Mount Fuji is more than just a mountain, it's a cultural and spiritual symbol of Japan.
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013, it has long been a destination for pilgrims and continues to be revered for it's beauty and significance.
Renowned for it's breathtaking vistas, Mount Fuji offers incredible views from various spots around the region. Whether you're close to the mountain or admiring it from afar, the landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
1. The Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)
Location: Northern base of Mount Fuji
The Fuji Five Lakes area is the ultimate destination for breathtaking, close-up views of Mount Fuji. Each lake offers a distinct perspective, with Lake Kawaguchiko being the most popular. Its accessibility and stunning reflection of Fuji, especially during cherry blossom season in spring or the vibrant autumn foliage, make it a must-see.
2. Chureito Pagoda
Location: Arakura Sengen Shrine, Fujiyoshida City
This iconic five-story pagoda, framed by Mount Fuji, is one of the most photographed spots in Japan. The view is particularly picturesque during cherry blossom season when the pink blooms enhance the mountain’s grandeur.
3. Oshino Hakkai
Location: Oshino Village
Nestled between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako, Oshino Hakkai features eight crystal-clear ponds fed by melted snow from Mount Fuji. With Fuji in the background, this spot offers incredible photo opportunities, making it a favorite for photographers.
4. Gotemba Peace Park
Location: Gotemba City
Located on the southeastern side of Mount Fuji, Gotemba Peace Park offers peaceful views of the mountain, especially during the cherry blossom season when the park’s cherry trees create a colorful frame for Fuji.
5. Hakone
Location: 40-50 km southeast of Mount Fuji
Famous for its hot springs, museums, and spectacular views, Hakone offers stunning vistas of Mount Fuji. The view from Ashinoko Lake, formed by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago, is particularly striking, with Fuji rising majestically behind the serene waters.
6. Tokyo Skytree
Location: Tokyo
Though 100 kilometers away, the Tokyo Skytree offers one of the best distant views of Mount Fuji, especially on clear days. From the observation decks of the world’s tallest tower, you can marvel at Fuji towering above the city skyline.
7. Boso Peninsula
Location: Chiba Prefecture
For a unique and distant view of Mount Fuji, head to the Boso Peninsula in Chiba, where Fuji can be seen across Tokyo Bay. Early mornings offer the clearest skies, making it the best time to catch this rare and majestic sight.
8. Enoshima Island
Location: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
From Enoshima Island, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji across the bay. The Enoshima Sea Candle (lighthouse observation tower) offers a panoramic view that beautifully combines the mountain, the sea, and the island.
9. Shinkansen Bullet Train
Location: Between Tokyo and Osaka
One of the most thrilling ways to see Mount Fuji is from the window of a Shinkansen bullet train. On the Tokaido Shinkansen line, passengers on the right side of the train get a fleeting yet stunning view of Fuji, particularly between Shin-Fuji and Shizuoka stations.
10. Fujimi Terrace
Location: Nagoya
Fujimi Terrace, located on the rooftop of a skyscraper in Nagoya, provides a unique urban vantage point of Mount Fuji. On clear days, you can see the mountain framed by the city skyline, offering an impressive contrast of nature and urban life.
Things to Know About Climbing Mount Fuji
Climbing Mount Fuji is a remarkable experience, but it requires proper preparation.
Yoshida Trail: The most popular route, known for it's abundant huts and facilities.
Subashiri Trail: Merges with the Yoshida Trail at the eighth station. It offers a quieter climb through lush forests.
Gotemba Trail: The longest and least crowded, this route is ideal for those seeking a more challenging climb.
Fujinomiya Trail: The shortest route to the summit, taking approximately 5 hours to ascend
What to Do Around Mt. Fuji - Kawaguchiko Day Trip Guide
The video by Tokyo Cheapo
