Best Places to See Mount Fuji: Top Viewing Spots in Japan

On my first trip to Japan, seeing Mount Fuji was at the top of my travel goals. No other attraction in the country is as iconic as this breathtaking mountain, which has long been a symbol of Japan’s beauty and cultural heritage. As the country’s most famous natural landmark, Mount Fuji draws millions of visitors every year who seek to admire its snow-capped peak and stunning surroundings. Whether viewed from a serene lake, a historic temple, or a scenic observation deck, visiting the best places to see Mount Fuji is an unforgettable experience that every traveler should have.

Best Places to See Mount Fuji

As the country’s tallest and most famous mountain, its stunning shape and changing seasons make it a breathtaking sight. Whether covered in snow, framed by cherry blossoms, or glowing in autumn colors, Mount Fuji is always impressive. To enjoy the best views, here are some of the best places to see Mount Fuji for an unforgettable experience.

1. Hakone

Hakone was the first destination I visited in hopes of capturing those magnificent views of Mount Fuji. Known for its hot springs, scenic landscapes, and cultural sites, Hakone is one of the best places to see Mount Fuji. My visit took place during spring, a season when cherry blossoms add to the region’s charm. Unfortunately, on the day of my visit, the sky was overcast. The thick clouds blocked my view of the iconic mountain. While I didn’t get to see Mount Fuji in all its glory, I still made the most of my trip by exploring Hakone’s top attractions.

I explored Hakone with the Hakone Freepass, a budget-friendly and convenient travel pass that made getting around effortless. Available for two or three days, it includes round-trip transportation from Tokyo and unlimited rides on eight different transport lines in Hakone. These include trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise. This pass is a great way to visit Hakone’s top attractions while saving time and money.

Hakone Day Trip Itinerary

With the Hakone Freepass, I was able to explore multiple scenic spots in a single day without worrying about transportation costs. If you’re planning a trip, here’s my sample travel itinerary for the day using the Hakone Freepass.

• 8:00 AM – Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto.
• 9:30 AM – Hop on the Hakone Tozan Train, Japan’s oldest mountain railway, and enjoy the scenic ride.
• 10:00 AM – Ride the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Gora, passing through lush forests.
• 10:30 AM – Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its sulfuric hot springs and famous black eggs.
• 12:00 PM – Enjoy a Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise, where you can see stunning views of Mount Fuji.
• 1:30 PM – Take a break and have some lunch.
• 3:00 PM – Visit Hakone Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine with a famous torii gate by the lake.
• 6:00 PM – Start heading back to Tokyo using the Hakone Freepass.

2. Kawaguchiko

Another popular destination I visited to see Mount Fuji was the Kawaguchiko. It is one of the best places for breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic mountain. I was lucky to visit twice. The first time was for an overnight stay and another time on a day trip from Tokyo with friends.

From my experience, one day isn’t enough to explore all the beautiful spots with stunning views of Mount Fuji. With scenic lakes, parks, and cultural landmarks, the area has so much to offer. But if you’re short on time, a day trip to Kawaguchiko is still worth it. The easiest way is by joining a group tour from Tokyo, which covers top attractions without worrying about transportation.

For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, I recommend getting the unlimited ride pass upon arrival in Kawaguchiko Station. This pass gives unlimited access to sightseeing buses, making it easy to visit multiple spots with the best views of Mount Fuji.

If you’re planning to visit Kawaguchiko, here are some must-visit places to enjoy the best Mount Fuji views.

• Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Traditional Japanese Village) – A must-visit traditional village near Lake Saiko, featuring historic thatched-roof houses turned into museums, craft shops, and cafes. This is the first place that we’ve visited when we joined the group tour. If the weather permits, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji while experiencing Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
• Oishi Park – This was one of the best places that I have visited to view Mt. Fuji. The park is famous for its seasonal flower displays, including vibrant lavender fields in summer. This picturesque park along Lake Kawaguchi is a top Instagram spot for nature lovers and photographers.
• Mount Fuji Distant Worship Site (Tenku no Torii) – A breathtaking torii gate with a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, making it one of Japan’s top photography spots. I visited this scenic viewpoint during my first trip to the Kawaguchiko area. Though it required a bit of a hike, the stunning view made it well worth the effort.
• Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway – A top-rated attraction in the Fuji Five Lakes area, this ropeway takes visitors up Mount Tenjo for spectacular aerial views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. The observation deck is a must-visit for travelers looking for the best panoramic Fuji views.
• Lawson Fujikawaguchiko Town hall – A unique spot where visitors can capture an Instagram-famous view of Mt. Fuji with Japan’s iconic Lawson convenience store.
• Arakurayama Sengen Park – One of Japan’s most famous photo spots, this park features the iconic Chureito Pagoda with a breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Fuji. To reach the top, visitors must climb approximately 400 steps, but the stunning panoramic view makes the effort worthwhile. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Honcho Street (Mt Fuji View) – Another great photo spot I visited during my first trip to Kawaguchiko. Just a short walk from Shimoyoshida Station, this street offers a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.
• Oshino Hakkai (the Eight Seas of Oshino) – This was the last stop of the group tour we’ve joined. It was crowded with tourists but still worth a stop to get some snacks and souvenir items. The area is a picturesque village with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. It’s also a popular cultural and nature destination near the Fuji Five Lakes.

From lakes and temples to city viewpoints, these locations offer some of the best views of Mount Fuji. Whether you’re a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, experiencing Japan’s most iconic mountain from these breathtaking viewpoints is truly unforgettable. There are still many more stunning spots to explore, and I can’t wait to visit them next time. Which Mt. Fuji viewing spot is your favorite?

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