It’s the most recognisable silhouette in Japan – a perfect volcanic cone that’s inspired centuries of poetry, art and spiritual reflection. But Mount Fuji is also famously elusive. While it graces postcards and travel posters in all its snow-capped glory, the real-life view is often shy, disappearing behind clouds even on sunny days.
Still, when it does appear, Fuji-san has a quiet way of stopping you in your tracks. Whether you’re hoping to climb it, soak in an onsen while admiring it, or catch a glimpse from a passing train, here are the best ways to experience Mount Fuji – up close and in style.
Our favourite viewing spots
Kawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida
For the classic postcard view
Nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, the towns of Kawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida offer the mountain’s most photogenic angles. Here, the volcano looms over serene lakes and retro arcaded streets, framed by pagodas and cherry blossoms in season.
Highlights:
- Chureito Pagoda, with its perfect Fuji-framed stairs
- Ohashi Bridge and its water reflections
- Oishi Park and Shimo-Yoshida’s nostalgic main streets
- A post-sightseeing soak at Fujiyama Onsen
Insider tip: Rent a bike and cycle around Lake Kawaguchi for some of the best open-air views.
Getting there: Direct bus from Shinjuku (book a few days in advance)
Hakone
For hot springs, art and lakeside views
An easy day trip from Tokyo, Hakone is beloved for its natural beauty, open-air museums and steaming onsen. Even if Fuji is hiding behind the clouds, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Highlights:
- Lake Ashi’s red torii gate and peaceful cruises
- Onshi Park and the hilltop Hakone-jinja shrine
- Hakone Open-Air Museum and Pola Museum of Art
- Owakudani crater, famous for its black eggs
Insider tip: Ride the boat across Lake Ashi to the Motohakone cable car for sweeping views of the Izu Peninsula and Mount Fuji.
Getting there: Train to Odawara (via Shinkansen or Romancecar), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway or local buses. Book a Hakone Free Pass for unlimited transport around the region.
Shizuoka
For tea fields and tranquil Fuji views
Less visited and more serene, Shizuoka offers a peaceful alternative to the more popular Fuji regions. Rolling hills of tea plantations form a vivid green foreground to the mountain’s white peak — a photographer’s dream.
Highlights:
- Obuchi Sasaba’s iconic Fuji-and-tea-field perspective
- Miho no Matsubara’s black pine-lined beach (UNESCO-listed)
- Makinohara Plateau, a sea of green tea leaves
- Nihondaira lookout for wide bay views
Getting there: Take the Shinkansen to Shizuoka or Shin-Fuji Station, then travel onward by bus, cab or rental car.
Exploring By Car: Hidden Fuji Views
If you’re comfortable driving in Japan, renting a car opens up a world of quieter, more secluded viewpoints. Just make sure you have an International Driver’s License or an official Japanese translation of your license.
Top Picks:
- Lake Motosu – Once featured on the 1,000-yen note, it’s peaceful and panoramic
- Fujimi Café – Perfect for a coffee with an unobstructed view
- Hottarakashi Onsen – Open until 10 p.m., tattoos welcome, views sublime
- Ao Terrace – A forested platform reached by a short hike
- Panorama-dai (Yamanakako) – A dramatic lookout above Lake Yamanaka
Planning Your Visit
When to Go:
- Best visibility: Winter (Dec–Feb) — dry, crisp skies, even from Tokyo
- Best light: Sunrise and sunset (check forecast sites for visibility conditions)
- Best time to climb: July 1 – September 10 (official season)
Tips:
- Avoid weekends and Japanese holidays (Golden Week, Obon)
- Book buses and mountain huts in advance — they fill up quickly
- The Hakone Free Pass is worth it if visiting multiple attractions
- Pack layers — temperatures drop quickly, even in summer
Climbing Mount Fuji
Challenging, unforgettable, and entirely doable with preparation
The official climbing season runs from July 1 to September 10, when trails are open, mountain huts are operating and transport is in service.
New rules since 2024:
- The Yoshida Trail requires a mandatory reservation and ¥2,000 fee per person
- Daily hiker cap: 4,000
- Bookings via the official site
What to bring:
- Warm, windproof layers (temperatures drop dramatically)
- Headlamp, water, snacks and walking sticks
- A mountain hut reservation if planning a 2-day hike to catch the summit sunrise
Access from Tokyo:
- JR train to Kawaguchiko or Fujisan Station, then bus to the 5th Station
- Or direct buses from Shinjuku (summer only)
Whether you’re viewing it from a lakeside bench, a luxury onsen or the summit itself, Mount Fuji rewards patience, planning and a little bit of luck. And when it appears – clear, calm and completely unforgettable – it’s a moment that stays with you forever.
