Travel

The Best Viewpoints That Capture the Beauty of Mount Fuji in Japan

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Nov 19, 2024 / 3754 Views

Evan Walker

Mount Fuji – Japan’s iconic active volcano that’s been dormant since 1707 – rises 12,389 feet above its landscape. Its snow-capped peak, the tallest in Japan, has captivated hearts and inspired artists for centuries. While conquering the summit is a dream for many, others prefer to appreciate Mount Fuji’s beauty from different vantage points. Known to attract tourists in hordes, here are some of the best viewpoints from where you can appreciate the beauty of Mount Fuji.

This surge in tourist numbers has led to overcrowding at prime viewing spots like Fujikawaguchiko’s Mount Fuji Lawson Convenience Store and Fuji City’s Mount Fuji Dream Bridge. While these areas are temporarily closed to visitors, countless other vantage points offer stunning Mount Fuji views. Let’s explore some of the best places to view the breathtaking beauty of Mount Fuji.

Picture-perfect spots: Best places to view Mount Fuji

Five Lakes of Fuji

Located at the northern base of Mount Fuji, the Five Lakes of Fuji are Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Shoji and Motosu.

Lake Yamanaka: The largest of the five lakes, Yamanaka, is one of the best places to view Mount Fuji. While views from any part of this lake are magnificent, one noteworthy viewpoint is the Panorama Dai, an observation deck southeast of the lake. This spot offers unobstructed views of Mount Fuji and the lake, especially at sunrise and sunset. Panorama Dai is a 30-minute walk from the “Mikuniyama Hiking Course Iriguchi” bus stop.

Lake Kawaguchi: Located in Fujikawaguchiko town, the second largest of the Five Lakes of Fuji offers equally breathtaking views. The lake’s northern shores are known as one of the best places to view Mount Fuji, especially during the mornings of cherry blossom season.

Lake Sai: Smaller than its neighbour, Lake Kawaguchi, Saiko’s western end offers stunning Mount Fuji views.

Lake Shoji: The smallest of the Fuji Five, Lake Shoji’s largely undeveloped landscape makes it an excellent place to enjoy a more natural view of Mount Fuji. The northern shores of the lake offer the best views.

Lake Motosu: Lake Motosu, printed on the JPY 1,000 currency note, is the westernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes. A little challenging to access, the best way to enjoy Mount Fuji views is by camping or hiking along its shores.

Book your stay at Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso via Booking.com

Book your stay at Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso via Agoda

Oshino Hakkai

best place to view Mount Fuji — Oshino Hakkai | Image credit: kentaro-yamazaki/Shutterstock

Oshino Hakkai is a picturesque spot in Oshino, a small village in the Five Lakes of Fuji region. This tourist spot is known for its eight legendary ponds fed by snow water and the most stunning Mount Fuji views! The village has an Oshino Hakkai bus stop that provides easy access.

Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Starting from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi and taking you to the observation deck near Mount Tenjo, the Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is true to its name, surprising you with the most picturesque views during the 30-minute journey. It is operational from 8:30 am to 6 pm and the round trip ticket costs JPY 1,000. Get down at the Yuransen Ropeway Iriguchi bus stop to reach the starting point of the ropeway.

Akakurayama Sengen Park

Perched on the hillside of Mount Arakura, the Akakurayama Sengen Park faces Mount Fuji, offering breathtaking views from several spots. Catch views from Chureito Pagoda, especially during the cherry blossom season, to make the most of your experience. The shrine is ten minutes from the Shimo-Yoshida Station.

Mishima Skywalk

The Mishima Skywalk is a 400-metre pedestrian suspension bridge, the longest in Japan, known for offering majestic views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay. The ideal way to enjoy the views of Mount Fuji is to visit the bridge in the morning or evening and take the Long Zip Slide and Forest Adventure. The skywalk is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and tickets start from JPY 1,400. The Mishima Station is the closest station to the skywalk.

Book your stay at Fuji Onsenji Yumedono via Booking.com

Book your stay at Fuji Onsenji Yumedono via Agoda

Fuji-Q Highland

Adventure enthusiasts can catch Mount Fuji views while riding one of the thrilling rides at the Fuji-Q Highland. Enjoy unobstructed views from Takabisha, one of the steepest roller coasters in the world. While entry to the park is free, each ride requires a ticket. The opening hours are updated monthly, so check before you go. The Fuji-Q Highland Bus stop and Fujikyu-Highland Station are the way to the amusement park.

If you are afraid of roller coasters, the Fujiyama Tower is the place for you. The observation deck on the side of a roller coaster is 55 metres tall, offering similar views. The ticket for the tower starts from JPY 1,000 and is open from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Honcho Street

Honcho Street is a popular shopping area in Fujiyoshida city, now popular on Instagram as one the best places to view Mount Fuji. Running through the city centre, the street creates an urban frame for the breathtaking natural beauty of Mount Fuji. You can reach Honcho Street through Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyuko Line.

Gotemba Premium Outlet

Enjoy retail therapy and the best Mount Fuji views at the Gotemba Premium Outlet, a mall featuring over 200 stores in the valley between the mountain and Hakone. It is open from 10 am to 8 pm and can be reached via Gotemba Station.

Tokyo Tower

Taller than the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower stands 333 metres tall and is one of the best places in Tokyo offering Mount Fuji views from its two observation decks (at 150 metres and 250 metres) and the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan. Tickets start at JPY 2,800 and the decks are open from 9 am to 10:30 pm, perfect for seeing Mount Fuji at sunset. You can reach Tokyo Tower from Onarimon Station along the Mita Subway Line, Kamiyacho Station on the Hibiya Line or Akabanebashi on the Oedo Line.

Best time to see Mount Fuji

Fuji-san is visible all year round and easy to spot from far away. While visibility may be hampered on foggy days even from the best vantage points, the best time to view Mount Fuji is Spring and Autumn.

The spring season is known for cherry blossoms and melting snow, offering pleasant weather and clear skies. Capturing Mount Fuji with sakura in full bloom is extra special. Autumn, on the other hand, paints Japan in hues of red, orange, and brown, enhancing Mount Fuji’s appeal and creating clear skies.

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(Hero and featured image credit: David Edelstein/Unsplash)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.