15 Beautiful Spots to See Mount Fuji

>> 18 Beautiful Spots to See Mount Fuji: Stunning Views from Every Angle <<

When you think of the symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji is almost certainly the first thing that comes to mind. At 3,776 meters, it's without a doubt the tallest mountain in Japan. Anyone who visits this country hopes to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji's beauty at least once. There are many spots where you can view it, so here's a list of some of the most stunning ones.

1. Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is arguably the most popular viewing spot. Set near Mount Fuji, the lake is surrounded by nature that is beautiful in every season. There's a walking path along the north side of the lake where you can take a relaxed stroll and enjoy the fresh air along with the view of Mount Fuji.

Access

Take the Azusa Line train and change at Otsuki Station for the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station. From there, take the town loop bus (red line) and get off at the Kawaguchiko Art Museum stop.

2. Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Shibazakura, or moss phlox, has a beauty all its own. One of the most popular times to visit is during the Fuji Shibazakura Festival in spring, when about 500,000 shibazakura plants bloom at once against the backdrop of Mount Fuji — a truly spectacular sight. The festival runs from mid-April to the end of May every year.

Access

Take the train to Kawaguchiko Station, then a bus to the Fuji Shibazakura Iriguchi stop.

3. Oishi Park

Oishi Park is located beside Lake Kawaguchiko, where you can see both the lake and Mount Fuji in the background. The park is at its most beautiful in summer, from mid-June to mid-July, when fields of purple lavender bloom and sway across the grounds.

Access

Take the train to Kawaguchiko Station, then the Fujikyu Retro Bus to the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center stop.

4. Shin-Fuji Station

This is a hugely popular and easy-to-reach spot, where you can photograph the sleek Shinkansen with Mount Fuji in the background. It's a favorite stop for travelers on the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka who want this photo.

Access

Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji Station.

5. Yuigahama Beach

If you like the beach but also want a great view of Mount Fuji, head to Kamakura and Yuigahama Beach. The view is well worth the trip: a long stretch of white sand, a sea breeze, and Mount Fuji in the background. You'll also find plenty of water sports, or you can simply relax and sunbathe.

Access

Take the Enoden Railway to Yuigahama Station.

6. Gotemba Premium Outlets

Wouldn't it be great to go shopping with a view of Mount Fuji? Head to Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet malls in Japan, made even more appealing by the beautiful view of Mount Fuji in the background.

Access

Take the Gotemba Line to Gotemba Station, then a bus to the Gotemba Premium Outlets stop.

7. Mishima Sky Walk

A landmark of Shizuoka, this 400-meter bridge is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan, set amid lush nature. It's another great spot to see Mount Fuji, offering a view that's both beautiful and a little thrilling.

Access

Take the Tokaido Line to Mishima Station, then bus number 5 to Mishima Sky Walk.

8. Mount Mitsutoge

Sometimes a great view takes a little effort. After a hike of about 1 hour 30 minutes, you can see Mount Fuji up close. It's well worth the walk — one look at the view and the tiredness disappears.

Access

Take the train to Kawaguchiko Station, then the bus on the Tenkajaya route to the Mitsutoge Tozanguchi stop.

9. Nihondaira

This hill is located in Shizuoka, well known as a top green tea growing area of Japan. Visitors tend to come from mid-April to early October each year, during the tea harvest season, when the lush green tea fields contrast beautifully with Mount Fuji. On a clear day, the blue sky against the green fields is especially refreshing.

Access

Take the Tokaido Hikari Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station, then the Shizutetsu Justline bus to Nihondaira.

10. Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha

This shrine is a valuable cultural heritage site that is over a thousand years old, located at the base of the mountain. Besides admiring its ancient Japanese architecture, you can also see Mount Fuji from the shrine grounds — a fitting blend of faith and nature.

Access

Take the Minobu Line to Fujinomiya Station, then walk about 10 minutes.

11. Lake Ashinoko at Hakone

Lake Ashinoko was formed after the eruption of the Hakone volcano 3,000 years ago. With Mount Fuji as its beautiful backdrop, it's become a symbol of Hakone. You can see Mount Fuji clearly in winter, or in the early morning and evening on any given day.

Access

Take a sightseeing boat cruise on the lake for the best view.

12. Mount Fuji and Cherry Blossoms at Chureito Pagoda

Chureito Pagoda is a five-story pagoda on a hillside with a clear and beautiful view of Fujiyoshida City and Mount Fuji in the distance. The pagoda stands within Arakura Sengen Shrine, which was built to commemorate peace in 1963. Reaching the pagoda from the shrine's main building requires climbing almost 400 steps.

Access

From Otsuki Station (35 minutes, 960 yen) or Kawaguchiko Station (10 minutes, 300 yen), take the Fujikyu Railway Line to Shimo-Yoshida Station, then walk another 10 minutes. The pagoda sits on a hill, requiring about another 5 minutes on foot uphill.

13. Mount Fuji and Traditional Thatched-Roof Houses at Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a small village attraction made up of eight ponds, located between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako, on the site of a sixth lake that dried up 200 to 300 years ago. The eight ponds are fed by melted snow that flows in summer from the slopes near Mount Fuji, filtering through porous lava rock for about 80 years, which makes the water especially clear.

Access

From Kawaguchiko Station or Gotemba Station, take a bus (about 1 hour).

14. From a High-Rise Building in Tokyo

Tokyo has several tall buildings that let visitors enjoy views from above, such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. From these heights, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the peak of Mount Fuji — a striking view of Tokyo and Mount Fuji together from a different angle.

15. Mount Fuji from an Airplane

If you're flying into Narita Airport, you may get the chance to see Mount Fuji from above on your flight, both on arrival and departure — it appears roughly 30 minutes before landing or after takeoff. Given Mount Fuji's height and size, you'll be able to see it clearly from your window seat.

16. Mount Fuji from a Train Window

One of the special things about Japan is its extensive rail network, covering almost every area. Viewing Mount Fuji from a train is one of the more unique ways to take it in. We recommend the Fujisan View Express, run by Fujikyu, which travels closer to Mount Fuji than any other line. It's designed with comfort in mind, with a spacious, beautifully decorated interior and full amenities. It runs between Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station, with 2 to 3 round trips a day.