists who wish to explore parts of Japan that have not yet been touched by mass tourism and Explore culture, nature, and delicacies all wrapped up in one region. Whether you take it up as a day trip or an overnight adventure – we think you’ll find enough activities and foods along your way that will keep you coming back! Make sure to book your Gotemba: Guided Nighttime Food Tour with Drinks before you leave to enjoy local delicacies at their peak freshness! Enjoy your stay!