The best views of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, lies between the prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanashi on the island of Honshu, and is one of the archipelago's most emblematic symbols. Whether it's to climb it or simply to contemplate it, many a traveler will not want to miss Fuji-San.

While there are hundreds of viewpoints of Fuji-San, which rises to 3,776 meters, here are the best viewpoints from Hakone, as well as places in the heights around the mountain, which are often accompanied by seating and relaxation areas. So take advantage of these unique places, while taking a break from your journey. Beware, however, as the weather can be capricious, and you may not always be able to admire Mount Fuji, which sometimes hides behind the clouds!

From Hakone

From the heights

From Hakone:

Just a few hours from Tokyo, the Hakone region offers some of the finest views of this sacred mountain. Here's our list of spots where you can admire Mount Fuji in all its splendor, from must-see observation points to more confidential spots:

• Hakone cable car
• Owakudani and its fumaroles
• Lake Ashi
• Ryokan with a view
• Mount Kintoki
• Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum
• Onshi-Hakone Park
• Mishima Skywalk
• Otome Pass "Otome-toge

The journey takes around 30 minutes, and several stops are perfect for taking incredible photos. When the sky is clear, Mount Fuji stands out magnificently against a blue background. In autumn, the flamboyant vegetation makes the view even more spectacular. However, on overcast or foggy days, the silhouette of Mount Fuji can be difficult to see, adding a certain mystery to the landscape.

From Owakudani, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji, especially on a clear day. The high altitude and unique volcanic landscape make it one of the best places to observe the mountain in all its splendor.

To explore Hakone with ease, the Hakone Free Pass is an ideal option. This pass provides unlimited access to the region's main transport links, including the Hakone cable car, Lake Ashi boats, the funicular railway, as well as buses and trains connecting Hakone-Yumoto and other must-see attractions.

4. Stay in a ryokan with a view

For total immersion, spending the night in a ryokan with a view of Mount Fuji is an experience not to be missed. Many ryokans offer rooms with mountain views and open-air onsen baths for relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Some well-known establishments include:

• Hakone Ginyu,
• Green Plaza Hakone,
• Hakone Takuminoyado Yoshimatsu,
• The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko.
   

5. Mount Kintoki

Mount Kintoki is a popular destination for hikers seeking breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Culminating at 1,212 meters, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the region, as well as being associated with the legend of Kintaro, a Japanese mythological hero.

The hike to the summit, which takes around 3-4 hours, is accessible to hikers of all levels, with trails through cedar and pine forests. It's an excellent place to enjoy nature and exceptional views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

6. The Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum

The Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum, located near Lake Ashi in Hakone, is famous for its collection of Japanese art, including works that illustrate the landscape and culture of Japan. One of the museum's star attractions is its special room offering a spectacular view of Mount Fuji, particularly visible from the "panorama room" or room with a large bay window.

This room allows visitors to contemplate Mount Fuji through works of art, including paintings depicting Mount Fuji in various traditional Japanese styles. The breathtaking view of the mountain, combined with the art, makes this room a must for lovers of nature and Japanese culture.

Tips to optimize your experience

• Best season : Autumn (October-November) and winter (December-February) offer the best chances of seeing Mount Fuji, with clear skies and optimum visibility. Summer is often foggy, making the view more uncertain.
• Ideal time : Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the fog.
• Transport: The Hakone Free Pass makes it easy to travel between these different spots

Mount Fuji from the heights

Here are a few places that take you to the heights around Mount Fuji, and which we particularly recommend, as they are places where you can relax and simply contemplate the mountain!

• Ao Terrace - Izu Panorama Park (Izunokuni)
• Obushi Sasaba (Fuji)
• Fujimi Cafe (Gotemba)
• Azumayama Park Rapeseed Flower Field (Ninomiya)
• Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery (Onuta Kai)
• Hottarakashi Onsen (Yatsubo)
• FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace (Fuji-Kawaguchiko)
• Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine (Hakone)
• Nihondaira Yume Terrace (Shizuoka)

• Ao Terrace - Izu Panorama Park (Izunokuni)

Located in the Mid-Air Park Bell of Happiness, within Izu Panorama Park, is the Ao Terrace. This 452-meter-high open-air terrace is located near the summit of Mount Katsuragi and can be reached by cable car. From here, the view of Mount Fuji is grandiose and can be enjoyed in a relaxing setting. You'll find the Katsuragi café offering a wide range of beverages, a counter, lounges and comfortable chairs set out in front of Mount Fuji inside and out! In addition to the many pools of water reflecting this iconic Japanese landscape, several relaxing foot baths are available.

Price: 2500￥ for the gondola (one way)

How to get there: The gondola is accessible from the foot of Mount Katsuragi, at Sanroku station in Izunokuni.

• Obuchi Sasaba (Fuji)

The town of Fuji, famous for its many tea plantations (and its proximity to Mount Fuji, of course), boasts the magnificent Obuchi Sasaba viewpoint. Surrounded by terraces of tea plants, you can admire Mount Fuji from high above, surrounded by nature. Tip: This is a very popular spot, so we advise you to visit in the early morning. Admission is free.

You'll also find the Mount Fuji Tea terrace, the Mount Fuji Infinity Tea terrace and the Panorama Tea Terrace, which are three terraces made of Cha No Ma wood. Here you'll find a comfortable terrace with tables and armchairs set amidst tea fields. Here you can enjoy hot or cold tea. Here, they produce Mohei tea, a tea specifically made from the leaves of tea bushes at the foot of Fuji-San. Please note: access to these places is not free!

Price : You can book guided tours (3,000〜4,000 ￥ per person), otherwise free field walks.

How to get there :: From JR Fuji Station, direct Fujikyu Shizuoka bus, direction Sobina, Sobina Shita stop, or walk 30 minutes from Sudo Station.

• Fujimi Cafe (Gotemba)

In the Hakone countryside, this café offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji ! In addition to its outdoor terrace surrounded by nature, Fujimi Café in Gotemba has an indoor room with tables and a counter set against a large picture window. Here, coffee doesn't just mean delicious matcha and refreshing lemonade, but also Japanese-style burgers, curries, cakes and sweets!

Price: 1000 〜 2000￥

How to get there: Bus stop: 乙女峠 (バス) Otome toge = Otome passage, in front of the café, on the Hakone Tozan Bus line.

• Azumayama Park Rapeseed Flower Field (Ninomiya)

• Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery (Onuta Kai)

Suntory's Tomi no Oka winery, located on the south side of Tomi no Oka hill, overlooks Mount Fuji. Surrounded by beautiful Japanese vegetation, the estate itself is well worth a visit. The soils around Fuji-San are renowned for their high mineral content, making it an ideal location for wine (and, of course, tea) plantations. In fact, the estate's wine won a gold medal at the Citadelles du Vin awards (a first for a Japanese wine) in France in 2003. Guided tours organized by the estate are sometimes accompanied by a tasting, in a room with a breathtaking view of Fuji-San. There's also a terrace overlooking Japan's most famous mountain.

Price: 1,000 ￥ for a guided tour of the fields, terraces accessible free of charge

How to get there: From JR Kofu station, the winery provides free shuttles.

• Hottarakashi Onsen (Yatsubo)

The Hottarakashi Onsen is a hot-spring bathing establishment, where the pools have a direct view of Mount Fuji. Here, you can relax in two pools (Acchi no yu and Kocchi no yu), in water with numerous benefits for skin and muscles, but also enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside and Fuji-San, of course ! Please note that this onsen accepts tattooed guests and closes at 10 p.m.

Price: 900 ￥

How to get there: From Shinjuku, take the Limited Express on the Chuo Line to Yamanashishi station, then take a cab to the onsen (〜 2500 yen).

• FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace (Fuji-Kawaguchiko)

From the Fujiyama Twin Terrace in Fujikawaguchiko, you can admire Fuji-San at a height of over 1,600 meters ! At times, the weather will be completely clear over the mountain as well as the nature at its feet, while at other times, Fuji-San will be surrounded by a sea of clouds, making the landscape enchanting and mysterious.

Price: 1,800 ￥ (shuttle bus fare)

How to get there: From the Lily Bell Hutte (where there is a parking lot - only accessible by car), a shuttle bus runs directly to Fujiyama Twin Terrace (1,800 yen round trip).