Is it ever a complete vacation in Japan if you don’t have plans to visit Mount Fuji and admire its majestic beauty?
As the country’s tallest mountain, Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic and popular tourist spots. Travellers often flock to nearby locations to see this sacred mountain and take beautiful photos for a memorable experience.
If you’re considering visiting this breathtaking mountain, here are the most Instagrammable photo spots around the mountain for the best shots.
But before to start, did you know that Mount Fuji is also becoming one of the most popular proposal spot in Japan? If you want to propose to your partner in such a unique area, we recommend you to read our full guide Mount Fuji Proposal!
1. Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is one of the Fuji Goko or Mount Fuji’s five lakes on the mountain’s northern side. You might have seen a reflection shot of the sacred mountain online. And yes, you can easily replicate the photo by heading to Lake Kawaguchi. This body of water is the most famous and accessible of all five. The trails are also easier, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t like hiking that much.
Once you set foot around Lake Kawaguchi, we suggest heading to the walkway along the lakeshore. This should be near Hotel Kozantei Ubuya and Ubuyagasaki Shrine. You might also love the sunset views from this spot.
Location: Lake Kawaguchi
2. Chureito Pagoda
Next on the list is Chureito Pagoda, a famous spot in Fujiyoshida’s northern-east end. It’s also a popular spot to get the most beautiful shots of Mount Fuji, but you need to climb the stairs to get to the peak of the pagoda.
While climbing up, you will be passing through a Tori. Continue climbing until you reach the pagoda’s square. Above that square is the grand viewing platform where you can catch the best views of the Fuji Pagoda. We highly recommend visiting at sunrise because the pagoda has the best lighting.
Location: Chureito Pagoda
3. Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
If you want to take panoramic shots of Mount Fuji, ride the Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway east of Lake Kawaguchiko. But if you’re up for a challenge, how about hiking to reach the top instead? The entire hike can take around two hours to get to the observation deck, but it’s definitely worth it once you see the breathtaking panoramic view.
In addition to the observation deck, we recommend another two-hour hike to Mount Mitsutoge. This gives you a different view of Mount Fuji, making it an excellent photo spot.
Location: Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway
4. Honcho Street
Honcho Street is the perfect location if you want your photo to include elements other than Mount Fuji and the scenic backdrop. As one of the busiest centers in Fujiyoshida, Honcho Street lets you take the best shot of Mount Fuji while blending it with the busy city life.
Photographers often love heading to Honco Street to take shots contrasting Mount Fuji’s peaceful nature with bustling city life. We highly recommend visiting this place after taking panoramic views at Chureito Pagoda.
Location: Honcho Street
5. Iyashi no Sato Historic Village
Iyashino Sato Historic Village is near Lake Saiko. Visiting this place feels like you’re transported to ancient times because of the traditional and historic Japanese houses. Plus, the views of Mount Fuji are breathtaking.
Capture the best shots by going inside the upper floors of some houses. You can take shots of the traditional village with Mount Fuji as the scenic backdrop. Additionally, you can rent kimonos to make you look like a traditional Japanese in your Mount Fuji photoshoots. Afterward, don’t forget to pass by souvenir stores.
Location: Iyashi no Sato Historic Village
6. Lake Saiko
Another one of the five Fuji Lakes is Lake Saiko, this time from the mountain’s western shore. Lake Saiko features several viewpoints, so you can get multiple angles of Mount Fuji. However, reaching the observation deck is a bit of a hike, so prepare your legs!
The first 30-minute hike takes you to Koyo-Dai, a viewpoint between Lake Saiko and Fuji Panorama. After taking the best photos of Mount Fuji, we suggest stopping by the Ice Cave, Narusawa Hyoketsu, the Wind Cave, or the Fugaku Fuketsu. Finally, relax and unwind at Fuji Yurari Hot Spring, an onsen spa where you can dip in the hot springs while Mount Fuji is your view.
Location: Lake Saiko
7. Momiji Tunnel
Momiji Tunnel is the perfect spot to take beautiful Mount Fuji shots if you’re visiting in autumn. It’s right on Lake Kawaguchiko’s shores, and the bright red maple leaves look stunning against the sacred mountain.
Come autumn, around mid-to-late November, the maple leaves turn fiery red and orange. They envelop Mount Fuji, forming a breathtaking visual corridor framing the lake’s calm blue waters. Photographers also love visiting the tunnel to get excellent photos that can turn into magazine covers and postcards.
Momiji Tunnel often gets packed by noon, so head there as early as sunrise to get a nice spot.
Location: Momiji Tunnel
You May Also Like: Best Autumn Leaves Photo Spots in Japan
8. Lake Ashi
Remember Mount Fuji postcards that feature a red gate? Did you know you can also capture that shot yourself? Just head to Lake Ashi in Hakone for the photo! Lake Ashi features the classic Mount Fuji view with a twist – Hakone Shrine’s orange Torii gates add an extra element to the photo.
We suggest renting a pirate boat and sailing around Lake Ashi while taking photos of Mount Fuji. Hikers love this because they can get up close to the crater lake.
Location: Lake Ashi
9. Lake Shōji
Lake Shoji also deserves to be included in the list, mainly because it has the nicest campgrounds of all five, where you can get the best Mount Fuji shots. Because it’s smaller than the other Fuji lakes, it’s also more peaceful and less crowded within Lake Shoji. This means a better opportunity to capture the sacred mountain and take as many photos as possible!
Besides Mount Fuji, Lake Shoji also boasts beautiful views of Tatego-Hama Beach. There are also rowing boats by the shore which you may include in the photos to add an extra element and drama.
Location: Lake Shoji
10. Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge
Another spot right at Lake Kawaguchiko is the bridge that crosses over it. This one is best if you capture Mount Fuji shots using your drone so you can snap the best aerial shots. You will love how everything perfectly ties together – the calm waters, the bridge’s stunning architecture, and Mount Fuji as your backdrop.
For a more vibrant shot of Mount Fuji, head to the bridge by sunset. You’ll love the natural harmony of colors, as the orange blends well with the bluish backdrop.
Location: Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge
11. Lake Tanuki
Another lake that’s even smaller than Lake Shoji is Lake Tanuki. This one requires a bit of a longer drive, but it’s more peaceful and worth it. Lake Tanuki features a luxurious hotel at the end with a viewing platform where you can capture great Mount Fuji shots. You can also take amazing photos on the street approaching Lake Tanuki’s end.
We recommend heading to Lake Tanuki early in the morning for the best shot of Mount Fuji and its reflection in the calm waters.
Location: Lake Tanuki
12. Shiraito Falls
Just a few more steps from Lake Tanuki, you’ll reach Shiraito Falls just before Fujinomiya Town. Here, you can capture a beautiful shot of Mount Fuji with the waterfalls as an added element to make the photo look even more dramatic.
The shot will look even more perfect if you use a camera instead of your phone!
Location: Shiraito Falls
13. Lake Motosu
As the least accessible out of the five Fuji lakes, Lake Motosu is often neglected. However, you should still not miss out on this location because it’s where you’ll find the Mount Fuji viewpoint you see on the 1000-yen bill! The walk to the observation deck can take an hour, but it’s worth it.
You can also capture excellent Mount Fuji shots from the Motosumichi parking space. Lake Motosu also features beautiful campgrounds where you can also shoot Mount Fuji from different angles. Plus, water activities are also a must-try in this location.
Location: Lake Motosu
14. Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a hidden gem for Mount Fuji views, perfect for snapping some amazing shots. This quaint spot is known for its clear spring-fed ponds and traditional village vibe, with thatched-roof houses adding extra charm. On a clear day, you’ll get postcard-worthy views of Mt. Fuji reflected in the water. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and a great place to soak in Japan’s natural beauty while capturing stunning photos!
Location: Oshino Hakkai
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Mount Fuji has always been a breathtaking sight to admire. Whether you’re eyeing a panoramic or an aerial shot or simply want to capture the sacred mountain for your Instagram feed, check out our top recommended photo spots!