Arakurayama Sengen Park/Chureito Pagoda
Location: Observation deck
If you’ve seen a postcard of Mt. Fuji, there’s a good chance it was taken here. The five-story pagoda, cherry blossoms in spring, and Fuji in the background, it’s the definition of iconic. During spring the cherry blossom perfectly frame this view and in the autumn the red leaves also make it special.
We visited this place very early in the morning, before sunrise. To get to the observation deck, you have to climb around 400 steps, perfect morning workout. But the view at the top, it is so worth it. And even though we arrived before sunrise, there were so many people, photographers up there. It was really crowded then, you can only image how it got crowded later.
On just a regular they you just climb up, enjoy the view as much as you want. Usually there will be a line formed so you can take your picture.
But during peak blossom season, there is a reservation-only from 6 to 8AM and you only get 30 minutes per slot. And as a photographer you can use tripod. But after 8AM, no tripods are allowed and you will line up for a 5 min on the deck. If you are visiting during cherry blossom season, check out their official website for reservation and all relevant information.
Honcho Street/Shimoyoshida
Location: Map
I think this is one of the best Fuji views. It’s just a straight street lined with small shops and houses, with Mt. Fuji perfectly framed at the end.
If you don’t want to fight the crowds, come here as soon as the sun is up. Because just after 8AM, the line will form, the crowd will arrive. We even saw a traffic offices there making sure visitors don’t block the road. If you’re patient, you can get that perfect shot with no cars.
Kawaguchiko-Ohashi Bridge
Location: Map
This bridge stretches across Lake Kawaguchi and gives you a wide, open view of Fuji reflection in the water on a calm day.
There are a couple of viewpoints on the northern side of the lake that will give you the best views.
We parked nearby and strolled to the lakeshore and there’s plenty of room to take photos without feeling rushed, no lines here!. It’s a peaceful spot that’s just as nice for sitting and enjoying the view.
Kawaguchiko Station
Location: Map
Not many people consider this as a photo spot, but it is really cool. At the train station, go to the parking and turn to Mt. Fuji, you can frame Fuji behind the colorful Fujikyu Railway trains. It’s not busy with tourists, so you can take your time lining up the perfect shot.
School Baseball Playground
Location: Map
We spotted this while driving. It’s just a local school’s baseball field, but on a clear day Fuji rises beautifully behind it. If there’s a game going on, iI think it would look really special.
As you can see on our picture, the weather changes around here, and sometimes the clouds will get in a way, so just image you can see Fuji behind me.
Oshino Hakkai
Location: Map
Oshino Hakkai is a traditional village famous for its eight crystal-clear ponds fed by Fuji’s snowmelt. Each pond has a unique shape and character, and on still days you might see Fuji reflected in the water.
The village has thatched houses, souvenir shops, and food stalls selling treats like grilled mochi, fresh trout, and wasabi ice cream. Admission to the main pond area is 300 yen. It’s open daily from 9:00–17:00 and is about a 20-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station.
Saiko Iyashi-No-Sato Nenba
Location: Map
This restored thatched-roof village sits on Lake Saiko’s shore and was rebuilt after a landslide destroyed the original in 1966. Today, the houses are craft workshops, small museums, and galleries where you can try pottery, weaving, or painting. Fuji rises behind the village. It’s a peaceful spot to wander, shop for handmade souvenirs, and just enjoy the views.
Admission is 500 yen. It’s open daily from 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) and can be reached in about 40 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station.
How to Get Around
Renting a car is the easiest way to see multiple viewpoints in one day. Roads are in great condition, signs are in English, and drivers are calm (they drive on the left). You’ll need an international driving permit translated into Japanese.
If you’re not driving, sightseeing buses from Kawaguchiko Station connect most viewpoints, and taxis work well for shorter trips. Mornings often give the clearest views, so check the forecast and start early.
We hope you enjoyed these viewpoints. There is something special when you first see Mt. Fuji, you will never forget it, I know I won’t! So may the weather be ever in your favour, until next time, be mesmerized 💙