The Best Places To See Mt. Fuji In Japan

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Mt Fuji is Japan’s most famous mountain. The 12,389-foot-tall peak has a religion dedicated to its worship, has inspired Japanese artists, and is a humbling symbol of strength. Formed by volcanic activity that started some 100,000 years ago – few sights in Japan are as impressive as Mt Fuji.

Tourists flock to Japan chasing the most awe-inspiring views of Mt Fuji, but with so many different viewpoints to choose from it can be dizzying trying to figure out where to go! We’ve compiled this epic list of viewpoints to help. From breathtaking pagodas and vast lakes to hot springs and shopping malls, we’ve found all the best places to see Mt Fuji from!

Best Places To See Mt Fuji From

Get ready to explore the coolest places at the base of Mount Fuji and discover epic viewpoints. We’ve got something for every kind of traveler in this guide, so let’s dive in!

1. Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi Prefecture

Lake Kawaguchi, which is also called Lake Kawaguchiko, has some of the best Mt Fuji views! It’s the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, as the Kawaguchiko Station in town has bus and train connections to and from Tokyo. 

There are loads of ways to take in the epic views of the imposing mountain from the lake’s shores. You can kayak onto the open water or wander the network of trails around the lake. Another great way to make the most of your time at Lake Kawaguchi is to rent a bike! You can peddle your way along the lake and see the breathtaking views of Mt Fuji from different angles.  

Oishi Park is a super pretty park on the lake’s northern shore. There are stunning views of Mt Fuji from the park’s lakeside promenade and picturesque gardens. In spring, the flowers come into bloom and frame the mountain views! Later in the year, around mid-June, the lavender fields come into bloom along the picturesque Flowers Road on the park’s west side. 

Lots of photographers gather here on a clear day, but it never feels overcrowded, and there’s plenty of space for everyone.

In winter, the park is lit up with fantastic illuminations at night, which are on from 5 PM to 8 PM each night in December and January.

If you don’t want to drive in Japan, go on this day trip tour from Tokyo! You’ll get to spend time wandering around the lake, then climb the ropeway, as well as visiting the famous ponds in Oshino Hakkai (another of our top places to see Mt Fuji!). As well as views of the mountain, you’ll get to try your hand at the art of matcha making in this tour too, which we think is an awesome way to learn about Japanese culture. 

Visitors also love riding the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway that ascends 400 meters from the lake’s eastern shore and up to the top of Mount Tenjo, where there’s an observation deck that has panoramic views of the lake and Mount Fuji – bring your best camera for this one! The ropeway is over an hour’s walk away from Oishi Park along the lake’s edge, or a short 10-minute drive away.

Where To Stay At Lake Kawaguchi

The cozy and traditional Japanese style rooms at Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato are right on the edge of the lake’s shores. You’ll have breathtaking views over the lake from your room, and you can see Mt Fuji from different areas of the hotel. A definite highlight is relaxing in their outdoor hot spring bath with views of Mt Fuji rising above you.

2. Oshino Hakkai, Yamanashi Prefecture

Image via Unsplash by Hong Ki Tang

This little village is famous for its crystal-clear ponds that are fed by snowmelt that filter down from Mt Fuji. The waters are the clearest you’ll ever see, which is no surprise considering there’s an elaborate 80-year filtering process through the region’s volcanic rock before they actually reach the ponds! 

One of the ponds is so clear you can even drink the refreshing water that trickles into the pond from a fountain next to it. 

There were originally six lakes in the Mt Fuji region, but one of them dried up hundreds of years ago. Oshino Hakkai is built on the site where the lake once was. The village sits between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako.

The ponds are framed by views of the breathtaking Mt Fuji summit in the distance! When the cherry blossom is in season, the ponds are especially majestic, and the town is littered with delicate pink petals that make it feel like you’ve walked into a Japanese fairytale. 

Aside from the famous ponds, there are quaint thatched cottages in the village hidden amongst the garden trees. If you want to visit them, head to the open-air museum, Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan. You can wander into one of the thatched cottages where they have household items on display, as well as some pretty cool samurai weapons!

Oshino Hakkai is especially beautiful during sakura, when the cherry blossoms are flowering. Outside of the pond area, there’s a river that has a walkway lined with cherry blossom trees and Mt Fuji views you have to visit before leaving.

This tour includes two of the epic viewpoints on this guide! As well as visiting Oshino Hakkai, your guide will take you to Arakurayama Sengen Park, the awesome Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, and Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, which is another traditional Japanese village famed for its breathtaking mountain views. The tour packs a lot in, which is why we think it’s a great option for anyone who wants to see as much as possible in just a day.

Where To Stay In Oshino

The modern and luxurious apartments at Hakkai Kobanakan have mountain views, spacious living spaces, and private hot tubs! They’re perfect for a couple on a romantic getaway or groups of friends looking to stay in the same accommodation. They have on-site parking, and you can even get breakfast delivered to your private apartment. Enjoy exceptional hotel service in your own private apartment!

3. Chureito Pagoda, Yamanashi Prefecture

Without a doubt, the breathtaking five-story high Chureito Pagoda is our top pick of places to see Mt Fuji during the cherry blossom season. Built on a mountainside opposite Mt Fuji, it’s worth visiting any month of the year, but in sakura season it’s extra special.

The complex, which includes the Arakura Sengen Shrine, was built in 1963 as a peace memorial. You’ll wander past the shrine first, which is lower down the hill. From there, get ready to tackle the 400 steps it takes to reach the observation deck at the top! Your thighs might protest, but the minute you see the awe-inspiring panoramic views of Mt Fuji in the distance you will forget about the steps it took to get there.

During the sakura season, there’s an enchanting feel to the pagoda, which is why it made it onto our list of the best places to see the cherry blossom in Japan. It’s also made it onto our 10 Day Japan Itinerary for First Timers! 

We didn’t know this when we visited, but they actually limit the number of people who can go onto the deck at one time during cherry blossom season because it gets so busy. 

They let groups of 50 people onto the deck for 5 minutes at a time, then switch to the next group. You’ll have to snap your pictures quickly! But there’s enough time to take in the views of Mt Fuji and do a little hanami contemplating. Once you’ve been on the observation deck you can also stroll around the little trails that surround the pagoda and look for secret spots nearby with epic views of Mt Fuji.

We’d recommend you book this awesome private tour from Tokyo! It goes to the Chureito Pagoda as well as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Shrine. You’ll get to see loads of the area and visit secret hanami spots.

Where To Stay Near Chureito Pagoda

We’ve found a spacious family-run apartment you’ll love! Guesthouse Sakura is a great option for all kinds of travelers and group sizes as it can sleep up to 8 people and it’s right next to the Chureito Pagoda. Downstairs the family also has a little cafe that is open daily. You have to try their matcha before you leave, it’s delicious!

4. Fuji Michi Street in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture

Image via Flickr by Yoshitaka Kashima

This iconic street, also known as Honcho Street, runs through the center of Fujiyoshida. The road that runs through it connects the city with Mt Fuji, which is why it’s such an awesome place to go if you’re chasing the best view of the snow-capped summit.

It’s by far the most Instagrammable spot to take pictures of Mt Fuji. The street signs and power lines contrast beautifully with the 12,388-foot peak in the distance! We also loved the atmosphere on the street, and the contrast of locals going about their day-to-day lives whilst social media influencers and tourists pose for holiday pictures.

Where To Stay Near Honcho Street

Book at night at Zawa, a two-bedroom villa in Fujiyoshida that has its own kitchen, chill area, and bathtub! It’s a great option for families traveling with kids. The villa is an interesting mix of traditional and modern, which we thought was great. It’s near other great viewpoints like Lake Kawaguchi too which is a huge plus.

5. Shiraito Falls, Shizuoka Prefecture

Image via Flickr by Alexandre H. Sato

Shiraito Falls isn’t a very well-known spot, which means even in peak season you can enjoy stunning views of Mt Fuji without having to compete with the crowds of people who are also trying to get the best pictures and soak in the landscape. 

The waterfall is just outside of the town of Karuizawa. It was named Shiraito after the Japanese word for strands of silk yarn because the falls have a wisp-like appearance. The waterfall is pretty cool, and stretches about 150 meters in an amphitheater shape around the cliff. 

The falls are nestled into the lush forest of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, so the landscape is particularly impressive in autumn when the leaves turn vibrant tones of reds and oranges.

There’s a cute walkboard around the waterfall that you can stroll along. Above the falls there are strategically positioned viewing points that have incredible views of the falls and the imposing peak of Mt Fuji in the backdrop!

From the parking lot it takes about 10 minutes to reach Shiraito Falls, and you’ll wander past Otodome Falls on the way! You’ll arrive at the two viewpoints above the waterfall first, and from there you can walk down the 100 or so steps it takes to reach the bottom of the waterfall. 

Like a lot of Mt Fuji viewpoints, you will need to get lucky with the weather to actually see the mountain! Check the weather to make sure you’re going on a clear and sunny day. None of the standard Mt Fuji tours go to Shiraito Falls either, so you’ll need to rent a car if you want to visit.

Where To Stay Near Shiraito Falls

Book a room at the classical Mampei Hotel in the nearby town of Karuizawa. They have elegant rooms with an old-fashioned twist! The service is great, and the hotel feels tucked away in lush greenery. You can arrange a pickup service from the nearest station through the hotel too!

6. Hotel Green Plaza, Kanagawa Prefecture

Image via Booking.com

It might seem unusual for a hotel to make it onto this article about the best places to see Mt Fuji – but let us explain! Hotel Green Plaza is in the Hakone region, which is famous for its natural hot springs. The hot springs are great, but imagine if you could combine them with views of Mt Fuji? Well, you can!

Hotel Green Plaza has open-air onsens with breathtaking views of the snow-capped summit of Mt Fuji in the distance. One of the 17 famed hot springs in the Hakone region, it’s the perfect viewpoint for those who’d rather leave their hiking boots at home and enjoy the best views of this iconic mountain without having to tackle any trails. 

The hot springs are open to the public as well as hotel guests, and you can even book yourself in for a luxurious massage if you want to indulge! We think this is the best place to see Mt Fuji for couples on a romantic getaway. 

Where To Stay

Stay at Hotel Green Plaza! As well as having luxurious hot springs with views of Mt Fuji they’re also a fantastic hotel. Your room comes with two meals included, so you can forget about any logistics and spend the day relaxing and indulging in their spa treatments. For a couple on a romantic getaway this is our top pick hotel.

7. Imamiya Tea Fields, Shizuoka Prefecture

Image via Flickr by koji.tachibana

The Imamiya region is known for its large green tea plantations. Tea is an integral part of Japanese culture, if you’ve ever heard of the elaborate tea ceremonies, you’ll know how important tea is to Japanese people! 

Tea ceremonies are a practice that can be traced as far back as the 9th century. Four principles govern the ceremony – harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. It’s hard to believe but the first ever recorded tea ceremony occurred in 815 and tells the tale of how a Buddhist monk named Eichu served tea to Emperor Saga, the country’s then ruler. 

Combining a visit to a tea plantation with views of Mt Fuji is an unforgettable experience you’ll remember forever! 

We recommend visiting the Obuchi Sasaba tea farm. Unfortunately, the only downside is that the only way to reach the plantation is with your own set of wheels! No tours visit the farm, and it’s impossible to reach with public transport. But we think it’s worth renting a car for a day and going on a day trip to this epic tea plantation with Mt Fuji views. 

Where To Stay Near The Imamiya Tea Fields

We’ve found this modern hotel just 3.5 miles away in Fuji city! The AB Hotel Fuji has clean and spacious rooms that are great for a short stay, and they even have an onsen. It’s just a 15-minute drive away from the tea fields. The hotel is in the heart of Fuji, which has lots of restaurants where you can stop for dinner and cool Mt Fuji views from its streets.

8. Lake Ashinoko

Image via Unsplash by Snowscat

Commonly known as Lake Ashi, this breathtaking lake sits inside the deep caldera that was formed by Mount Hakone’s last volcanic eruption some 3,000 years ago. The iconic view of the lake with Mt Fuji in the distance is one of the region’s most recognizable sites. 

Surrounded by lush forest, the lake’s shoreline is very picturesque, and mostly underdeveloped. We loved the rural feel of Lake Ashinoko, which is dotted only by a few small towns along the east and north shore. 

There are great views all round Lake Ashinoko, but for the best views of Lake Ashinoko with Mt Fuji in the distance, head to the Hakone Detached Palace. The big stone building used to be the Imperial Family’s summer home, but it’s now open to the public. 

The palace is surrounded by the stunning Onshi Hakone Park, which has lush walking trails running through it. It’s from here that you’ll get the best views! It’s a great spot to see Mt Fuji from in the winter, when the weather is cooler and there’s often better visibility than in the summer months. 

If you fancy an adventure, you could also book this tour that takes you on one of the lake’s popular lake cruises! Seeing the views from the water is an unbeatable experience, and the tour includes two other awesome Mt Fuji viewpoints, Mt Fuji 5th Station and the Hakone Ropeway. 

Where To Stay Near Lake Ashinoko

The glamorous Hakone Hotel has classical hotel rooms with breathtaking views of Lake Ashinoko! Some of the rooms even have luxurious bathtubs with views of the lake from the bathroom window. But don’t worry if you don’t get a room with a bathtub, there’s a public onsen in the hotel. The rooms are super spacious and have a little seating area where you can chill and soak in the stunning views.

9. Gotemba Shopping District, Shizuoka Prefecture

Image via exploreshizuoka.jp

It turns out you can even see Mt Fuji from a shopping mall in Gotemba city! The Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of the country’s top shopping areas, and in our minds it’s the best shopping area because there are panoramic views of Mt Fuji from every corner of this vast outdoor mall! 

For anyone who doesn’t want to get their feet dirty and would rather enjoy views of Mt Fuji between dipping in and out of shops, Gotemba Premium Outlets is the place to come. Window shop at the 290 shops in the large outdoor mall in between taking pictures of the epic Mt Fuji view in the backdrop.

More than just a shopping day, a trip to Gotemba Premium Outlet is an easy-to-access and unique Mt Fuji viewpoint!

This day tour from Tokyo is a great option if you want to enjoy a day of scenic shopping without having to worry about renting a car. It also includes a stop at Arakurayama Sengen Park and Oishi Park, so you can tick off some other famous viewpoints!

Where To Stay Near Gotemba Premium Outlets

Sengokuhara Shinanoki Ichinoyu is a traditional Japanese hotel just 10 minutes’ drive away from Gotemba Premium Outlets. The best thing about their rooms? They come with a private onsen! Sit back and relax in your very own onsen after a long day of window shopping and craning your neck to get the best views of Mt Fuji’s imposing peak in the distance. They also have food on site which was super delicious!

Mt Fuji Packing Guide

Here’s a handy packing list to guide you when you’re planning your trip to the best viewpoints around Mt Fuji:

• Comfortable shoes: Getting to the best Mt Fuji views involves a fair amount of walking! Pack your comfiest trainers or even consider bringing some lightweight hiking boots.
• Pack a raincoat: You aren’t guaranteed good weather in this more mountainous region of Japan, so pack a raincoat just in case! October and November are especially drizzly. 
• Bring your best camera so you can capture timeless memories of your time at these epic Mt Fuji viewpoints! You might want to think about packing other accessories like selfie sticks so you can take silly pictures with Mt Fuji in the distance too. 
• Remember to pack a travel adapter: You’ll need a two-pronged Type A for Japan, so check your plugs to see if you need to get an adapter ahead of your trip.
• Get some Japanese Yen ready before your trip: Japan is still very much a cash based country. You should also check that you can use your credit or debit card to take out Japanese Yen while you’re abroad without being charged hefty fees! If not, plan ahead and bring all the travel money you think you’ll need. In our 10 day Japan itinerary we estimated it costs about $147 per person per day to travel in Japan.
• Check if you need a Visa ahead of your trip! Most countries don’t need a Visa for a short holiday in Japan, but make sure you check the unique requirements for your country so you don’t run into any unexpected problems. You can find out more on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
• Bring hand sanitizer: It’s not unusual for there to be no soap in public and restaurant toilets in Japan.

Submerge Yourself In The Landscape Around Japan’s Most Famous Mountain

Spending a day or more around Mt Fuji is a must whilst you’re in Japan. The mountain is more than just a peak, it’s a part of Japanese culture and a holy mountain worshipped by many! We’ve found all the best places to see Mt Fuji so you can leave the research to us and start planning your Mt Fuji adventure!

We’ve got viewpoints for every kind of traveler. From avid hikers ready to take on lakeside trails and climb hundreds of stairs for the best views of Mt Fuji, to luxury seekers who want to enjoy Mt Fuji from inside a hot spring or in a shopping mall!

Mt Fuji Frequently Asked Questions