The closest city to Mount Fuji is Fujinomiya, located in Shizuoka Prefecture on the southwestern side of the mountain. Fujinomiya is considered the main gateway for those using the Fujinomiya Trail, and it offers the most direct proximity to the summit, making it a primary hub for climbers and tourists seeking an "authentic" Fuji experience. While Fujinomiya is the closest, the larger city of Gotemba is also a major point of access. For those looking for the "biggest" nearby metropolitan area, Shizuoka City is the capital of the prefecture, but most travelers from abroad consider Tokyo the main "big city" hub, which is roughly 100 kilometers away and reachable via a two-hour bus or train ride. Fujinomiya is particularly significant because it houses the Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, the head shrine of over 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan, historically used by pilgrims before their ascent.