Fujisan - Japan's Pride
Any visit to Japan is incomplete without a glimpse of the nation's icon - Mount Fuji. Standing tall at 3776 metres (12,388 feet), Mount Fuji is an active volcano revered by travellers for its breathtaking beauty and its perfectly conical shape. The Japanese worship it as a sacred mountain.
While it is possible to get a Mount Fuji view from Tokyo, a closer view of the peak is a must-see when in Japan. Fortunately, there are a lot of scenic spots from where you can get a picture-perfect view of this natural beauty.
In this article, we have curated a list of the best places to see Mount Fuji from Tokyo as well as outside the capital city. You will also find other important information to help you enjoy an unforgettable travel experience in Japan.
The Best Time to View Mt Fuji
Mount Fuji offers different views at different times of the year. So the best time to view the peak depends on what kind of view you are looking for.
November to February: This is the best time to get unobstructed views of the peak, as the weather clears up during this time. Early mornings are the best time to catch a glimpse during these months.
March to May: The peak gets adorned with pink moss at the base during this time, providing a surreal phenomenon. The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held in Japan to celebrate this occurrence. This is indeed a great time to plan a Mount Fuji visiting trip.
June to August: These months mark the rainy season in Japan when it becomes a challenge to view the peak. Avoid planning your trip during this time as sighting is less likely.
Owing to its height, Mount Fuji is often obstructed by clouds, irrespective of the time of the year. No matter where you travel to, a clear day is essential for sighting.
How to Get to Mt Fuji from Tokyo
Let's explore the travel options available from Tokyo to Mt Fuji:
By Train: Well, Japan's rail network is world-famous and a trip to Japan is incomplete without getting an experience of Japan's railways. Hence the best way to travel to any of the places mentioned above from Tokyo is by hopping on a train.
If you're wondering how to get to Mt Fuji from Shinjuku or Tokyo, reserve a seat on the Fuji Excursion Service operated by E353 series trains. This is how to get to Mt Fuji from Tokyo; the JR Pass journey starts from Tokyo with 3 cars (numbered 1 to 3) and between Otsuki and Shinjuku, 8 more cars are added to the train.
The full journey from Shinjuku Station takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes. Three trains run daily, irrespective of weekdays or Sundays.
For comfortable travel in Japan, book yourself a JR Whole Japan Rail Pass. The rail pass is available for 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days and covers most railways as well as local buses operated by JR, making it the fastest way to travel within Japan's cities and the countryside.
Other Ways of Travelling to Mount Fuji
By Bus: Buses are also available from Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Station and Shibuya to Mt Fuji offering reasonable travel options. The frequency is the best from the Shinjuku terminal. While advance booking is not necessary, securing your seats early is recommended. However, the seats are a little cramped, and heavy traffic may increase the travel time significantly.
By Car: You can also rent a car with or without a driver, but it may turn out to be more expensive. The rate depends on the size of the car and the company you hire it from. However, like travelling by bus, car travel is also dependent on road traffic.
3 Best Places to See Mount Fuji from Tokyo
Can you see Mt Fuji from Tokyo? Yes, of course. Here are the best places from where you can see Mount Fuji in Tokyo:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Observatory
You must have seen a picture of these two iconic towers while checking out photos of Tokyo. Both towers have an observatory on the 45th floor, 202 metres from the ground level from where you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day, making them one of the best places to see Mt Fuji from Tokyo. Do you want to know the bonus? The observatories are completely free of charge.
Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1 (map)
Timings: Daily, 9.30am to 10pm
Hokutopia
This 17-storied cultural facility located close to JR Oji Station is our second favourite spot for viewing Mount Fuji from Northern Tokyo. The observation deck located on the 17th floor is where you should go to. Sit at the Sankaitei restaurant located inside the building to savour a reasonably priced Japanese meal while enjoying unparalleled views of Mount Fuji and the entire city of Tokyo. It is a local favourite.
Address: 1 Chome-11-1 Oji, Kita City, Tokyo 114-8503, Japan (map)
Timings: Daily, 8.30am to 10pm
Tokyo Sea Life Park
Combine your Mount Fuji viewing experience with a visit to Tokyo's famous aquarium Tokyo Sea Life Park, another popular place from where to see Mount Fuji in Tokyo. On a sunny day, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the peak through the high rises of Tokyo.
During sunset the peak glistens like a jewel, earning it the nickname "Diamond Fuji". Hop on the Ferris wheel in the park to enjoy the surreal views of Diamond Fuji.
Address: 6 Chome-2-3 Rinkaicho, Edogawa City, Tokyo 134-8587, Japan (map)
Timing: Tues to Mon, 9.30am to 5pm, Monday closed
Other Places to See Mt Fuji From
Lake Kawaguchi
There are 5 lakes of Fuji (Fuji Goko) located on the northern side of Mount Fuji. Lake Kawaguchi is probably the most famous and most accessible among them all. It is also one of the best places to see Mt Fuji.
The north side of the lake provides the best view of Mt Fuji from Kawaguchiko. In fact, the best place is right next to the Kawaguchiko Music Forest. The entire place is lined with pink sakura trees which provide a heavenly view of the mountain during spring. If you're lucky to be visiting this place during a windless day, you can catch the magical reflection of the peak on the lake's surface - a surreal experience indeed!
Plan this experience during the cherry blossom season and combine it with a Sakura Day Tour to have a complete experience of spring in Japan. Visit the famous Fuji Sengen Shrine, breathtaking Shizouka Joren Falls, Iwamotoyama Park and more.
Lake Yamanaka
The largest of Lake Fuji's five lakes, Lake Yamanaka offers unhindered views of Mount Fuji from its northern shore. It is home to Hana no Miyako, a huge park overlooking the peak. The fields are full of sunflower bloom during summer and cosmos during fall - both providing the perfect foreground for the peak.
Head to Panorama Dai an observation point located next to a small parking lot, southeast of the lake. Panorama Dai is not accessible by transportation. You can rent a bike or cycle from the shops located near the bus stand to get there. You can also take a walk; it takes about half an hour.
Few hotels, camping grounds and restaurants are located around the lake offering options for overnight stays and food. Hotel Mt. Fuji located here is one of the best Ryokan near Mt Fuji. Enjoy a sauna here while wowing at the breathtaking views of the peak.
Lake Saiko
A smaller less crowded lake among the five lakes of Mount Fuji, the western shore of Lake Saiko is a hidden gem from where the peak is clearly visible. The bonus is the perfect reflection of the peak on the lake, which gives you loads of photo ops for your Instagram.
Lake Saiko itself is breathtaking surrounded by wooded mountains. There are some campsites located in the woods, which offer some of the best places to stay to see Mt Fuji. If you are a hiker, you would love the hiking trails around the lake. The lake is also surrounded by several caves formed by the past eruptions of Mount Fuji, three of which, the Ice Cave, Bat Cave, and the Wind Cave are accessible to tourists. The best time to visit this place is around the first half of November when you can see the lovely autumn colours of nature.
Lake Ashinoko
Another popular place to see Mount Fuji is Lake Ashinoko, the caldera of Mount Hakone. There are a few small towns in the east and north of the lake which has some lakeside resorts that offer options for a night stay. Walk up to Moto-Hakone from the Hakone Detached Palace Garden for surreal views of the peak. You can also cruise on a boat on the lake to add more fun to the experience.
If you're looking to explore the Hakone region, we suggest getting a Hakone Free Pass which can get you a discount on tickets to popular sightseeing spots. Apart from being the best option for how to get to Mt Fuji from Hakone, this pass also offers convenient travel options and access to eight transportation systems in the area. Prices start from SGD 54.65 only.
Travel Like a Pro with These Mt. Fuji Exploration Ideas
Now that you have a clear idea about the what, where, and how of Mount Fuji, let us give you a few ideas on how you can club a sighting of this iconic peak with some other must-dos of Japan.
A Full-Day Plan ending with a Mt Fuji Sighting from Lake Kawaguchi
If you plan to see the peak of the popular Lake Kawaguchi, this plan is for you! This day trip starts at the Arakurayama Sengen Park from where you can get a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the morning as well as visit the famous Chureito Pagoda. Carry on to Hikawa Clock Shop Street to walk the iconic "Stairway to Mt Fuji". Next visit the Oshino Hakkai springs, picturesque Lawson Convenience Store and conclude the day at Lake Kawaguchi enjoy the unparalleled view of "Diamond Fuji".
A Visit to the Best Onsen with Mt Fuji View and Lake Ashi
Planning to view Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi? Enhance your travel experience by visiting the best onsen with a Mt Fuji view - Konohananoyu Hot Springs. If you are interested in visiting an onsen, you can also opt to visit Gotemba Premium Outlets to indulge in a shopping spree.
This hand-crafted tour from Pelago also includes a visit to the breathtaking Owaku-dani Valley offering a keen insight into the volcanic history of Japan. The tour will take you to Lake Ashi as well from where you can appreciate the grandeur of Mount Fuji.
Lake Ashi Day Tour along with Hakone Exploration
Here's another idea to enhance your Lake Ashi visit experience.
This full-day tour takes you to the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park well-known for its hot springs. It also combines a visit to Mount Fuji's 5th Station at 2,300 metres elevation and Lake Ashi. You can also take a ride in the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy surreal views of Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park.
Japan's Beloved Fujisan
Mount Fuji towers above everything around it, standing tall with its snow-capped peak. It has inspired artists and poets from the world over. The artistic language is like no other in the world. It is a must-see when you visit Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to see Mount Fuji?
There are innumerable places in Japan where you can see the iconic Mount Fuji. On a clear day, the peak is visible from Tokyo itself. Otherwise, you can travel to places like Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Saiko, Lake Ashinoko, and others to view the peak.
Where is the closest view of Mount Fuji from Tokyo?
Mount Fuji is equally visible from various parts of Tokyo. The best places in Tokyo to view it from are the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Observatory, Hokutopia and Tokyo Sea Life Park.
What is the best city around Mount Fuji?
The best city around Mount Fuji is Gotemba. The peak is visible from almost every corner of the city.