12 Iconic Spots to See Mount Fuji in 2025
Updated July 19 2025
TL;DR: Bookmark this guide, then open our interactive map and live-cam feeds on isfujivisible.com. When the visibility forecast is green, head to the nearest spot below and shoot away.
Quick reference table
| # | Spot | Signature view | Access summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Kawaguchiko North Shore | Calm reflection at dawn | 10 min bus from Kawaguchiko Stn |
| 2 | Oishi Park | Flowers framing Fuji | Same bus as above, 15 min |
| 3 | Chureito Pagoda | Red pagoda + cherry blossoms | 20 min train to Shimoyoshida, 15 min climb |
| 4 | Lake Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato | Thatched roofs + peak | Retro-bus from Kawaguchiko, 30 min |
| 5 | Panoramic Ropeway | 1 070 m perch over Lake Kawaguchiko | Ropeway from lakeside, 3 min ride |
| 6 | Lake Shoji Sunset Point | Golden mirror at dusk | Bus Saiko Line, 40 min |
| 7 | Shiraito Falls | Misty falls with distant Fuji | Bus from Fujinomiya Stn, 30 min |
| 8 | Obuchi Sasaba Tea Fields | Green rows leading to summit | Car or taxi from Shin-Fuji, 25 min |
| 9 | Mishima Skywalk | Japan's longest footbridge | Bus from Mishima Stn, 20 min |
| 10 | Gotemba Peace Park | Buddha statues + peak | Bus from Gotemba Stn, 15 min |
| 11 | Lake Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park | Flower carpets, swans | Bus from Fujisan Stn, 30 min |
| 12 | Lake Tanuki | Classic "Diamond Fuji" sunrise | Car or taxi from Fujinomiya, 45 min |
1. Lake Kawaguchiko North Shore
Why go: Easiest postcard reflection. Arrive 30 min before sunrise; wind usually calms overnight for glass-like water.
Photo tip: Use a 24 mm lens, crouch at water level and include reeds in the foreground for depth.
Facilities: Lakeside café opens 07:00; coin lockers at Kawaguchiko Stn.
2. Oishi Park (Ōishi Kōen)
Spring shibazakura, summer lavender, autumn kochia: there is always color. The raised boardwalk keeps shoes dry after rain.
Live cam: Check our Oishi feed before you hop on the bus.
3. Chureito Pagoda
Five-storied pagoda with Fuji behind. Peak crowds during April blossoms and November maple.
Timing hack: Skip midday. Hike up for blue-hour city lights instead; far fewer tour buses.
Stair count: 398 steps, allow 15 min at mild pace.
4. Lake Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato
A folk-village museum of thatched farmhouses. Buy the combo bus + entry ticket at Kawaguchiko Stn to save ¥200. Tripods allowed after 16:30 when day-tour groups leave.
5. Kawaguchiko Panoramic Ropeway
Bird’s-eye view without hiking. The summit platform faces due south, perfect for winter sun illuminating the whole cone. Use a polarizer to cut lake glare.
6. Lake Shoji Sunset Point
Shoji is Fuji’s smallest lake but gives a tight frame of peaks and forests. Sun sets directly behind the mountain from late August to mid-October.
7. Shiraito Falls
White silk-like cascades in lush forest, plus a distant Fuji peek on clear mornings. Bring a rain jacket for the spray.
8. Obuchi Sasaba Tea Fields
The Instagram darling. Tea rows curve toward the summit. Best early May when fresh shoots glow neon green. Respect farmers: stay on marked paths.
9. Mishima Skywalk
400 m suspension bridge, 70 m above a valley. Fuji lines up through the A-frame towers. Avoid strong wind days; the bridge sways.
10. Gotemba Peace Park (Heiwa Kōen)
White stupa and 1 000 Jizō statues. Easy taxi hop from Gotemba Premium Outlets if you are shopping.
11. Lake Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park
Fields of tulips, sunflowers, cosmos depending on season. Swans often glide into frame. Arrive 08:00 opening to dodge bus crowds.
12. Lake Tanuki: “Diamond Fuji” hotspot
In late April and late August, the rising sun crowns Fuji’s tip for two minutes, called Diamond Fuji. Book a lakeside cabin in advance; photographers line up from 03:00.
How to use this list efficiently
- Check the 8-day visibility forecast on our homepage each evening: https://isfujivisible.com
- Open the corresponding live cam en route to confirm the peak is cloud free: https://isfujivisible.com/#live-cam-feeds
- Carry a local SIM or pocket Wi Fi. We recommend Japan Wireless (affiliate link: japan-wireless.com) for hassle-free data.
- Need a guided day tour? Browse Mt Fuji packages on Klook (affiliate) klook.com or getyourguide.com.
Packing checklist for photographers
- 16–70 mm zoom or dual-prime kit (24 mm & 50 mm)
- ND64 or ND1000 filter for long-exposure lake shots
- Remote shutter or 2 s timer to avoid shake
- Microfiber cloth, Fuji’s mist settles quick
- Spare batteries, cold mornings drain power
Final thoughts
Mount Fuji never looks the same twice. Keep this guide in your bookmarks, watch our forecast and cams, and you will walk away with gallery-worthy shots without wasting a vacation day on clouds. See you on the lakeshore!
Affiliate note: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.