The best locations for photos of Mount Fuji means you won’t miss a thing!
Going to Japan and not seeing Mount Fuji is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. However, it is important to remember that Mount Fuji is the most elusive celebrity in Japan. Fujisan, as Mount Fuji is known in Japan, enjoys hiding behind clouds and mist, and it is rare to see Fujisan just hanging around all day.
Because of this, I highly recommend doing an overnight trip so that you have more of a chance to spot Fujisan. In my experience, mornings and evenings are the easiest to spot Mount Fuji. We usually stay in Kawaguchiko (lake Kawaguchi) as there are so many beautiful ryokans in that area.
What you will find here
Here you will find a list of my favourite spots to shoot Mt Fuji, what to watch out for when you’re visiting, and the exact location so you can’t go wrong! If you looking to up your photography game before you visit, I put together some great tips for How To Take Beautiful Travel Photos. Now onto the list of best locations for photos of Mount Fuji!
Photo Location #1: Arakurayama Sengen Park
Why this spot is so amazing for photos
Arakurayama Sengen Park (新倉山 浅間公園) is probably the most iconic view of Japan. It is what you will see on every postcard and marketing material selling you the Japanese dream. It is something you have to see for yourself once in a lifetime! Being able to capture a view of Mount Fuji, a traditional pagoda (Chureito Pagoda 忠霊塔 in this case), and Fuji city down below in one photo is like a dream come true.
What to watch out for
The good news is that if you come during cherry blossom season, you will get beautiful blooms in your photo as well. Now, for the bad news. Arakurayama Sengen Park is always completely packed. If you want to park your car, make sure you come early (before 8am) as the road to the carpark is one way and it will be full. Make your way past Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and up the many, many steps to Chureito Pagoda. Here you can take photos next to Chuerito Pagoda and where you’ll find the public toilets.
Behind Chureito Pagoda, you’ll find another stairway. This leads to Arakurayama Sengen Park Observation Deck (新倉山浅間公園展望デッキ), where the best photos can be taken. Arakurayama Sengen Park Observation Deck is always busy, from sunrise until sunset. It is very difficult to get a photo without people unless you stand right up next to the balcony.
Where to find the perfect view for a photo
Photo Location #2: Lake Yamanaka / Yamanakako
Why this spot is so amazing for photos
Yamanakako (山中湖村) if one of Fuji Five Lakes, a popular series of gorgeous lakes surrounding Mount Fuji. Yamanakako is one of the most popular and has an amazing driving route around the edge where you can see spectacular views of Mount Fuji on a beautiful day.
What to watch out for
I recommend stopping at Shogaisha Parking Lot (障害者駐車場) as it has a good amount of car park spots so it is easy to stop and an excellent view of Mount Fuji. I took these photos from between the trees surrounding the foodpath that wraps around the lake’s edge.
Where to find the perfect view for a photo
Photo Location #3: Lake Kawaguchi / Kawaguchiko
Why this spot is so amazing for photos
Kawaguchiko (Kawaguchi Lake/河口湖) is probably the most popular of Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖). There are so many viewpoints at this lake, but Oike Park (富士五湖) is probably the most famous. The water is still here, and this is where many people take photos of the reflection alongside the drifting swans.
What to watch out for
There are some interesting statues in the area as well as picnic seats. There is a big car park but it is an easy walk if you are staying in Kawaguchi town. There are usually plenty of photographers here waiting to get the perfect reflection shot, but there is plenty of space for everyone.
Where to find the perfect view for a photo
Photo Location #4: Kawaguchi Lawson
Why this spot is so amazing for photos
This is one of the best locations for photos of Mount Fuji if you want your photo to scream Japan. Lawson is a popular chain convenience store, however I wouldn’t say there is anything special about the selection of food at this particular store!
What to watch out for
This spot is usually very busy, so don’t bother during the day. Besides the many cars stopping in the car park to grab some convenience food, there is also a bus stop across the road. That means many people waiting for the bus take one look across the road and realise that this is an epic location to take photos when Fujisan is out! I highly recommend coming here in the evening or in the early morning when the day-trippers aren’t around. And definitely don’t try at lunch time.
Where to find the perfect view for a photo
Photo Location #5: Saiko Lake
Why this spot is so amazing for photos
Saiko Lake (西湖) is one of the best locations for photos of Mount Fuji because it is one of the quietest spots, so it is easy to let your hair down and take your time. I recommend this location if you’re looking for photos of Fujisan but don’t want to deal with the crowds of fans.
What to watch out for
Saiko Nenba-hama (西湖根場浜) is a small park where you can see amazing blooms as well as Mount Fuji across the lake. This makes for great photos because you get the blooming flowers in the foreground, the lake in the middle, and Mount Fuji in the background. We went during the day and it was a little busy but still easy to park and wander around.
Where to find the perfect view for a photo
Photo Location #6: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou
Why this spot is so amazing for photos
Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou (富士河口湖温泉郷 湖南荘) is very popular as it is right by the lake and convenient to most of the shops in the area. The great thing about this hotel is that there is a foot bath onsen on the roof with fabulous views of Mount Fuji as well as private onsens that all guests can book to enjoy. The views are just breathless, and even without travelling around the lakes you’ll be able to capture photos of Fujisan without even leaving your hotel.
What to watch out for
Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou also has rooms that have private open-air baths (onsens) with views of Lake Kawaguchiko or Mount Fuji. When we stayed we also had an elaborate traditional Japanese breakfast included.
Where to find the perfect view for a photo
You can book Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou here. Make sure you choose a Mount Fuji view room if you would like to be able to view the mountain from your room.
VERDICT
Is it worth going to see Mount Fuji?
In my experience 100%. Being able to capture Mount Fuji in all its glory is like finding a beautiful dress that fits perfectly in a second hand shop: it hardly ever happens but it is a lot of fun hunting for that unicorn. Let me know if there are any spots I missed that you think are one of the best locations for photos of Mount Fuji in the comments below!
did this article speak to you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife so feel free to reach out or use #apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!