The best views of Mount Fuji from Tokyo
- Published on : 02/06/2025
- by : Lucie G.
- Youtube
You don't have to go all the way to Hakone to see Mount Fuji! With these spots, you can admire Japan's highest mountain from the Tokyo area.
Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, is a stratovolcano that rises to over 3,776 meters between the prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanashi. This mountain, one of Japan's most famous symbols, can be seen most of the time from the 5-lake region at its foot. The towns of Kawaguchiko, Hakone and even Fuji are obviously must-see spots for seeing the mountain up close. But they're not the only ones! Mount Fuji is over 100 km from Tokyo, yet the volcano is visible from certain parts of the city! To do so, always face south-west from Tokyo. In the distance, you'll be able to see the mountain silhouetted against the sky. Even if you don't go to the Mount Fuji area during your trip, you can still try to see it from our recommended Tokyo locations!
When to see Mount Fuji Recommended season
In general, Mount Fuji is best seen in the cooler months of the year, between December and February. This is because there is less humidity in the air and the weather is clearer. Winter is therefore the best season.
During the day, morning is the best time to see the volcano, as there is often less cloud cover, but many places are not yet open. If you want to see Mount Fuji from Tokyo, you can opt for a hotel with a view ! Bear in mind, however, that Mount Fuji is capricious and difficult to see, especially from as far away as Tokyo. You might have better luck from Kawaguchiko or Hakone! You may even catch a glimpse of it on your Shinkansen train journey between Tokyo and Kyoto! When you book your ticket with Japan Experience, choose a seat on the Mount Fuji side!
Places accessible free of charge:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
From the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (or Tocho for short), a building designed by architect Kenzo Tange, Japan's highest mountain can sometimes be seen at the tip of its summit. Open from 9.30 a.m. to 10 p.m., it offers 360-degree views of Tokyo by day and night. It consists of two towers, a north tower and a south tower, where observation decks are available free of charge. From the observation deck at 202 metres, Mount Fuji is visible to the south-west.
- Takao San
The summit of Mount Takao is one of the best places to admire Mount Fuji from Tokyo. The volcano is surrounded by other mountain ranges, giving a very different landscape from those we're used to seeing, such as from Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Ashi! Mount Takao is a 1-hour train ride from central Tokyo via Shinjuku. Take the Keio line, then the Takao line and get off at Takaosanguchi station. From here, a cable car takes you to the heights of the mountain, from where several walking trails start.
- Bunkyo Civic Center observation deck
This is one of the few places where you can admire Mount Fuji (or simply the city of Tokyo) for free. This building is made up of administrative offices, but also has a café, a few boutiques and the lounge on the 25th north floor, which gives the splendid view. ⛔ Please note! The lounge is not accessible due to construction work until December 2026!
Yes, you can sometimes see Mount Fuji from the windows of Haneda airport! When the weather's clear, watch the planes take off and land with the Fujisan in the background. To do so, go to the 6th floor observation deck in Terminal 1.One of the other best views of Mount Fuji is... in the air ! Many flights to and from the west of the archipelago offer this spectacular view. Some pilots don't hesitate to warn passengers if the mountain is visible, so be sure to keep an eye out for it on your outward or return journey!
Want to try your hand at climbing Mount Fuji? Choose our guided tour!
From the heights of Tokyo
One of Tokyo's most famous high vantage points is the Tokyo Sky Tree. Reaching a height of 634 metres, it is the second-highest tower in the world. The first observatory is at 350 metres (Tembo Deck), while the second is at 450 metres (Tembo Galleria). These are the city's highest observatories, and the highest is the 9th highest observation deck in the world. To climb to the first observatory costs between 2,100 and 2,400 ¥ and to access both observation decks, count between 3,100 and 3,500¥ (tickets bought on the day are more expensive). There's also a café and a restaurant where you can enjoy the view with a bite to eat!
- Tokyo City View
From the Mori Tower, you can access the Tokyo City View at 52 F. A view from 250 meters up, with a 360-degree panorama, allows you to see Tokyo Tower, the Shinjuku district and finally, Mount Fuji. Admission costs between 1,800 and 2,200 ¥, depending on the day and whether you buy your ticket on the spot or in advance.
Tokyo Tower, the emblematic red tower of the Japanese capital, also boasts observation decks at heights of 150 and 250 meters. The highest observation deck has a futuristic, modern design, giving the impression of reflecting the city. For 3,300¥, you have access to the two 360-degree viewpoints, where you can see the Tokyo Sky Tree, the cityscape, the Zojo-ji at the foot of the tower and sometimes even Mount Fuji!
- Ikebukuro Sunshine City - Sunshine 60 Observatory
This is THE romantic spot to admire Tokyo and catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day. At its summit, on the 60th floor, the observation area, called "Tempo Park", is laid out, as its name suggests, to resemble a small, tranquil park with relaxing chairs and assemblages of flowers and greenery. Accessible between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., there's a café on site where you can enjoy a pastry or a meal 251 metres above the ground! Tickets cost between 700 and 1,200 yen for an adult.
- Yebisu Garden Place, Ebisu, Tokyo
Yebisu Garden Place is a shopping mall with many high-end boutiques and restaurants. On levels 38 and 39 F, when the view is clear enough, Mount Fuji is visible behind the mountains and can even be seen from the elevators ! For an afternoon's shopping or a visit to the beer museum, this is an ideal place to relax.
Some hotels with views of Mount Fuji
- Tokyo Dome Hotel
Once again designed by Kenzo Tange, this hotel offers rooms with a view of Mount Fuji. With its 43 floors stretching 155 meters high, the Tokyo Dome Hotel is located at Korakuen station, right next to Tokyo Dome, the stadium in the center of the capital. The restaurant with panoramic views is at 43 F, and Mount Fuji can be seen from rooms at 33 F, on the Tokyo Imperial Palace side.
- Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
Located between JR Yotsuya station and the Akasaka-Mitsuke subway, Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower is a comfortable establishment offering spacious rooms just 20 minutes from Shibuya. Rooms are large, and in the "Garden Tower", Mount Fuji can be seen from the Standard garden side rooms or from the Main Tower standard rooms. Some rooms are even in the corner of the tower, giving access to two different views! The restaurant on the 40th floor allows you to enjoy a wonderful meal, in front of a breathtaking view!
Like these hotels? Choose a tailor-made tour and spend a night in one of them, thanks to our advisors!