While in Gotemba, visit Lake Higashiyama, a great spot to go for a day of solitary fishing or hours of fun helping your kids learn the basics of this sport. Live bait is not allowed, so bring your rod and a few flies or lures. Shiny spoons are particularly effective in attracting the trout that are regularly stocked in the lake.
Plan to do catch-and-release fishing. Visitors have reported catching colorful rainbow trout as large as 2 feet (60 centimeters) in length. You may see or catch chars and other species as well. The lake is not very large, but its paved shoreline and temporary dock offer plenty of space for fishers to set up locations far enough apart to avoid crossed lines.
Even if you’re not fishing, the lake is a pleasant place for a stroll. Walk along the promenade and enjoy views of cherry blossoms and hydrangea in the spring. Mount Fuji points skyward 14 miles (22 kilometers) away, making an exceptional background for photos across the water.
After you’ve had enough fishing, enjoy some time with another fun activity, shopping. Travel about 1 mile (1.7 kilometers) northeast to Gotemba Premium Outlets. Browse for excellent deals on well-known international and Japanese brands in 290 stores. Most of the goods are tax-free. The mall closes just one day a year, the third Thursday of February.
If you’d rather golf than shop, spend a few hours at the Fuji Country Club. Every fairway offers a view of Mount Fuji, often with the conical peak to the west capped by snow in an iconic image recognized around the world.
Pay the admission fee to fish in the lake, which is open for fishing from morning until mid-evening. Reach the lake by car or taxi in less than 10 minutes from Gotemba. Park for free in the lot adjacent to the lake. Alternatively ride a free shuttle bus to Chichibunomiya Memorial Park and walk 2 or 3 minutes to the entrance to the lake. The Gotemba area is about a 1.5-hour drive from the center of Tokyo.
