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Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is Japan’s most recognisable natural landmark. It appears proudly on the reverse of Japan’s Series E ¥1 000 note (and still peeks from the background of the new 2024 design featuring Hokusai’s Great Wave). As one of the most-climbed mountains on Earth, Mount Fuji welcomes roughly 200,000–300,000 summit attempts each typical season. Revered in folklore and featured in countless works of art, Mount Fuji’s near-perfect symmetry and snow-capped beauty continue to inspire awe across generations.
For those wanting to get a closer view of the mountain, the best place to see Mount Fuji is 5th Station, as is the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes region.
Can you see can Mount Fuji from Tokyo?
Yes—on a clear day, you absolutely can. Although Mount Fuji is around 100 km southwest of Tokyo, the mountain is still visible from the capital, especially during winter when the air is crisp and the skies are clear. Whether you’ll actually spot it, however, depends heavily on weather conditions, time of day, and air quality. Hazy summer days or city smog can easily obscure the view, even when the mountain is technically ‘in sight’ (use local weather apps like WeatherJapan to help with planning).
For the best chance of a sighting, head to one of Tokyo’s many observation decks and rooftops. Top Mount Fuji viewing spots in the city include the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and the Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, all of which offer sweeping panoramas stretching toward Mount Fuji on the horizon. Sunrise and early mornings typically offer the clearest conditions for Mount Fuji views from Tokyo.
So while Tokyo may not be the first place that comes to mind for Mount Fuji sightseeing, with the right timing and a bit of luck, you just might catch that magical silhouette rising above the skyline.
Best Mount Fuji viewing spots
Whether you're after a peaceful lakeside reflection, a sweeping panorama, or a coastal angle, these five Mount Fuji locations each offer their own distinct way to experience Japan’s most iconic peak—photography, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the view.
1. Arakura Sengen Park
Nestled away in Yamanashi Prefecture, Arakura Sengen Park is one of the most iconic Mount Fuji viewing spots in Japan. While it may not be as internationally known as other destinations, it’s a beloved local gem—famous for its breathtaking Mount Fuji views that combine natural beauty with cultural charm.To reach the park’s best vantage point, you’ll need to climb 398 steps, but the reward is worth every stride. At the summit, you're greeted with an unforgettable Mount Fuji panorama, framed by the five-storey Chureito Pagoda and overlooking the city of Fujiyoshida. This harmonious blend of pagoda, city, and mountain makes it one of the most photographed Mount Fuji locations in the country and is often featured on postcards.
Arakura Sengen Park is a place where the scenery transforms with the seasons, making it a year-round destination for Mount Fuji sightseeing. Visit in winter to see barren trees and snowy surrounds, in summer for lush greenery, in autumn for bright, crimson leaves and in spring when hundreds of breathtaking cherry trees dust the landscape in pink sakura (cherry blossom) petals. Mount Fuji, whether crowned in white in winter or pink in spring, offers striking conditions for your Mount Fuji photography.
Did you know?
The Chureito Pagoda, perched on the hillside of Arakura Sengen Park, was originally built in 1963 as a peace memorial. Despite being relatively modern, it has become one of the most iconic backdrops for Mount Fuji photography, thanks to its picture-perfect alignment with the mountain.
2. Enoshima Island
Just off the Kanagawa coast, Enoshima Island delivers some of the most scenic coastal Mount Fuji views around. Though small in size, it’s a popular getaway, especially for those after a quick escape from Tokyo. Conveniently located roughly an hour from Shinjuku Station by train, Enoshima blends seaside charm with postcard-worthy vistas.
This charming island blends cultural treasures with seaside beauty. It's also home to a handful of sacred shrines and beautiful beaches, but the real highlight for Fuji-chasers is the island’s west-facing beaches, where the mountain can be seen rising dramatically on the horizon.For one of the best Mount Fuji viewing spots in the area, head to Katase Nishihama Beach.
Here, the wide stretch of sand and the sparkling waters provide a perfect foreground for Mount Fuji photography—especially at sunset, when the skies often light up behind the mountain in shades of gold and crimson.
Did you know?
On particularly clear winter days, it’s possible to see Mount Fuji from Enoshima’s Sea Candle lighthouse, an observation point offering 360-degree views of the coastline, ocean, and the snow-capped peak in the distance.
3. Lake Kawaguchi
If you’ve been dazzled by photos of Mount Fuji reflecting off a glassy lake, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Lake Kawaguchi. Known as Kawaguchiko, this is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, and by far the most accessible and developed—making it a go-to destination for unforgettable Mount Fuji views.
Just 100 km west of Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi is perfectly positioned for dramatic Mount Fuji viewing, and one of the best places to soak it all in is Oishi Park, located on the northern shore. Manicured gardens bloom with seasonal flowers—from tulips and lavender in spring to fiery foliage in autumn—framing the mountain in beautiful colours. The park’s walking paths, and open space make it ideal for a quiet moment, and it’s a highlight on our 8 Day Best of Japan tour.
Beyond the views, Lake Kawaguchi is known for its traditional onsen (hot springs), where you can unwind in a steaming bath with the mountain in sight. Local eateries around the lake also serve up regional specialities like hōtō, a comforting noodle soup made with thick wheat noodles and a hearty miso-based broth—perfect after a day of exploring.
Did you know?
Lake Kawaguchi is believed to have inspired several scenes in Katsushika Hokusai’s famous woodblock print series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. Today, it remains one of the most iconic Mount Fuji spots for artists and nature lovers alike.
4. Lake Ashinoko (Lake Ashi)
Set in the heart of the scenic Hakone region, just 100 km southwest of Tokyo, Lake Ashinoko—often called Lake Ashi—is one of the most tranquil and visually rich Mount Fuji viewing spots. This crater lake was formed over 3,000 years ago following an eruption of Mount Hakone, and today offers a unique way to experience Mount Fuji views from the water.
Hop aboard an old-style pirate ship and take a scenic cruise down the lake, passing by submerged torii gates and numerous traditional buildings nestled into the surrounding shore. The lake was formed thousands of years ago when Mount Hakone erupted and on a clear day, it provides stellar views of Fuji-san as it pokes out between two peaks.
For the best chance at an unobstructed Mount Fuji panorama, take an early-morning departure and visit later in the year when temperatures are cool. The boats run from one end of Lake Ashi, to the other, before passengers usually swap boats for the return journey. On the way back, the ship slows beside the torii gate—offering the ideal moment for a postcard-perfect Mount Fuji photography opp.
Did you know?
The iconic pirate ships on Lake Ashi aren't just for show—they’re fully operational sightseeing vessels. Each one is modelled after European tall ships, offering a whimsical twist to your Mount Fuji viewing experience!
5. Mount Tenjo
For a stunning aerial perspective of Mount Fuji, it’s hard to beat the view from Mount Tenjo, which is accessed via the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Located on the eastern edge of Lake Kawaguchi, this quick and scenic cable car ride whisks you 400 metres up the mountainside to an observation deck that offers one of the most expansive Mount Fuji panoramas in the region.
From the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views over the lake, the surrounding forests, and—on a clear day—the majestic silhouette of Fuji-san rising in the distance. It’s a favourite for those seeking a higher vantage point for Mount Fuji photography, especially during golden hour when the warm tones appear to glow.
The ropeway operates year-round, with seasonal changes to operating hours and occasional closures during bad weather, making it a dependable addition to your Mount Fuji sightseeing itinerary. The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is not only convenient—it’s one of the most memorable Mount Fuji viewing spots thanks to its elevated, wide-angle vantage point and scenic ride.
Did you know?
Mount Tenjo is linked to the old Japanese folktale Kachi Kachi Yama, which inspired the name of the former Kachi Kachi Ropeway. You’ll find statues and illustrations of the story’s characters—like the mischievous tanuki (a small mammal that looks like a cross between a raccoon and dog) and clever rabbit—dotting the path near the summit.
Quick tips for seeing Mount Fuji
- Best seasons for clear Mount Fuji views: Winter and late autumn offer the highest visibility due to crisp, dry air but there is no bad or wrong time to visit Japan!
- Time it right: Early mornings—especially around sunrise—are your best bet for a clear sighting.
- Top Mount Fuji viewing spots: Don’t miss Arakura Sengen Park, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Ashi, Enoshima Island, and Mount Tenjo.
- Check the forecast: Even in prime locations, Mount Fuji can be shy—use local weather apps like WeatherJapan to plan your visit.
- See Mount Fuji from Tokyo: Head to Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower or the Metropolitan Government Building on a clear day.
- Photography tip: Bring a zoom lens for distant views and a wide-angle for landscapes—sunrise and sunset shots are especially dramatic.
- Expect the unexpected: Visibility can change quickly, so keep your plans flexible and enjoy the journey, even if the mountain stays hidden.
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