Name the most famous landmark in Japan, and many people would think of Mount Fuji (富士山). At 3,776m, it is the highest, and also most famous, mountain in the country. Mount Fuji is a cultural icon of Japan, and is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Needless to say, it has attracted millions of people from all over the world to climb it during the summer, or to simply gaze at the majestic view of the uniquely shaped mountain.
Mount Fuji holds a very special meaning for people in Japan. It is one of the most culturally and religiously significant icons in the country, and is deeply embedded and influential in Japanese art and mythology. One of the most prominent examples of this is the “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” (富嶽三十六景 Fugaku Sanjūrokkei), a timeless collection of ukiyo-e (浮世絵) woodblock prints created by artist Hokusai Katsushika (葛飾北斎) in early 19th century. Hokusai was said to be so enamoured by the mountain that he created the collection, which has proven to be a timeless classic.
Historically, Mount Fuji could be seen from Nihonbashi (日本橋), the commercial epicentre of Edo (江戸 former Tokyo). The mountain was visible from the district’s namesake bridge in the past, and the iconic view was captured in one of Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” prints. Unfortunately, as high-rise buildings were built in Nihonbashi and other districts in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area over time, the view of Mount Fuji can no longer be seen and has become a remnant of a distant past.
Mount Fuji straddles between prefectures Yamanashi (山梨県) and Shizuoka (静岡県), and on clear days, it can be seen in the far distance from many places. To see it from afar is a special feeling that’s hard to describe in words not just for the Japanese people, but also for visitors from all over the world.
When it comes to the best viewpoints of Mount Fuji, most people would think that Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖) and Lake Yamanakako (山中湖) are the best places. However, other kinds of viewpoints of Mount Fuji are more special, such as those on the summit of other mountains. Imagine climbing your way up to the top and being rewarded with not just a wonderful view of Mount Fuji, but one from a high elevation.
In this article, I will introduce special places in Japan where you can view Mount Fuji. Some viewpoints are located on the top of mountains that are accessible and relatively easy to climb and, depending on the weather and time of the year, these viewpoints can even offer a different perspective of the mountain that you never thought possible.
Mountain & elevated viewpoints
For the first part of our adventure, we will explore viewpoints at locations with high altitudes. Some of the viewpoints are on the summit of other mountains surrounding Mount Fuji, which provide excellent vantage points. To see Japan’s highest mountain from an elevated viewpoint is an amazing feeling, more so when some make you feel like the climb up the mountain is worth it.
① Mitsutogeyama (三ッ峠山)
Mount Fuji is an instant favourite when it comes to mountain climbing in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県) during the summer. But do you know that there are several other mountains available in the prefecture that are just as good when it comes to the mountain-climbing experience? Mitsutogeyama is one of the lesser-known ones, but it has perhaps one of the best views of Mount Fuji from high up the summit.
Mitsutogeyama is collectively made up of three peaks: Mount Kaiun (開運山) with an altitude of 1,785m; Mount Osutaka (御巣鷹山) with an altitude of 1,775m; and Mount Kinashi (木無山) with an altitude of 1,732m. They have long been known as sacred peaks since the Nara Period (710–794), and in more recent times have become a favourite among mountain-climbing enthusiasts. The summit promises an amazing panoramic view of Mount Fuji in the distance on a clear day, so the climb proves to be a rewarding experience. Plus, it’s accessible from Lake Kawaguchiko so adventurous people visiting the area can consider making a climb for that unique view of Mount Fuji from another peak.
Mitsutogeyama (三ッ峠山)
Access: 25-minute bus ride from Fujikyu Kawaguchiko Station (富士急河口湖駅)
② Mount Ishiwari (石割山)
Want another perspective of Mount Fuji from another mountain in Yamanashi? Try the peak of Mount Ishiwari, which offers a great view of the mountain. Mount Ishiwari is located just north of Lake Yamanakako, which is one of the Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖), and has an elevation of 1,413m.
The mountain’s unique name means “rock-splitting” because there exists a large rock behind a shrine at the summit that was split into two. The crack in the rock is narrow, and according to the local lore, people who can pass through the crack three times will yield good luck.
Mount Ishiwari (石割山)
Access: 35-minute bus ride from Fujikyu Fujisan Station (富士急富士山駅)
③ Mount Kintoki (金時山)
When it comes to hot spring resorts, Hakone (箱根) is one of the most popular in Japan. The town’s abundant hot springs are thanks to its mountainous and volcanic terrain, where the town has direct access to natural hot spring water. But another reason why Hakone is also immensely popular is because of its amazing views of Mount Fuji.
One of the spots where visitors can have a great view of the mountain is from the top of Mount Kintoki. It’s highly popular among mountain-climbing enthusiasts in the summer and makes for a great activity for visitors who are also in town to enjoy the local hot springs. This might interest you to know: according to Japanese folklore, Mount Kintoki is the birthplace of Kintarō (金太郎 Golden Boy), a child with superhuman strength who has become a cultural figure in modern times.
Mount Kintoki (金時山)
Access: 35-minute bus ride from Hakone Tozan Hakone-Yumoto Station Station (箱根登山箱根湯本駅)
④ Mishima Skywalk (三島スカイウォーク)
Fancy a not-so-usual kind of viewpoint for Mount Fuji? What about one from a bridge high up in the sky? In the city of Mishima (三島市) in Shizuoka Prefecture, there is a pedestrian suspension bridge that stretches across the sky, named Mishima Skywalk. With a length of 400m, it is also Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, and here visitors will stand to witness a magnificent view of Mount Fuji and the surrounding Suruga Bay.
The best times to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from here are in the morning and evening, especially around sunrise and sunset when the sun is rising and setting against the backdrop of the mountain. Although summer is the most popular time to visit because of all the outdoor activities available in the area, Mishima Skywalk is open all year round. The mountain can be seen even during autumn and winter, between October and February, if the weather is kind to you.
Mishima Skywalk (三島スカイウォーク)
Address: 313 Sasahara Shinden, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-0012
Access: 30-minute bus ride JR Mishima Station (JR三島駅)
Water viewpoints
Next, we look at viewpoints where Mount Fuji is in the background of a water body. The mountain-water landscape makes for a picturesque view that looks like a painting, and these places will offer visitors that special experience.
⑤ Enoshima (江ノ島)
We move off the mainland and to the small offshore island of Enoshima. The island is popular among people from Tokyo and Yokohama because of its proximity to the cities, and many come here time and time again for its iconic sandy beaches. But on top of that, visitors can stand to see Mount Fuji in the distance on a clear day.
What’s also prominent about the Mount Fuji view from Enoshima is that, together with the view from Nihonbashi during the Edo Period, it’s also chosen as one of Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji”. Isn’t it fascinating to visit a place that was handpicked as an inspiration for a classical artwork?
Enoshima (江の島)
Address: 2-3, Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0036
Access: 15-minute walk from Enoshima Dentetsu Enoshima Station (江ノ島電鉄江ノ島駅)
⑥ Miura Peninsula (三浦半島)
In the prefecture of Kanagawa (神奈川県) located far south of Yokohama (横浜) lies the Miura Peninsula. The peninsula is famous for its white sandy beaches and thus is a popular draw for people living in nearby cities such as Yokohama and Tokyo, and here there are also viewpoints of Mount Fuji.
Visitors can witness Mount Fuji in the far distance from the western coasts of the Miura Peninsula, especially on days with favourable weather. The western coasts are lined with many beaches and parks, but one popular location is Tateishi Park (立石公園) in the city of Yokosuka (横須賀市), where the landscape is filled with jagged rocks and crashing waves from Sagami Bay. The combination of the rocks, waves, and Mount Fuji makes for amazing natural scenery, so this is one spot you don’t want to miss.
Miura Peninsula (三浦半島)
Address: Bishamon Minamishitauramachi, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0105
Access: 30-minute bus ride from JR Zushi Station (JR逗子駅)
⑦ Tateyama (館山)
Not to be confused with the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Tateyama is a city located at the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula (房総半島), which is on the southern part of Chiba Prefecture (千葉県). Furthermore, the city is on the western side of the peninsula, in the direction of Mount Fuji.
Tateyama is famous for its beaches, and one beach in Tateyama that offers an unexpectedly scenic view of Mount Fuji is Hojo Beach (北条海水浴場). If you want a more panoramic view of the mountain together with the surrounding city, head up to Shiroyama Park (城山公園) and enjoy a breathtaking view on a clear day.
Here’s something for visitors seeking a mesmerising sight in Tateyama. From mid to late-May, and mid to late-July, a phenomenon called “Diamond Fuji” (ダイアモンド富士) occurs when the sun sets directly above Mount Fuji, resembling a shining diamond from afar. This can be seen from Hojo Beach and Shiroyama Park, but only at specific timings and with the right weather conditions.
Shiroyama Park (城山公園)
Address: 362 Tateyama, Chiba 294-0036
Access: 30-minute walk from JR Tateyama Station (JR館山駅)
⑧ Suruga Bay Ferry (駿河湾フェリー)
So far, we’ve explored viewpoints located on land such as mountain summits, parks, and beaches. But what if you can view Mount Fuji right from Suruga Bay (駿河湾)? That’s right; there is a way for visitors to witness the mountain from the sea.
From Shimizu Port (清水港), visitors can hop on a ferry that traverses the Suruga Bay to various locations such as Toi (土肥) in the Izu Peninsula. During the ferry trip, visitors can cross their fingers and hope for good weather so that they can view the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance and make their ferry ride an unforgettable one.
Shimizu Port (清水港)
Address: 9-25 Hinode Shimizu-ku. Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0922
Access: 20-minute talk from JR Shimizu Station (JR清水駅)
⑨ Miho no Matsubara (三保の松原)
In the Miho Peninsula (三保半島) in Shizuoka Prefecture lies a scenic 7-km coastline named Miho no Matsubara, which features Mount Fuji view in the distance. What makes this coastline special, apart from the mountain view, can be found in its name: “Matsubara” means pine grove, and the coastline is lined with 54,000 pine trees.
The juxtaposition of the blue waters of the Suruga Bay, the white crashing ocean waves, the green pine trees, and the majestic view of Mount Fuji makes Miho no Matsubara particularly picturesque. It has inspired ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重) to reproduce the scenery in one of his timeless art pieces, and was also listed as a National Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan in 1922. Furthermore, the pine groves along the coastline were designated as a World Heritage Site in 2013 as part of the Fujisan Cultural Site.
Miho no Matsubara (三保松原)
Address: 1338-45 Miho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, 424-0901
Access: 25-minute bus ride & 20-minute walk from JR Shimizu Station (JR清水駅)
⑩ Nihondaira (日本平)
Shizuoka is well known as a prefecture with some of the best views of Mount Fuji, and Nihondaira is one of those spots to thank for Shizuoka’s reputation. It’s a hill area with an elevation of 307m, which enables it to offer a panoramic view of the mountain together with the Shimizu Port, the Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島), and even the Japanese Southern Alps.
This magnificent view is even regarded by many as one of the best viewpoints of Mount Fuji, and it is highly recommended for visitors to come here during different seasons, be it during spring when the surroundings would be filled with cherry blossoms, or autumn when fiery red foliage will colour the area.
Nihondaira (日本平)
Address: Kusanagi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, 424-0886
Access: 30-minute bus ride from JR Shizuoka Station (JR静岡駅)
City viewpoint
It may come as no surprise to many people that Mount Fuji can also be seen right from the heart of the capital city of Japan, Tokyo (東京). Although the city is filled with high-rise buildings which would make it hard to see the mountain, there is one special place where visitors can go high up into the sky and get a clear view of Mount Fuji in the distance.
⑪ TOKYO SKYTREE (東京スカイツリー)
TOKYO SKYTREE is a broadcasting and observation tower in Asakusa, and at a height of 634m, it is the tallest structure in Japan. This tower features two observation decks—TEMBO DECK at an altitude of 350m, and TEMBO GALLERIA at 450m—and both offer a breathtaking view of Tokyo’s city skyline. Perhaps it comes as no surprise that visitors can also see Mount Fuji in the distance.
TOKYO SKYTREE towers over all other buildings in the city, so with its sheer height and relative distance from Mount Fuji, it provides a good vantage point for viewing the iconic mountain. But of course, the only factor to take note is the weather: Mount Fuji is often shrouded in clouds, and weather can impede in visibility. So the next time you’re making your way up the tower, hope that the weather is in your favour.
TOKYO SKYTREE (東京スカイツリー)
Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045
Access: 1-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station (とうきょうスカイツリー駅) or Oshiage Station (押上駅)
Remote viewpoints
Given its sheer size and presence, Mount Fuji can be seen from remote places as well. The following viewpoints are geographically located far away from Mount Fuji, but when the weather is favourable, these places offer an unexpectedly scenic view of the iconic mountain which may surprise many visitors.
⑫ Mount Nyukasa (入笠山)
We move over to the mountainous prefecture of Nagano (長野県), where Mount Nyukasa is located. The mountain’s surrounding areas are especially known for their floral diversity and are immensely popular among tourists during the summer. In particular, Fujimi Panorama Resort is where people will visit to witness an amazing plethora of flowers such as lilies-of-the-valley, geraniums, and bellflowers.
At Fujimi Panorama Resort, there is the Yatsugatake Observatory where visitors can see the town of Fujimi (富士見町) below and the magnificent Yatsugatake Mountains in the far distance. But it is here where they can actually see Mount Fuji in the opposite direction of the Yatsugatake Mountains. The mountain is notorious for being hidden by clouds so it’s not always visible. Nevertheless, it’s worth coming here just to have a glimpse of the elusive mountain in the distance. After all, isn’t it a given when the town itself is named Fujimi, whose name literally means that the mountain can be seen from here.
Gondola for Fujimi Panorama Resort
Address: 6666-703 Fujimi, Fujimi-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano 399-0211
Access: 5-minute taxi ride from JR Fujimi Station (富士見駅)
⑬ Mount Daibosatsu (大菩薩嶺)
Located on the Yamanashi side of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park (秩父多摩甲斐国立公園), which stretches across Yamanashi, Saitama (埼玉), Nagano and Tokyo, is Mount Daibosatsu. The mountain is one of the “100 Famous Japanese Mountains” (日本百名山 Nihon Hyaku-meizan), a book composed by mountaineer Fukada Kyuya (深田久弥) in 1964, and at an elevation of 2,057m, it is one of the highest viewpoints for Mount Fuji.
Mount Daibosatsu is famous not just for the view of Mount Fuji, but also because of the amazing surrounding foliage during autumn, so it’s quite popular among mountain-climbing fans. Plus, the mountain is quite accessible for people based in Tokyo and the climb up the mountain is easy enough that even beginners can manage.
Mount Daibosatsu (大菩薩嶺)
Access: 40-minute bus ride from JR Kai-Yamato Station (JR甲斐大和駅)
⑭ Mount Takabocchi (高ボッチ山)
Mount Takabocchi is located in the Takabocchi Highlands (高ボッチ高原), a plateau located between the cities Okaya (岡谷) and Shiojiri (塩尻) in Nagano Prefecture. With an altitude of 1,665m, the mountain / plateau provides an amazing view of Okaya’s city skyline below, and is a favourite among couples for its romantic ambience.
Visitors to the plateau will stand to see the majestic Mount Fuji in the far distance on a clear day. In fact, other peaks that can be seen from here are Mount Kita (北岳), Mount Okuhotaka (奥穂高岳), and Mount Aino (間ノ岳). Together with Mount Fuji, they make up the four highest mountains in Japan.
Mount Takabocchi (高ボッチ山)
Access: 45-minute bus ride from JR Shiojiri Station (JR塩尻駅)
⑮ Lake Suwa (諏訪湖)
Lake Suwa is the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture and is also located in the centre of Japan. There are three towns around this lake—Kamisuwa (上諏訪), Shimosuwa (下諏訪), and Okaya—which feature tranquil hot springs, a wide variety of local sake, and old-town charms. And guess what? Lake Suwa is also said to be an inspiration to the climactic scene in “Your Name” (君の名は Kimi no Na wa), Shinkai Makoto’s blockbuster animated film.
On a limited section of the lake, and at a right angle, visitors can see Mount Fuji in the far distance. The view of the mountain in the background of a placid lake and faraway mountains make for a particularly picturesque view that has garnered many people for centuries. In fact, this view alone has inspired many ukiyo-e painters to incorporate this into their works.
Lake Suwa (諏訪湖)
Access: 6-minute taxi ride from JR Shimo-Suwa Station (JR下諏訪駅)
⑯ Mount Tsukuba (筑波山)
In the rural region of Tsukuba (つくば市 Tsukuba-shi) lies Mount Tsukuba, a mountain that is by far the farthest one away from Mount Fuji compared to other viewpoints above. The mountain is known for its double peaks: Nyotai-san (女体山 female body) with an altitude of 877m, and Nantai-san (男体山 male body) with an altitude of 871m.
People would climb the mountain normally to capture a view of the surrounding plains of Kanto from the summit. When the weather is ideal, they can even see the Tokyo city skyline, Lake Kasumigaura (霞ヶ浦), the second largest lake in Japan; and even Mount Fuji in the far distance. Visitors can choose to hike up the mountain or enjoy taking take a cable car or ropeway up to Mount Tsukuba shrine (つくば山神社) on the mountaintop.
Gondola for Mount Tsukuba
Address: 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki
Access: 60-minute bus ride from Tsukuba Station (つくば駅)
Closing
Mount Fuji remains to be the most famous mountain in Japan, and a landmark with symbolic meaning for the locals. Many visitors from all over the world continue to flock to Japan to witness this mountain, and there are plenty of viewpoints they can explore that will grant a different angle and ambience. When you’re in Japan the next time, seek out the various viewpoints of Japan mentioned in this article and a whole lot of others, and fall in love with one of Japan’s most famous cultural icons.
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is an affordable pass that offers unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains) in the valid area for 5 consecutive days. At only ¥27,000, you can save a lot of money if you travel extensively by trains in Tokyo, Nagano and many other places within the designated areas. It can also be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use this pass. You can also make seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains and Joyful Trains online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
JR TOKYO Wide Pass
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass is an affordable pass offering unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains) in the valid area for 3 consecutive days. At ¥15,000, you can use it to travel within Tokyo, the neighbouring regions, and many other places within the designated areas. You can also make seat reservations online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
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Header image credit: (clockwise from top left) Tateyama City, photoAC, Yoshitaka / PIXTA
