Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic symbol, is a must-see on any trip to Japan. The best way to view its beauty is to take a trip to visit the mountain and spend a night there. There are several places where you could have spectacular views of Mount Fuji. If you're short on time for a trip to the mountain's base, you could still catch great views from certain spots in Tokyo. Find out below how to choose the best one to suit your preferences.
1. Hakone - Mt Fuji and Hot Spring
Hakone is a great spot near Mount Fuji, known for its beautiful natural scenery and hot springs. If you're looking for a place near Mount Fuji to stay, we recommend that you choose Hakone. The place offers beautiful scenery, high-end Japanese ryokans, and wonderful onsens (hot springs).
If you visit Hakone on a clear day, it is very likely that you would see Mount Fuji.
Compared to Kawaguchi, Hakone boasts hotels offering better conditions. If you plan to stay overnight for your Mount Fuji viewing, we recommend you choose Hakone.
The best places to stay in Hakone are Yumoto and Gora, which are both known for their hot springs. They offer both high-end ryokans and hostels that have onsens in the area.
Yumoto is located in the main town area of Hakone, making it the most convenient place to stay due to its easy access to Tokyo and other destinations, as well as the attractions in Hakone. Trains departing for Tokyo start at Yumoto, and it is the starting point for a sightseeing trip to the mountain. There are also a lot of good hotels and ryokans at reasonable prices. There are more places to eat in Yumoto than in other areas in Hakone.
Gora is on the mountain (Yumoto is at the foot of the mountain). The area is like a mountain resort filled with ryokans. There is also a wide range of good hotels and ryokans to choose from. The only downside is that when you end your sightseeing in Gora, you would need to come down the mountain to catch the train back to Shinjuku in Tokyo when you leave.
In the wider Hakone township area, you could explore the impressive arts in the Hakone Open-Air Museum (next to Gora), take a cable car ride over a volcanic valley, and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi. If you're lucky during your boat ride, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji towering behind the range of mountains.
Tip: You are recommended to book your ryokan with meals included since most restaurants in Hakone close early, some as early as 4pm or 6pm.
2. Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is one of the most famous lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji. It is the most popular place to visit for a view of Mount Fuji due to its beautiful natural scenery, easy accessibility for a day trip from Tokyo, and complete travel infrastructure.
There, you could admire the serene lake waters set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.
At Lake Kawaguchi, you could choose to hike or bike around the lake, soaking up the views of the majestic mountain at every turn. Or you could row a boat on the lake while enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are also cafés around the lake. Enjoying a coffee while taking in the picturesque scenery would be a relaxing experience. If you want a closer look, you could take a cable car ride up to a hill platform for a better view.
Another must-visit spot nearby offering a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji is the Sengen Shrine, which is perched on a hill. To reach it, you need to climb about 300+ steep stone steps. On the platform, you would have an impressive view of Mount Fuji and the red pagoda within a single photo frame. The view is especially enchanting during the cherry blossom season.
The best place to stay in Lake Kawaguchi is in the Hoto Fudo Kawaguchiko Kita. Staying there is all about enjoying Ryokan hot springs and rooms with a direct view of the mountain. Keep in mind that accommodation prices are typically high and the hotel facilities are relatively simple.
Important note: Lake Kawaguchi is a popular spot and could get quite crowded. Hotels tend to be in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons when prices skyrocket. You may need to wait for an hour or so for dinner at a café or restaurant.
3. Lake Yamanaka - Closest Views of Mt Fuji
This is the closest lake to Mount Fuji, allowing visitors to admire its magnificent beauty up close. Lake Yamanaka is also a wintering ground for swans during the daytime, known as the "Lake of White Birds", making it one of the most iconic spots among the Fuji Five Lakes.
At Lake Yamanaka, you could enjoy unobstructed views of Mount Fuji up close. You could choose to have a 45-minute cruise on the lake or bike or stroll around the lake. There are shops and restaurants on the shore but they all close very early in the afternoon at about 5pm.
Compared to Lake Kawaguchi, this lake is much quieter with far fewer tourists.
We don't recommend that you stay there as there are only basic inns.
4. Kamakura - Samurai Culture and Beautiful Beaches
Kamakura is a highly popular Tokyo day trip destination. It is known for its shrines, temples, and beautiful beaches with views of Mount Fuji. It used to be a place where samurai lived, so you could learn a lot about their culture there.
ith its history as a former feudal capital, Kamakura offers insights into Japan's samurai culture through historical sites and artifacts. If you are interested in Japan's samurai culture, Kamakura is the best place to visit.
If you want to see Mount Fuji as well, head to Kamakura Seven Beaches and Enoshima Island in the morning when the sky is clear. The mountain looks amazing from there, especially when covered in snow. But be quick, as it gets cloudy later in the day.
5. Tokyo City
If you can't make it to the destinations listed above, Tokyo is also a great place to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.
On clear days, you could see Mount Fuji from different spots in Tokyo. Some of the best places include Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky, and more. Tokyo Skytree is particularly great for a distant view as it has the highest deck. You could also spot Mount Fuji from hotels, such as those in Ginza and Shimbashi, Park Hotel Tokyo, and Sunshine City Prince Hotel.
When Are the Best Months to See Mount Fuji?
The best months to see Mount Fuji are from October to early April during the colder months. During these periods, the weather tends to be clearer, resulting in better visibility of the mountain. Additionally, early mornings are often recommended for viewing Mount Fuji as the air is clearer and the mountain is more visible.
Can I See Mount Fuji from a Shinkansen Train?
Yes, you could see Mount Fuji from the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka. When traveling from Tokyo, weather permitting, the mountain can be seen on the right side the trains, with the best view near Shin-Fuji Station, approximately 40–45 minutes into the journey. For the optimal experience, choose window-side seat F (or seat D in a Green Car).
On the journey from Osaka to Tokyo, Mount Fuji could be spotted on the left side. Sitting on the left side at the D/E position provides a close-up view of Mount Fuji as you pass through the city of Toyama. The mountain would come into sight shortly after the train exits a tunnel, offering a memorable view for several seconds.
Plan a Trip to Japan to See Mount Fuji
Except for the places mentioned above, there are also other places to enjoy a view of Mount Fuji. Want more suggestions for a trip to Japan? We are here to help. Contact us now for an online expert to help you plan your trip to Japan.
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