Mount Fuji, the iconic landmark of Japan, is one of the top famous mountains on the Earth. Along with Mount Tate and Haku, Fuji is one of “three holy mountains” of Japan. The mountain is also considered as a “sacred mountain” or “mountain of God” bringing good luck for Japanese. The Mount Fuji is definitely a must-see hotspot in Japan shore excursions.
Are you seeking for best places to view Mount Fuji? There are a countless number of spots to see Fuji in the best views. In every different position, you will have great views from distinctive angles and get your own best photographs of Fuji. The most famous places to view the mountain such as Hakone, Mihono beach or Lake Kawaguchiko are available in Shimizu shore excursions. Below is a list of the best spots to overlook Mount Fuji for your reference!
Top Best Places to View Mount Fuji in Japan
For cruise travelers arriving at key ports such as Shimizu, Yokohama, and Tokyo, seeing Mount Fuji is often a highlight of their journey. In this guide, we’ll reveal the best places to view Mount Fuji. Each offering unique angles, seasonal beauty, and convenient access from nearby cruise ports.
Hakone - The most popular places to view Mount Fuji
Hakone is famous worldwide as a resort town nearby Mount Fuji with many onsens. From Lake Ashi – Hakone’s iconic floating shrine, you can capture landscape shots of the mountain Fuji combined with the lake and enjoy a nice view of the whole Fuji. You can also sightsee from boats on the lake for another unique experience. Owakudani is also a good place in Hakone to get a clear view of Mount Fuji.
In Owakudani, travelers can also join in adventurous tours in a hiking trail to the peak of Mount Kamiyama and Komagatake, then taking ropeway down to Lake Ashi. Gotemba Premium Outlets is a convenient spot to view Fuji while discovering the most outlet mall of Japan from fashion, food to sports. Not so far from Hakone, the place is ideal for shopping besides indulging in Fuji beauty.
Mount Fuji Five Lake Region
Fuji Five Lake region is one of few areas giving you a breathtaking view of “Double Diamond Fuji”. At this point, you will see the reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake as the sun touches the peak. The region offers the best views of Mount Fuji by differently special lakes and spots.
Lake Kawaguchiko
The lake Kawaguchiko is well developed in a total of 5 lakes in Fuji Five Lake Region, offering an excellent place to view Mount Fuji. It is highlighted in 36 views of Mount Fuji and you can clearly see Fuji’s reflection. For the best view on the lake, you can go to the north shore offering the most beautiful scene of the mountain Fuji over the water.
Lake Yamanakako
The largest lake in Fuji Five Lake – Yamanakako is the easternmost of the area offering the excellent views of Fuji. The most popular spot for the awesome view is Panorama Dai observation point nearby a parking lot halfway up to the mountain.
Oshino Hakkai
As a middle point between Lake Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako, the village Oshino Hakkai has an important location. Thus, the village gives a harmony scene of nature and human-made. Far away is the scenery of Fuji Mount along with thatched roofs of Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan as an open-air museum.
Tokyo Sky Tree – View Mount Fuji blurred in the mist
For travelers arriving at Tokyo Port or spending a pre-cruise day in the capital, Tokyo Skytree offers a unique way to view Mount Fuji from the heart of Japan’s most dynamic city. As the tallest structure in Japan (and the second tallest in the world), Tokyo Skytree stands at 634 meters and features two observation decks that provide breathtaking panoramic views across the entire Kanto region.
On clear days, especially in winter when the skies are crisp and cloudless, Mount Fuji appears in the distance, rising gracefully beyond the city skyline. The contrast between Tokyo’s ultra-modern skyscrapers and the timeless form of Fuji makes this one of the most intriguing Mount Fuji viewing spots in Japan. At sunset, Fuji often takes on a warm orange hue, offering a magical photo opportunity for those lucky enough to catch it.
In fact, many private tours to Mount Fuji or city-based shore excursions combine Tokyo Skytree with cultural stops like Asakusa Temple or the Sumida River cruise, offering a full-day experience that blends tradition, modernity, and stunning scenery.
Chureito Pagoda – Spectacular Mt. Fuji view with cherry blossoms
A spectacular place to view Mount Fuji is also from Chureito Pagoda where you can see a picturesque landscape of 2 national symbols: cherry blossoms and Fuji. A perfect day for Fuji view seekers may start at the lake, through Pink Moss festival and then the Chureito Pagoda. The five-story pagoda is on the mountainside straightly overlooking Fuji mount and is also among the most highlighted places for enjoying cherry blossom, especially mid-April. A beautiful view of Fuji is truly spectacular with support of the national flower. You should not miss it because it is definitely one of the most iconic views of Mt. Fuji.
Miho no Matsubara (Miho Beach)
Located just a short drive from Shimizu Port, Miho no Matsubara is one of the most iconic coastal Mount Fuji viewing spots in Japan. This scenic area features a 7-kilometer stretch of black volcanic sand beach lined with thousands of centuries-old pine trees, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Fuji rising over Suruga Bay.
What makes this spot truly unique is the coastal composition: the striking contrast between the jet-black sand, the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, and the white-capped silhouette of Mount Fuji. In the early morning or late afternoon, the light casts a golden glow on the scene, making it one of the most photographable locations along Japan’s Pacific coast.
Thanks to its close proximity to the cruise terminal, shore excursions from Shimizu Port frequently include a stop here. It’s a perfect option for travelers seeking a half-day Mount Fuji cruise excursion with minimal transit time and maximum visual impact.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
It is no longer a combination of water and mountain. Moreover, Fuji Shibazakura Festival offers a completely new scene of Fuji with a combination of flower, lake, and mountain. The annual festival Fuji Shibazakura is a colorful and romantic spot with large fields of pink moss. It is about 3 kilometers from Lake Motosuko in Fuji Five Lakes region. Moreover, offering majestic views of fields of Shibazakura followed by Fuji Mount. The great color of the pink moss decorates for the outstanding Fuji in the backdrop, creating a wonderful landscape.
Arakurayama Sengen Park (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Home to the famous five-story Chureito Pagoda, Arakurayama Sengen Park offers one of the most iconic vistas in all of Japan. From the viewing platform, visitors can capture a frame that includes cherry blossoms, the pagoda, and Mount Fuji, all in one shot.
This location is accessible via a shore excursions from Yokohama Port or Tokyo Port and is especially popular in spring and autumn. It's one of the most beloved Mount Fuji cruise excursions for photographers and nature lovers.
Tips for the Best Mount Fuji Viewing Experience
Planning a Mount Fuji cruise excursion or a quick shore visit from Tokyo, Yokohama, or Shimizu Port? To make the most of your encounter with Japan’s iconic peak, here are some expert tips to ensure you enjoy the best places to view Mount Fuji under the best possible conditions.
Choose the Right Season and Time of Day to View Mount Fuji
While Mount Fuji is visible year-round, late autumn to early spring (November–March) typically offers the clearest skies. During this time, the humidity is lower, resulting in better visibility. Winter mornings are particularly spectacular, with snow covering Fuji’s symmetrical cone and sharp air enhancing the distant view.
Best seasons: Late autumn (October to November) and winter (December to February) offer the clearest skies and crisp views.
Spring (March-April): Perfect for cherry blossoms framing Fuji.
Early morning: Sunrise provides magical lighting and fewer crowds.
Avoid rainy and humid summer months when clouds often obscure the mountain.
Check Weather and Visibility Forecasts
Mount Fuji is often hidden by clouds. Use weather apps or websites that provide visibility forecasts for Mount Fuji to plan your visit on clear days.
Bring Appropriate Gear on Your Mount Fuji Excursion
A successful trip to view Mount Fuji from Shimizu Port or Mount Fuji from Yokohama Port depends on being well-prepared, especially if your tour includes altitude changes or extended outdoor time. Here’s what we recommend:
Camera or smartphone with zoom – Ideal for capturing Fuji from a distance or framing it with foreground elements like pagodas or lakes.
Binoculars – Especially useful at long-distance viewing spots like Tokyo Skytree or Gotemba Peace Park.
Sunglasses and sunscreen – Even in colder months, the glare from snow on Fuji can be intense.
Layered clothing – Weather can change quickly at elevation, and Mount Fuji’s surroundings are often cooler than Tokyo or Yokohama.
If you’re doing a full-day Mount Fuji cruise excursion, don’t forget snacks, water, and a portable power bank for your phone or camera.
Explore Multiple Viewing Spots
Each location offers a unique perspective. Combine visits to lakes, pagodas, and coastal areas to capture diverse Fuji views.
Taste Local Flavors Around Mount Fuji
No Fuji trip is complete without sampling some regional specialties. If your shore excursion to Mount Fuji includes a stop in the Fuji Five Lakes area or Shizuoka, be sure to look out for:
Hōtō noodles – A hearty miso-based soup with flat udon-like noodles and seasonal vegetables, especially comforting in cool weather.
Fuji-shaped sweets – Including manju (steamed buns), matcha cakes, and chocolate with Mount Fuji molds, available at souvenir shops near viewing spots.
Shizuoka green tea – Known for its rich umami, often served with a view of Fuji in the background.
Mount Fuji’s grandeur can be admired from many spectacular locations across Japan, each offering a different atmosphere and photo opportunity. By choosing the right places to view Mount Fuji and following these practical tips, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience that captures the mountain’s beauty in all its glory.
