What Is Gotemba? The Complete Guide 2021

Gotemba (御殿場) is a city located in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is the most populous city in the prefecture, with an estimated population of approximately 137,500 people. The city was founded in 1940 and became an incorporated city in 1957.

Gotemba is located at the southeast corner of Shizuoka Prefecture, bordering Aichi Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture and the Pacific Ocean. It has a mild climate and is best known for its natural beauty. The city is home to Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, Hakone National Park and many other attractions.

Gotemba is known for its abundance of shopping malls and outlet stores. Gotemba Premium Outlets, Shizuoka Duty Free Store, Gotemba Factory Outlets and Mikatabara are some of the more popular shopping malls in the city. Gotemba Premium Outlets is especially well-known, as it is Japan’s largest outlet mall. The mall has more than 200 stores and is frequented by both locals and tourists.

In addition to shopping, Gotemba is also known for its hot springs. There are several hot spring resorts in the area, including Shimizu Onsen and Ryokan, Ryokan Kawai, Ryokan Hayama and Ryokan Hida-no-Sato. These resorts offer visitors a variety of treatments, such as massage and acupuncture.

Gotemba is home to a number of festivals, including the annual Gotemba Summer Festival, Gotemba Fireworks Festival, Gotemba Shrine Festival, Gotemba Harvest Festival and Gotemba Festival of Lights. These festivals offer visitors an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and celebrate the local community.

Gotemba is an ideal destination for those looking to experience Japan’s unique culture and natural beauty. Shopping malls and outlet stores offer visitors a chance to find unique items at unbeatable prices, while hot springs provide a relaxing way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Festivals provide an opportunity to experience traditional culture and customs, and Mount Fuji is an unforgettable sight for any traveler. To sum it all up, if you’re looking for a city that offers something for everyone, Gotemba is the place to be!

The official website of Gotemba city can be found at https://www.gotemba-kankou.jp/. It provides information about tourist attractions in the area, cultural events and festivals, accommodation options, things to do at night and more. Additionally, an interactive map of the area can be found on their website, making it easy to explore all that Gotemba has to offer!

An Insider’s Guide to Gotemba, Japan

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t forget to add Gotemba to your list of places to visit. Located in the Shizuoka Prefecture, about 90 km southwest of Tokyo, Gotemba is a beautiful city known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, hot springs, outlet malls, and cultural experiences. In this insider’s guide to Gotemba, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

Local Attractions

Gotemba is renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji – Japan’s most recognizable landmark. Tourists from all over the world come to Gotemba to capture the perfect photo of the mountain, which is visible from many spots throughout the city, including the Gotemba Premium Outlets – the city’s most popular attraction. The outlets are home to more than 210 stores with high-end fashion brands at discounted prices, making it a great place to shop.

Another must-see attraction in Gotemba is the Hakone Shrine. Located at the base of Mount Hakone, the shrine is a beautiful spot surrounded by nature. It features a torii gate which is famous for appearing to float on the water during high tide. The surrounding area is a popular destination for a scenic drive, hiking, and hot spring visits.

Dining Spots

Gotemba boasts a variety of restaurants, each serving delicious Japanese cuisine. One of the most popular dishes in the city is soba noodles – thin buckwheat noodles served hot or cold. If you’re looking for a local spot, try Hakkaku, which is famous for its homemade soba noodles. Another spot that’s worth checking is Michinoku, which serves a wide variety of Japanese food.

For visitors looking for a more international taste, there’s Pizza Salvatore Cuomo, an Italian restaurant known for its wood-fired pizza and fresh ingredients. You can also head to Cafe de Paris, which offers French-inspired pastries and desserts.

Cultural Experiences

Gotemba is steeped in history and culture, and there are plenty of opportunities to experience this for yourself. One such opportunity is the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, which offers free tours in Japanese and English. During the tour, you’ll learn about the distillation process of Japanese whisky and indulge in a tasting session.

The city is also home to the Komakado Kazaana cave, where you can witness ancient Shinto rituals, including the annual ‘firewalking’ ceremony. The cave, located in the mountainside, is also said to contain treasures left behind by a famous monk, Kobo Daishi.

Local History

Gotemba has a rich history dating back to the Edo period. Most of the city’s historical landmarks are located at the foot of Mount Fuji, including the Umebayashi Shiryokan, a cultural institution dedicated to the city’s history. The museum houses relics and artifacts from the Edo period and the samurai era, such as armor, swords, and maps.

Another spot worth visiting for its historical significance is the Kameyama Castle Ruins. While the castle no longer exists, the ruins remain, and you can climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding area.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For visitors looking for something different to do in Gotemba, the city is home to a few off-the-beaten-path activities. One such activity is paragliding from the top of Mount Fuji. This experience offers a truly unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Another off-the-beaten-path activity is visiting the Chichibunomiya Memorial Park. The park is dedicated to Prince Chichibu, a younger brother of Emperor Shōwa, who was a sports enthusiast. The park features a museum about the Prince, a beautiful Japanese garden, and various sports facilities.

In conclusion, Gotemba is packed with natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unique attractions, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan. We hope this insider’s guide has helped you plan an unforgettable trip to this incredible city.