Kosai(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The ideal neighborhoods for exploring Lake Kusui's natural wonders are Kusui Central District and Fujikawa Riverside Area. Staying near Kusui Park grants easy access to the Fujisan Nature Trail, a scenic 3-hour loop through cedar forests and alpine meadows. For tranquility, choose Fujikawa Riverside Inn, a boutique ryokan with private riverfront gardens and a kaiseki dining experience using locally caught freshwater fish.

Don’t miss the Sunrise Viewing Deck at Mount Oyama, just a 10-minute drive from town—perfect for early-morning photography. Many hotels offer free shuttle buses to Kusui Observation Tower and Shinrin Forest Spa, where guests can enjoy forest bathing sessions guided by certified wellness practitioners. Early bookings are recommended during cherry blossom season.

When visiting Kusui City, be sure to sample Fujisan Freshwater Eel Sashimi, a regional specialty harvested from the pristine Kusui River. It’s served raw with yuzu zest and wasabi, offering a delicate balance of sweetness and tang. Another must-try is Shizuoka Green Tea Mochi, made with matcha from nearby terraced plantations and wrapped in rice dough—available at Kusui Morning Market.

For a hearty meal, visit Yamabuki Restaurant for their signature dish: Mountain Trout Hot Pot, simmered with wild ginger and shiitake mushrooms. The restaurant sources ingredients directly from local farmers and offers an interactive cooking class where guests learn to prepare it themselves. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of Kusui Dry Sake, known for its crisp finish and floral notes.

In Kusui City, head to Tea Garden Kusui, a family-run estate nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji, where visitors can participate in a full Shizuoka Matcha Experience. This includes harvesting fresh tea leaves, grinding them into ceremonial-grade matcha using traditional stone mills, and enjoying a tea ceremony in a thatched-roof pavilion overlooking terraced fields.

Another highlight is Sakura Teahouse, located near Kusui Park, which offers a "Tea & View" package: sip freshly brewed Sencha while gazing at the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fuji through floor-to-ceiling windows. They also sell limited-edition seasonal blends like Cherry Blossom Sencha, crafted only in spring. Reservations required for all workshops, especially during May harvest season.

Yes, Kusui Eco-Lodge is a certified green accommodation in Kusui City, powered entirely by solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems. The lodge uses reclaimed wood in construction and features zero-waste kitchens with composting programs. Guests receive reusable bamboo utensils and refillable toiletries in biodegradable packaging.

They also run a Forest Guardian Program, where guests can join weekly tree-planting activities or help maintain the native Japanese Cedar groves. All meals are sourced from local organic farms within a 30-kilometer radius. The lodge partners with Fujisan Conservation Association to fund reforestation projects—each guest receives a digital certificate upon checkout. Eco-certifications include Japan Green Tourism Seal and ISO 14001.

Beyond hiking, Kusui City offers several unique outdoor adventures. Try Fujisan Sky Rafting, a high-altitude zip-lining experience across the Kusui Gorge, where you soar above ancient cedars and catch panoramic views of the volcano. Another standout is Lake Kusui Night Kayaking, offered by Starlight Paddle Co., where guests paddle silently under moonlight while spotting fireflies along the shoreline.

For nature lovers, Forest Canopy Walkway lets you stroll on suspended bridges among treetops, with interpretive panels explaining local flora. Seasonal highlights include Spring Cherry Blossom Bike Tour (April) and Autumn Maple Light Festival (November), featuring illuminated trails and lantern displays. All activities include safety gear and bilingual guides.