Mount Haruna Fuji

Volcano Volcanic cone in Gunma resembling Mount Fuji

Gunma’s Mount Haruna Fuji combines a conical peak, Lake Haruna and a Shinto shrine; visitors hike, photograph lake views and use local ropeways.

Mount Haruna Fujisan-jinja torii.jpg
Mt. Haruna in fall.JPG
榛名山 March,2010 - panoramio.jpg
Main image

Mount Haruna, often referred to as Haruna Fuji because of its conical shape, is a volcanic mountain in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The peak rises to about 1,449 meters and includes a crater lake, Haruna-ko, within the cone.

The mountain offers short hikes to the summit, lakeside paths around Haruna-ko and viewpoints across surrounding plains and mountains. Seasonal changes, particularly autumn foliage and winter snow, are common reasons people visit for day trips and photography.

The mountain is volcanic in origin and has long had cultural and religious associations; a Shinto shrine is located on its slopes and contributes to the site’s cultural interest. The area is accessible from nearby towns in Gunma Prefecture and serves as a local outdoor recreation resource.

Mount Haruna sits in central Gunma Prefecture on the Kantō side of Japan’s main island, within driving distance of regional cities in the prefecture.

  • Summit elevation: Summit elevation is about 1,449 meters, giving clear vantage points over surrounding Gunma landscapes on good days.
  • Crater lake and walks: The crater lake provides accessible lakeside paths and is popular for short walks and seasonal foliage viewing.

What to See #

  • Haruna-ko (crater lake): A crater lake formed in the volcanic cone that is a focal point for walks and lakeside viewpoints.
  • Summit (about 1,449 m): The mountain summit at about 1,449 meters with hiking routes and lookout points over the Kantō region.
  • Haruna Shrine: A traditional Shinto shrine located on the mountain's slopes that is a cultural point of interest for visitors.
Mount Haruna Fuji
36.4774, 138.8782

How to Get to Mount Haruna Fuji #

From Takasaki Station (Gunma), regional buses run toward Haruna Onsen and Lake Haruna; driving is straightforward via prefectural roads that wind up the mountain. The Haruna Ropeway and local sightseeing buses serve the lake and shrine area in season.

Tips for Visiting Mount Haruna Fuji #

  • Visit in autumn (late October-November) for epic foliage color around Lake Haruna.
  • If driving, take the Haruna Line road up towards the lake - there are parking areas near Haruna Shrine.
  • Try local onsen towns (Haruna Onsen) and sample yōkan and soba at nearby inns after a hike.

Best Time to Visit Mount Haruna Fuji #

Late autumn is the most picturesque time to visit Mount Haruna (often nicknamed 'Haruna Fuji' for its conical profile), but summer offers comfortable hiking and spring brings blossoms.

Autumn (October-November)
Oct-Nov · 5-18°C (41-64°F)
Maple and beech turn brilliant shades; clearer skies make the lake and shrine very photogenic.
Summer (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Pleasant for hiking higher slopes; mornings are often cooler and the lake is peaceful.

Weather & Climate near Mount Haruna Fuji #

Climate

Mount Haruna Fuji's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1574 mm/year), wettest in August.

Best Time to Visit
AugustMayJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-7°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
13.0h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (207 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 20°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

207 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
14.5h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (216 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 24°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

216 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.2h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (247 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 25°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

247 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Heavy rain (235 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
13° 20°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

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