'''Gotemba''' (___a__), occasionally written ''Gotenba'', is a city in Shizuoka, Japan.

Get in

Most visitors end up in Gotemba on their way from Tokyo to the summit of Mount Fuji. The ''Asagiri'' (________) express train connects Odakyu Shinjuku station directly to Gotemba; alternatively, you can take the JR Tokaido Line to Kozu and transfer to the JR Gotemba Line.

During official climbing season there are direct buses from the Gotemba station to the Gotemba 5th station that take about 40 minutes and cost \1080/1500 one-way/return.

There is a quick (90-minute) bus to Gotenba from the Odakyu depot near the west exit of Shinjuku station in Tokyo, and a bus that takes slightly longer (100 minutes) from Tokyo station. Both cost 1540 yen and make a few stops along the way on the Tomei expressway. Buses to Tokyo from Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Osaka may stop at Tomei Gotenba depending on the schedule.

Get around

See

There is a beautiful view of Gotenba from the ''________ (bussharitou)'', a pagoda where remains of Buddha are said to be enshrined. Known on signs around town as the Peace Park, it is ideal for a couple hours lovely stroll. Statues depicting the mythical sphynx creature have been donated from various countries in Asia (such as Korea and Thailand) to represent the current peace between Japan and each respective country. China has not donated a statue.

Climb to the top of the hill behind the pagoda for a view of Mt. Fuji, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gotenba landscape.

There is also a small ostrich and monkey zoo and Japanese garden just below the pagoda.

Do

Package tickets with bus fare to nearby Fujikyu Highland Amusement Park are available at the ticket office in Gotenba Station's bus depot. About 45 minutes from Gotenba station by bus.

Buy

Check out the Gotemba Premium Outlets, with a quick, free shuttle from Gotemba station or from the Tomei highway bus stop. Brand names at reduced prices, with a good variety of shops (from Armani to Adidas).

Eat

Some good ice-cream parlors are there serving big size ice-cream cocktails. Don't expect much from the McDonalds, they don't have all the items.

Drink

Gotenba's lacking in genuine bars but has a few chain izakayas.

Check out Dorifu for somewhat of a bar atmosphere.

Hibiki serves as a restaurant but very occasionally pulls out the stops for a good club event, with local and Tokyo DJs playing good electronic dance music and a crowd coming from neighboring towns.

Wednesday night at Majolica is ladies' night, with reduced prices on drinks and no ladies.

Sleep

Gotemba Youth Hostel 3857 Higashiyama, Gotemba-shi, 412-0024, Shizuoka-ken (+81) 0550-823045

The cheapest place in town. Call for rates.

Contact

Get out

Buses to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Osaka stop regularly at Tomei Gotenba; you can buy a ticket as you board. There's a free shuttle from Gotenba station to Tomei Gotenba leaving every twenty minutes.