Where to Go for the Best Views of Mount Fuji

About Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is an active volcano and the highest mountain in Japan, stretching across Shizuoka and Yamanashi. In 2013, the mountain and some of it surrounding areas were designated as an UNESCO world heritage site for the impact it has on Japanese culture, literature and art.

Every year, the mountain is open for hiking between July and mid-September. Over 200,000 eager hikers visit to climb Mount Fuji and for the view from the top.

1. Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

The Goju-no-To Tower with Mount Fuji

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine is well known as one of the best places in Japan to view Mount Fuji from. From the shrine is a beautiful view of Mount Fuji with the Goju-no-To five-storied pagoda tower.

The view in spring

For the prettiest views, visit in the spring season. During April, you can see Mount Fuji and Goju-no-To with cherry blossoms blooming from below.

Access

Nearest station: Shimoyoshida Station (Fuji Kyuko Line); about a 20-minute walk

【Kofu Sta.】JR Chuo Main Line / for Tachikawa
→【Otsuki Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Line / for Kawaguchi-ko
→【Shimoyoshida Sta.】→ about a 20-minute walk

2. Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji

Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the “Fuji Five Lakes”, locating on the Yamanashi-side of the foot of Mount Fuji. It is one of the easiest lakes to visit out of the five, and is has more sunny days compared to the other four lakes.

Mount Fuji with cherry blossoms

There are a few viewing spots at Lake Kawaguchiko, and the one above is from Ubuyagasaki. At Ubuyagasaki, you can see Mount Fuji reflected onto the lake’s surface. One of the most unique views of Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko is during the winter, with the “fuyu-hanabi”, or winter fireworks.

Winter fireworks and Mount Fuji

Although fireworks are usually a summertime event, “winter fireworks” are an annual event at Lake Kawaguchiko. The view of the snowcapped Mount Fuji and the fireworks is breathtaking.

The winter fireworks event is held every Saturday and Sunday between mid-January and mid-February, and on February 23.

Access

Nearest station: Kawaguchiko Station (Fuji Kyuko Line)

Once you arrive at Lake Kawaguchiko, you can either hop on a loop bus or rent a bicycle to circle the lake.

【Kofu Sta.】JR Chuo Main Line / for Tachikawa
→【Otsuki Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Line / for Kawaguchiko
→【Kawaguchiko Sta.】

3. Lake Yamanakako

A swan in Lake Yamanakako

Lake Yamanakako is the largest and the closest to Mount Fuji out of the Fuji Five Lakes. Visit in the beginning of February or in mid October to see the “Double Diamond Fuji” phenomenon, where the setting sun hits the peak of Mount Fuji and is reflected into Lake Yamanakako.

Mount Fuji with tulips

At the Lake Yamanakako Hananomiyako Flower Park, different flowers blossom every season. With tulips and nemophila flowers in the spring to poppies in the summer, any of the season’s flowers match beautiful with Mount Fuji.

Access

Nearest station: Fujisan Station (Fuji Kyuko Line), Gotemba Station (JR Gotemba Line, Odakyu Line)

【Kofu Sta.】JR Chuo Main Line / for Tachikawa
→【Otsuki Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Line / for Kawaguchiko
→【Fujisan Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Bus / for Doshi
→【Lake Yamanakako Bus Stop】

4. Lake Motosuko

The view that inspired the artwork on the ¥1000 bill

Lake Motosuko is the westernmost lake out of the Fuji Five Lakes. The view of the lake and Mount Fuji is famous for being on the ¥1000 bill.

Climb up a hill to get to the Nakanokura Observatory for this beautiful view!

The shibazakura at the foot of Mount Fuji

You can catch this amazing view of Mount Fuji and shibazakura (moss phlox) between mid April and late May, during the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. Over 800,000 shibazakura blossom during this period.

Access

Nearest station: Kawaguchiko Station (Fuji Kyuko Line)

【Kofu Sta.】JR Chuo Main Line / for Tachikawa
→【Otsuki Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Line / for Kawaguchiko
→【Kawaguchiko Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Bus / for Motosuko
→【Motosuko Bus Stop】

5. Lake Shojiko

Mount Fuji with its “child”, Mount Omuro

Lake Shojiko is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes. The view of Mount Fuji here is nicknamed the “child-cradling Fuji”, since it looks like Mount Fuji is cradling the mountain in front of it, Mount Omuro.

The view of Mount Fuji from Lake Shojiko is known to be the most beautiful out of the Fuji Five Lakes.

Mount Fuji reflecting on Lake Shojiko

Lake Shojiko is tranquil with little waves, so there is a higher chance of being able to see the mirrored Mount Fuji. You can get a good view of the mirrored Mount Fuji from Yamadaya Hotel right by the lake

Access

Nearest station: Kawaguchiko Station (Fuji Kyuko Line); JR Shinfuji Station

【Kofu Sta.】JR Chuo Main Line / for Tachikawa
→【Otsuki Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Line / for Kawaguchiko
→【Kawaguchiko Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Bus / for Motosuko
→【Shojiko Entrance Bus Stop】

6. Lake Saiko

Mount Fuji from Lake Saiko

Lake Saiko is located in the center between the rest of the Fuji Five Lakes. Forests and lush with nature surround it.

The view of Mount Fuji from “Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba” Village is amazing. The facility recreates a traditional Japanese village.

The view from Fujimibashi Bridge is especially beautiful. From there, you can see Mount Fuji and the traditional thatched-roof houses together.

Access

Nearest station: Kawaguchiko Station (Fuji Kyuko Line)

【Kofu Sta.】JR Chuo Main Line / for Tachikawa
→【Otsuki Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Line / for Kawaguchiko
→【Kawaguchiko Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Bus or Saiko Bus / for Saiko
→【Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba Bus Stop】

7. Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai and Mount Fuji

Oshino Hakkai is a cluster of eight spring water lakes. The water in the lakes is a result of the snow on Mount Fuji melting. The process of the water flowing out of the ground and into the lake takes around 20 years. It is designated as a national natural monument, and as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Fuji.

The view of Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai includes the lakes, traditional roofs and other greenery around it. During the spring, the cherry blossoms in the area bloom and create beautiful scenery.

Access

Nearest station: Fujisan Station (Fuji Kyuko Line); JR Gotemba Station

【Kofu Sta.】JR Chuo Main Line / for Tachikawa
→【Otsuki Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Line / for Kawgauchiko
→【Fujisan Sta.】Fuji Kyuko Bus / for Uchino
→【Oshino Hakkai Bus Stop】

Mount Fuji from Various Angles

As you travel through Yamanashi prefecture, you will see Mount Fuji from many different angles. The views of Mount Fuji differ greatly according to angle and season, and each view is a beauty of its own. You can always come back during different seasons for a different view of Mount Fuji!