Evening in Fuji settles early, with the light going off the mountains and the streets around the station filling with people heading home or heading out. A visitor's night here is a modest one: dinner, a drink, and a walk back before the last trains.
Fuji is not a city with a large or varied nightlife scene. What exists is concentrated and low-key, and it suits travellers who want an easy evening rather than a long one, and who are happy to make a single stop the whole of their night.
1. The area around Fuji station
The station and the streets immediately around it are where an evening out in Fuji happens. This is where you will find places to eat and drink within walking distance of the platforms, which matters if you are returning by train.
It suits a straightforward night: arrive, eat, have a drink nearby, and leave. Keep an eye on the time, since the trains set the practical limit on how late you can stay.
2. Land of OZ
Land of OZ, just south of Fuji station, is described as a place to drink and interact with other foreigners from around the world, and as the only place in the city catering to foreigners. It serves a variety of international beers, including Guinness, along with Australian wines and bar food such as chicken wings and nachos.
It suits travellers who want company and a conversation in a familiar language rather than a quiet drink alone. Note that this description dates from April 2024; confirm locally before making it the plan for your evening.
How a night out unfolds
What can be said is that the city's nightlife is centred on the station area, so the rhythm of the evening is tied to train times rather than to a late-running bar scene. Plan your night around your last connection rather than around closing time.
Festivals and events worth timing a trip around
- Sports Day — October
- Culture Day — November
- 7-5-3 Day — November
- Labor Thanksgiving Day — November
- Christmas — December
- December 31 Bank Holiday — December
- New Year's Day — January
- January 2 and 3 Bank Holidays — January
- Coming of Age Day — January
- Setsubun — February
- National Foundation Day — February
Is there much nightlife in Fuji?
Not much.
Where should I go for a drink near Fuji station?
It offers international beers, Australian wines and bar food, and is described as a good place to meet other foreigners.
Do I need to worry about getting back late?
Because the nightlife sits around the station, train times are the sensible thing to plan around.
When are the main public holidays?
Sports Day falls in October; Culture Day, 7-5-3 Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day in November; Christmas and the December 31 bank holiday in December; New Year's Day, the January 2 and 3 bank holidays and Coming of Age Day in January; and Setsubun and National Foundation Day in February.
Decide on your one stop before you set out, check the times that matter, and let the evening stay as simple as the city does.