How to Spot Mt. Fuji From the Shinkansen

Updated August 12, 2025

TL;DR: Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka sit on the right side, window seat E. Kyoto or Osaka to Tokyo sit on the left side, window seat A. The best view is just before and after Shin-Fuji Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Always check our visibility forecast in the morning.

Where you actually see Fuji

You want the stretch around Fuji City and Shin-Fuji Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen. The mountain sits to the north of the tracks here and on a clear day fills the window for a few minutes.

• Heading west from Tokyo toward Kyoto or Osaka: Fuji appears on your right shortly before Shin-Fuji and stays in view for a few minutes after.
• Heading east toward Tokyo: Fuji appears on your left after Shin-Fuji when coming from the Kyoto or Osaka side.

Even if your train does not stop at Shin-Fuji you still pass the viewing zone.

The foolproof seat letters

Shinkansen cars use a 3-2 layout. Window seats are A and E.

• Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka: choose E.
• Kyoto or Osaka to Tokyo: choose A.

If you have a pass, reserve the exact seat letter when you book. With a JR Pass you can make free seat reservations at any JR ticket office or machine.

• JR Pass: Order here

Timing cues that work

Timings vary by service, so use landmarks instead of a stopwatch.

• After leaving Mishima you are getting close.
• When you pass Shin-Fuji Station, get ready. The best window is the few minutes around this point.
• If you see the broad Fuji River and industrial areas, you are in the right zone.

You can set a phone reminder based on your timetable, but the landmarks above are more reliable.

Best season and time of day

• Season: winter and early spring have the clearest air. Summer often has haze by midday.
• Time of day: mornings are usually cleaner than afternoons.
• Always check the 8 day visibility forecast and live cams before you board. If visibility looks poor, try for an earlier train.

Forecast: Visibility forecast
Live cams: Live camera feeds

Quick weather checklist

• Cloud cover: thin high clouds are fine, low thick clouds hide the peak.
• Humidity: lower is better.
• PM2.5 or haze: can wash out distant views, especially in summer.

Weather page: Weather forecast

Photo tips that actually help

• Use a fast shutter to avoid window shake.
• Kill reflections by wearing dark clothing and placing the lens close to the glass.
• Skip the ultra wide on phones. Standard or 2x looks more natural from the train.
• If needed, clean the window area gently with a soft cloth.

If clouds ruin it

No stress. You have options around the Fuji Five Lakes area.

• Use our local list to pivot to nearby viewpoints: Best viewing spots
• Book a flexible Kawaguchiko or Hakone tour and chase a clear hour:
  • Klook: Browse activities
  • GetYourGuide: Browse activities

Handy tools for the ride

• Pocket Wi Fi for live checks of our forecast and cams: Japan Wireless
• JR Pass for easy seat reservations: Order here

FAQ

Q: Does Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama matter?
A: All three pass the Fuji area. Faster services shorten the viewing window a bit, so be ready earlier.

Q: Which cars are unreserved?
A: This varies by service. If you want a guaranteed A or E window, make a reservation.

Q: Will snow cover make Fuji more visible?
A: Snow makes the cone stand out nicely against the sky, but visibility still depends on clouds and haze. Always check the forecast: Visibility forecast

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