From Where To See Mount Fuji

At 3776 meters high, Mount Fuji stands as the highest peak in Japan and a symbol of national significance. Its near-perfect, isolated volcanic shape has been a subject in numerous forms of art for centuries. Art collections often strive to encapsulate its beauty from different perspectives, with Hokusai’s renowned series “36 Views of Mount Fuji” being a notable example.

Travelers have numerous chances to appreciate the beauty of Mount Fuji. Climbing the mountain is an evident choice, where views of its slopes are unavoidable during the ascent to the summit. However, the climbing season is limited to just a few months, and it’s often said that Mount Fuji’s true beauty is best observed from a distance rather than up close.

Mount Fuji’s majestic presence can be observed from numerous vantage points in the neighboring areas, each offering a unique perspective of the mountain. On exceptionally clear days, its snow-capped summit is visible from hundreds of kilometers away. However, it’s common for clouds or haze to obscure the view. For the best chances of a clear sighting, aim for early morning or late afternoon, particularly in the colder winter months when visibility is generally superior to that in the summer. The iconic snow cap of the mountain is usually seen from approximately November to May.

Located on Mount Fuji’s northern side, the Fuji Five Lakes area provides some of the best opportunities to view the mountain, thanks to its closeness. Hakone, while further away, is another favored spot for viewing Mount Fuji, though clear views depend on good weather both in Hakone and near the mountain. The list below includes these and other excellent locations for enjoying views of Mount Fuji:

● From Tokyo:

During clear weather, numerous observation decks in Tokyo provide captivating views of Mount Fuji, set against Tokyo’s urban skyline. Improved air quality has led to an increase in the days Mount Fuji can be seen from central Tokyo, with the current count exceeding 120 days annually.

Mount Takaosan: Mount Takaoson is a wooded mountain situated in the western Tokyo. It is so nearby to the people of Tokyo that here they can stroll around the nature and do an adventurous hike as well. On clear days, Mount Fujin can be seen from the top of the mountain’s summit or through a trail passing westwards.

From Shinkansen:

The Tokaido Shinkansen line travels to the south of Mount Fuji, providing passengers with glimpses of the mountain from their fast-moving trains. Additionally, there are vantage points located south of the railway tracks that offer opportunities to witness the Shinkansen trains passing by with Mount Fuji in the background.

From the train: Mount Fuji can be seen in between the journey of Tokyo and Osaka from a Tokaido Shinkansen. The best can be seen from Shin-Fuji station, which is 40-50 minutes into the journey from Tokyo and the mountains appear on the right side.
Together with the train: The renowned sight of Mount Fuji alongside Shinkansen trains can be savored from the agricultural fields situated to the east of central Fuji City.

● From the Fuji five lake region

Situated to the north of the iconic mountain, the region surrounding the Fuji Five Lakes is renowned for its stunning vistas of Mount Fuji. Numerous vantage points around these lakes provide breathtaking scenes. Additionally, this region is among the few in Japan where the extraordinary sight of the “Double Diamond Fuji” can be observed. This rare view features Mount Fuji and its reflection aligning perfectly with the sun as it kisses the summit at dawn or dusk.

North shore of the lake Kawaguchiko: This northern shore of the Lake Kawaguchiko is very extraordinary as it provides magnificent view of the mountain and it sometimes comes with the reflecting lake view. The shores of the lake and mountain offer the view with the combination of cherry blossom in mid April and during the autumn season it reflects with the orange-yellow colors.
Chureito Pagoda: The Chureito Pagoda is a five storied Pagoda which is situated in a Fujiyoshida city overlooking with a view of mountain side. This is a very famous spot of Fujigoko’s to witness the beauty of mount Fuji from a Pagoda with an uprising view of cherry blossom from bottom.
Lake Yamanakako: Lake Yamanakako, positioned as the easternmost lake of the Fuji Five Lakes, holds the distinction of being the largest and the second most advanced in terms of development. The lake offers impressive views of the mountains, particularly from its northern shoreline.
Oshino Hakai: Oshino Hakkai, a quaint and popular tourist village, lies to the northeast of Mount Fuji, nestled between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako. Tourists have the opportunity to take in the scenic combination of Mount Fuji and the traditional thatched roofs of the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, an open-air museum. This picturesque view is best enjoyed from an observation deck located near the museum’s entrance.
Mount Fuji panoramic ropeway: A hiking trail is planned from mount Tenjo to mount Mitsutoge which lead to an adventure to witness the sight of Mount Fuji. There is also panoramic ropeway which lead you to the observation deck with an overview of mount Fuji from 400 meters above the deck from the side of mount Tenjo.
Lake Motosuko: Lake Motosuko, situated as the furthest west among the five lakes, remains mostly unspoiled by development. The northwestern shoreline of the lake offers a celebrated view of the mountain, an image so iconic that it is featured on Japan’s 1000 yen note. However, accessing this spot via public transport can be challenging, as many buses primarily service the lake’s eastern side.
Fuji Shibazakura festival: This festival is held between mid April and late may near lake Motosuko, the Fuji Shibazakura is one of the places where you will observe pink moss. These pink flowers are usually best and fresh in the first three weeks of the May.

● From Hakone

Hakone is known for its stunning vistas of Mount Fuji, although these views are often obscured. Visibility frequently becomes an issue, particularly during midday, when fog and low-hanging clouds tend to envelop the mountain.

Moto Hakone: The Moto Hakone region, located along Lake Ashinoko’s southern edges, presents the quintessential Hakone panorama, blending the serene lake with Mount Fuji in the backdrop. Additionally, delightful vistas are available from the Hakone Detached Palace and aboard the sightseeing boats that cruise the lake.
Owakudani: Owakudani, known for its active volcanic landscape, is situated on the northern inclines of Mount Hakone. When the weather is clear, Mount Fuji becomes visible from the walking trails weaving through the area’s steaming hot spring fields, as well as from the ropeway linking Togendai and Owakudani.
Gotemba premium outlet: Shoppers at the Gotemba Premium Outlets, a highly frequented outlet mall in Japan, are treated to views of Mount Fuji. This shopping destination boasts more than 200 stores of both international and local brands, nestled in the valley that lies between Hakone and the mountain.

● From the Miura Peninsula:

Miura peninsula is a tiny peninsula in the south of Yokohama which is famous for its beaches. Although on a clear sky day, you can witness Mount Fuji while swimming on the western side of the peninsula.

Western coast of Miura peninsula: From Zushi to Miura the beaches aligned on the western coast of Miura peninsula provides a beautiful view of Mount Fuji.

● From the Izu peninsula

The Izu peninsula is a popular resort on the south of Mount Fuji. The peninsula western coast provides the best possible view of Mount Fuji with coastal areas attached to it.

Western coast of Izu peninsula: The western coast of Izu peninsula offers best view and specially around Heda where you can see the mountains and coastal scenery meeting.

● From Shizouka city

There is an amazing view of Mount Fuji from Shizouka city but the view is even more worth it if witnessed from Shimizu port.

Nihondaira plateau: The Nihondaira plateau offers an upraise view of Mount Fuji with the scenic green field and a urban Shimizu port below it. This visit is often combined with the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.
Miho beach: Miho Beach, stretching over three kilometers, is adorned with pine trees and sits on a peninsula on Suruga Bay’s western side. It’s renowned for the stunning contrast of its pebble-filled coast and the majestic Mount Fuji. This unique blend of natural beauty led to its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside Mount Fuji, celebrating the iconic scenery of Japan.

From the air:

There are some flights which from / to Tokyo’s Haneda airport fly at a very close proximity to Mount Fuji, that gives a bird’s eye view for all the passengers.

From the airport: The best view can be enjoyed on some of the domestic flights when travelling in internal Japan towards the west. Take a flight to or from Haneda airport, there the flights often fly near to the mountains and it sometimes get slower to hype the passengers.

● From the hot springs

Experiencing Mount Fuji from the comfort of an onsen bath ranks among the most tranquil experiences. Although there are several hot spring resorts in proximity to the mountain, it’s quite rare to find ryokans or public baths that offer the luxury of gazing at the mountain while unwinding in the warm, soothing waters.

Hot spring around the Fuji five lake: The Fuji Five Lake region is dotted with numerous hot spring baths, yet a surprisingly small number boast views of Mount Fuji directly from their pools. A handful of ryokans situated on Lake Kawaguchiko’s northeastern edge provide this exclusive feature in their baths. Additionally, public baths like Yurari, located to the south of Lake Saiko, and Benifuji no Yu, near Lake Yamanakako, also offer this scenic indulgence.
Hot spring around Hakone: In Hakone, the availability of hot spring baths offering vistas of Mount Fuji is even more limited. A notable exception is the Green Plaza Hotel close to Togendai, where its outdoor baths provide an opportunity to see the mountain on clear days. These baths are accessible to not just staying guests but also to visitors for a fee during certain hours of the day.

● From the ski slopes

Two small ski resorts can be found on the lower slopes of mount Fuji where skiers and snowboarders can perform various activities and can have a best view while sliding down the slopes.

Fujiten snow resort: Fujiten Snow Resort, the more expansive of the two ski resorts on Mount Fuji, is situated at the mountain’s northern base and boasts facilities with impressive views of the summit. Despite its size, the resort features a diverse range of slopes and also includes a substantial park area dedicated to children.
Snow town yeti: Situated on Mount Fuji’s southern slopes, Snow Town Yeti may not rank as Japan’s largest ski resort. Yet, its distinction as the country’s first to open each season (usually around late October, using artificial snow) and being one of only two resorts on Mount Fuji’s slopes, makes it a notable destination for snow enthusiasts to consider.