Rising 3776 meters above sea level, Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest mountain and most iconic landmark. Images of the nearly perfect, solitary volcano have appeared in paintings, wood block prints and other artworks for centuries. Some collections even attempt to capture the essence of seeing the mountain from various viewpoints, Hokusai's popular "36 Views of Mount Fuji" being a prime example.
There are many opportunities for travelers to enjoy views of Mount Fuji. Of course, the most obvious would be to climb the mountain, as you cannot help but see the slopes as you plod along the trails up to the peak. But the climbing season only lasts for a few months and frankly, Mount Fuji looks better from afar than from close up.
Mount Fuji can be seen from countless points in the surrounding regions, seemingly assuming a different character from each perspective. On the clearest of days, its white capped peak may be visible from hundreds of kilometers away; however, more often than not the view of the mountaintop is obstructed by low hanging clouds or poor visibility. To increase your chances of success, try to see the mountain in the early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the colder winter months when visibility tends to better than during summer. The mountain's famous snow cap is typically visible from around November to around May.
The Fuji Five Lakes region on the northern slopes of Mount Fuji offers visitors the highest chance for good views of the mountain due to its proximity. The more distant Hakone is also a popular place to see the mountain, but odds of catching clear views are lower there since it needs to be clear both in Hakone and around the mountain. The following list includes these and other good spots from which to get a nice view of Mount Fuji:
From Tokyo
On clear days, many of Tokyo's observation decks offer interesting views of Mount Fuji in contrast with the urban skyline of Tokyo. Thanks to an improvement in air quality, the number of days that Mount Fuji is visible from central Tokyo has steadily risen over the past decades and now stands at over 120.
Hours: 9:00 to 20:30 Closed: 3rd Sunday in May, December 29 to January 3 Admission: Free
Of the numerous observation decks in Tokyo, the centrally located Bunkyo Civic Center provides some of the most striking views of Mount Fuji, as the mountain can be seen looming large behind the skyscrapers of the Shinjuku district.
Takaosan is a wooded mountain in western Tokyo and one of the closest places to the city where you can enjoy nature and hiking. On clear days Mount Fuji is visible from the the mountain's summit and from the trail that continue westward along the ridge.
From the Shinkansen
The Tokaido Shinkansen runs south of Mount Fuji allowing travelers a view of the mountain from the trains as they whiz by. The fields south of the track also offer nice views of the trains and the mountain together.
Mount Fuji can be seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka. When coming from Tokyo, the mountain appears on the right side of the train and is best viewed around Shin-Fuji Station, about 40-45 minutes into the journey.
The famous view of Mount Fuji in combination with shinkansen trains can be enjoyed from the farmland east of central Fuji City.
From the Fuji Five Lake Region
Just north of the mountain, the Fuji Five Lake region offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji. There are several vantage points around the lakes from which to get beautiful views of the mountain. The area is also one of only a few places in Japan were you can see the rare "Double Diamond Fuji", i.e. Mount Fuji together with its reflection just as the rising or setting sun touches the mountain's peak.
The northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko offers some of the most breathtaking views of the mountain that sometimes come with a reflection in the lake. The shores offer views of the lake and mountain in combination with cherry blossoms usually around mid April and in combination with autumn colors usually around mid November.
The Chureito Pagoda is a five storied pagoda on the mountainside overlooking Fujiyoshida City. The pagoda is one of Fujigoko's most popular cherry blossom spots where you can get beautiful views of Mount Fuji rising up through a sea of cherry blossoms.
Lake Yamanakako is the easternmost, largest and second most developed of the Fuji Five Lakes. There are good views of the mountain from the lake, especially along the northern shore.
Oshino Hakkai is a small, touristy village northeast of Mount Fuji between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako. Visitors can enjoy views of the mountain together with the thatched roofs of the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan open air museum from an observation deck near the entrance to the museum.
The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway leads to an observation deck overlooking Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko from 400 meters up the side of Mount Tenjo. A hiking trail leads from here to Mount Mitsutoge, a popular day hike with good views of Mount Fuji.
Lake Motosuko is the westernmost of the five lakes and largely undeveloped. A famous view of the mountain from the lake's northwestern shore appears on Japan's 1000 yen bill. Unfortunately, it is rather difficult to reach by public transportation as many buses only stop along the eastern side of the lake.
Held between mid April to early June near Lake Motosuko, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is one of the best places to see pink moss (shibazakura). The flowers usually looks best around the first three weeks of May.
From Hakone
Hakone offers some of the most beautiful views of Mount Fuji... when you can actually see it. Unfortunately visibility is often poor, especially during midday when fog and low clouds may gather on the mountain.
The Moto Hakone area along the southern shores of Lake Ashinoko offers the classic Hakone view of the lake in combination with Mount Fuji. Nice views can also be enjoyed from the Hakone Detached Palace and from the sightseeing boats that ply the lake.
Owakudani is an active volcanic "hell valley" on the northern slopes of Mount Hakone. On clear days Mount Fuji can be seen from the walking paths that lead around the area's fuming hot spring fields and from the ropeway that connects Togendai with Owakudani.
Outlet shoppers can enjoy views of Mount Fuji from the Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the most popular outlet malls in Japan. The outlet mall features over 200 international and domestic brand stores located down in the valley between Hakone and the mountain.
From the Miura Peninsula
The Miura Peninsula is a small peninsula south of Yokohama that is popular for its beaches. On a clear day, Mount Fuji can be seen from the beaches on the western side of the peninsula.
Western coast of Miura Peninsula
From Zushi to Miura, the beaches along the western coast of the Miura Peninsula offer good views of Mount Fuji across the bay.
From the Izu Peninsula
The Izu Peninsula is a popular hot spring and resort area south of Mount Fuji. The best views are from the peninsula's western coast where you can see the mountain together with coastal scenery.
The western coast of the Izu Peninsula offers good views of Mount Fuji, especially from around Heda where you can see the mountain in combination with beautiful coastal scenery.
From Shizuoka City
Parts of Shizuoka City offer nice views of Mount Fuji, especially from around the Shimizu Port area.
Miho Beach is a three kilometer long, pine tree lined beach along a peninsula on the western coast of Suruga Bay. Famous for the views of its pebbly shoreline in combination with Mount Fuji, Miho Beach was recently added to the list of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites together with Mount Fuji for this very reason.
From the air
Some flights to/from Tokyo's Haneda Airport closely pass by Mount Fuji, offering passengers a bird's eye view.
The best views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed on domestic flights heading from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to destinations in western Japan, when the planes often fly very close to - if not right above - the mountain. Flights from western Japan in the direction of Haneda Airport usually pass further south, but can still provide nice views.
From hot spring baths
One of the most relaxing ways to see Mount Fuji is from an onsen bath. There are a few popular hot spring resort towns around the mountain; however, there are surprisingly few ryokan and public baths from where you can actually view the mountain while relaxing in the steaming hot water.
Many hot spring baths are scattered around the Fuji Five Lake area, but surprisingly few of them have views of Mount Fuji from their pools. Several ryokan along the northeastern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko offer baths with that luxury, as do the public baths Yurari south of Lake Saiko and Benifuji no Yu at Lake Yamanakako.
The number of hot spring baths with views of Mount Fuji in Hakone is even lower. Among the exceptions is the Green Plaza Hotel near Togendai whose outdoor baths allow the mountain to be viewed when visibility is good. The baths are also open to non-staying guests for an admission fee during limited daytime hours.
From the ski slopes
Two small ski resorts can be found on the lower slopes of Mount Fuji that offer skiers and snowboarders a unique view of the mountain as they barrel down its slopes.
The larger of the two ski resorts on Mount Fuji, Fujiten Snow Resort lies along the northern base of the mountain and its facilities offer some nice views of the peak. The park has a good selection of runs for its size, as well as a large kids park with sledding, innertubing, ski lessons, and other snow related activities suited toward children.
Located on the south slopes of the mountain, Snow Town Yeti is far from being the largest ski resort in Japan. However, considering that it is the earliest ski resort in the country to open each season (opening around mid October, albeit with manmade snow) and one of only two ski resorts on the slopes on Mount Fuji, it may be well worth it for snow fans to keep Snow Town Yeti on their radar.
A 7-minute walk from Lake Kawaguchi, the 2-person cottages at Ururun have a quaint European charm and offer a spa bath with Mount Fuji views. Sleeping arrangements are Japanese-style, with futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Parking is free. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a living area with a sofa, a TV and a DVD player. Each cottage comes with a spa bath with Mount Fuji views. Free Wi-Fi is available. Kawaguchiko Train Station is a 15-minute drive or a taxi ride and Fuji-Q Highland amusement park is a 15-minute drive away. Kawaguchi Asama shrine is a 10-minute walk from the property, and Nishikawa Bus Stop is a 3-minute walk. In warm weather, guests can unwind out on the patio.
Umeya Annex is a Japanese private home run by an oshi, or a religious teacher that guides and assists visitors on pilgrimages. The property is located next to the oshi's home that was built in 1776 and the only one existing in Kawaguchiko. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property. All units are air conditioned and have a flat-screen TV. A microwave and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle. There is a shared bathroom with a shower in every unit. The Arakura Sengen Shrine and the iconic five storied Chureito pagoda are around 5 km away from the property. The location offers stunning views of Mt Fuji in combination with the pagoda, where guests can also enjoy gazing at cherry blossoms during the spring season. The property is located in Fujikawaguchiko, 2.4 km from Lake Kawaguchi. Mount Fuji is 19 km from the property.
Set in Fujikawaguchiko, less than 1 km from Lake Kawaguchi, HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a garden. This 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space. The hostel features family rooms. Featuring a shared bathroom with a bidet and slippers, rooms at the hostel also have free WiFi, while selected rooms here will provide you with a lake view. Guests at HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fujikawaguchiko, like cycling. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine, Kawaguchiko Muse Museum and Yagizaki Park.
Located in Fujikawaguchiko, 3.3 km from Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji Guest House Ao provides accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking and a terrace. Featuring free bikes, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Local points of interest like Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine and Kawaguchi Asama Shrine are reachable within 2.9 km and 6 km, respectively. Guest rooms include bed linen. Mount Kachi Kachi Ropeway is 1.5 km from the hostel, while Lake Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge is 2.8 km away.
Just a 5-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, JINYA Fujikawaguchiko is located in Fujikawaguchiko. Free WiFi, private parking, a washing and drying machine are provided. All units in the hotel are equipped with a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and an electric kettle. Guest rooms feature air conditioning, a private bathroom and a toilet. Bed linen, towels and a hairdryer are provided. Selected rooms feature a dining table and a sofa. Mount Fuji is 16 km away from the hotel, while Mount Fuji 5th Station is a 65-minute bus ride away.
Featuring free WiFi and air conditioning, Cottage Pastorale is set in Fujikawaguchiko. Lake Kawaguchi is a 3-minute walk from the property. Free private parking is available on site. All units include a flat-screen TV. All units feature a kitchen equipped with a microwave and fridge. Each unit is fitted with a private bathroom with slippers and free toiletries. Towels and bed linen are available. Cottage Pastorale also includes a barbecue. Mount Fuji is 18 km from Cottage Pastorale, while Shimobe Hot Spring is 28 km away. The property offers a free shuttle service.
Set in Fujikawaguchiko, 5 km from Lake Kawaguchi, Fufu Kawaguchiko offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has a garden and provides a terrace. The units at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hot tub, bathrobes and slippers. Fufu Kawaguchiko features certain units with lake views, and rooms include a patio. At the accommodation all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at Fufu Kawaguchiko can enjoy an Asian breakfast. The wellness area at the hotel is comprised of a hot spring bath and a sauna. Guests at Fufu Kawaguchiko will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fujikawaguchiko, like cycling. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and Notenburo Tensui.
Offering great views of Mount Fuji, Villa May Queen offers 2-storey self-catering accommodation located just a 3-minute walk to Lake Kawaguchi. Guests can borrow bicycles for free to explore the local area. WiFi is offered throughout the property. While staying at the property, guests can prepare their own meals using kitchen appliances like IH cooking stoves, a microwave and a rice cooker. The living room has a sofa, a table and a flat-screen TV. Barbecue facilities can be used in summer free of charge. May Queen Villa is a 7-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Train Station. Fujikyu Highland Amusement Park is a 15-minute drive away. A supermarket and a 24-hour convenience store are located nearby.
Offering beautiful Mount Fuji views from its hot-spring baths, guest rooms and hot tub, Mizno Hotel is a 5-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Train Station. Located on a hilltop and overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, the hotel serves Japanese cuisine with an advance reservation. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. Guests at Mizno Hotel can sleep in Western-style beds, or experience traditional futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor in one of the Japanese-style rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and have an LCD TV and Yukata robes. The shore of Lake Kawaguchi is a 2-minute walk. Fuji-Q Highland amusement park and Fuji-Omuro Sengen Shrine are less than a 15-minute drive from the hotel. On-site parking is free, and free pick-up from Kawaguchiko Station is offered from 15:00-18:00. Mount Fuji 5th Station for climbing is a 1-hour bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station. Relaxation options include a sauna and massages. The hotel has English-speaking and French-speaking staff. A nightcap can be enjoyed at the bar.
Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa offers accommodation in Fujikawaguchiko, 40 metres from Lake Kawaguchi. Guests benefit from terrace. The kitchen features a microwave and a refrigerator and there is a private bathroom. A flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as a CD player are featured. Other facilities at Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa include a barbecue. Mount Fuji is 11 km from Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa, while Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre and Oishi Park are 3minutes on foot, and Fuji Oishi Hanaterrace, 1minute. Guests can make use of barbecue facilities in the property's private garden for dinner.