Mount Fuji Up Close: Stunning Views Without the Climb
A trip to Japan doesn't feel complete without a visit to Mount Fuji. This Japanese tourism icon, standing at 3,776 meters above sea level (masl), offers stunning views from various angles.
The exceptionally vast Mount Fuji can be seen from Tokyo, which is more than 100 kilometers away; its foothills even stretch across two prefectures. The perfect volcanic cone is featured everywhere in Japanese folklore and has been recreated for thousands of years in everything from seasonal cakes and sweets to soap, towels, toys, and even cartoon mountain characters.
Many tourists aspire to climb Mount Fuji, but quite a few also want to enjoy Mount Fuji without having to hike it. If you are one of them, there are various ways you can enjoy the beauty of Mount Fuji without climbing. Here are some of them.
Top Spots and Activities to View Mount Fuji
1. Taking Photos at Arakurayama Sengen Park
One of the Mount Fuji spots frequently circulated on social media, and likely familiar to you, is the photo backdrop featuring Mount Fuji and the iconic red pagoda. This photo is taken from Arakurayama Sengen Park, a park located on the slope of Mount Arakura and home to hundreds of cherry trees.
Here, visitors can ascend to the observation deck area situated on a hill within the park to witness the beauty of Mount Fuji unobstructed. To get a view with a stunning silhouette of Mount Fuji, it is best to come at sunrise or sunset.
2. Crossing the Mishima Skywalk Suspension Bridge
Enjoying the beauty of Mount Fuji can also be done from the Mishima Skywalk, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan. This 400-meter-long bridge offers direct views of the mesmerizing Mount Fuji.
Magnificently designed, the bridge sways in the wind over a forest canyon in a most picturesque location. You can also see the deepest bay in Japan, Suruga Bay, which offers a spectacular sight with many photo opportunities.
In addition, there are various other interesting activities you can try, such as "forest athletics," riding a Segway, dune buggy rides, and sampling various interesting culinary delights. Besides enjoying the view of Mount Fuji, you can also enjoy several other exciting activities.
3. Riding the Fuji Panorama Ropeway
One of the unmissable spots is the Fuji Panorama Ropeway, a cable car located in Yamanashi Prefecture. This ropeway ascends 400 meters from the eastern edge of Lake Kawaguchiko to the observation deck near the summit of Mount Tenjo. From this observation deck, which is more than 1,000 meters above sea level, you will see panoramic views of the lake below and Mount Fuji.
The view of Mount Fuji will be visible 360 degrees from this height. Besides the views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, from this spot you can also see the Southern Japanese Alps stretching across the Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka regions.
Most visitors choose the round-trip ropeway route. However, if you are interested, there is also a hiking trail from the observation deck down the forested mountain slope that takes about 30 minutes. Another path from the observation point ascends 300 meters to a small shrine at the summit of Mount Tenjo, and then continues to Mount Mitsutoge—a popular day-hike route with beautiful views of Mount Fuji.
4. Visiting the Fuji Five Lakes
You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji at one of the lakes in the Fuji Five Lakes area. The lakes consist of Kawaguchi, Motosu, Shoji, Sai, and Yamanaka. If you visit on a clear day, Mount Fuji will be reflected on the lake's surface, creating a tranquil view.
Several activities you can do here include relaxing on the grassy areas, cycling, fishing, unwinding at a hot spring (onsen), or visiting the Oshino Hakkai village, which is famous for its crystal-clear natural ponds.
5. Visiting the Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station
Most Mount Fuji climbers start their ascent from the Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station. This spot is often considered the main gateway to Mount Fuji. The station is also the most popular because it is easily accessible from Tokyo using public transportation.
Located at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, the station offers a captivating view towards the Fuji Five Lakes below, as well as an observation deck to see the scenery of Lake Yamanaka and Fujiyoshida City. For those who do not wish to climb Mount Fuji but want to experience its atmosphere, you can drive here to get a breathtaking view.
At this location, you can also buy characteristic Mount Fuji souvenirs, sample Mount Fuji-themed food, and take a stroll to enjoy the surrounding scenery. It's no wonder that this place is a popular tourist attraction, even for visitors who do not intend to climb Mount Fuji.
6. Taking a Ferry Across Suruga Bay
A high-speed ferry crossing Suruga Bay from Toi to Shimizu can be used as an alternative way to enjoy the mountain view. The deep waters below make the surface as clear as a mirror. Throughout the journey, Mount Fuji seems to follow you with its beautiful scenery. Not only that, but the ferry also offers fresh seafood sticks and sweet bread baked on the rear deck, and the ferry itself is adorned with rainbows to make the experience as beautiful as possible.
7. Viewing Mount Fuji from a Hotel Window
Quoting from International Traveller, enjoying the view of this iconic mountain can also be done from a hotel room. Of course, you must stay at this special hotel. According to the information, Hotel Nippondaira offers rooms facing Mount Fuji. It provides a beautiful, boundless view. Furthermore, guests can enjoy the beauty of Mount Fuji even from the floor-to-ceiling windows that span almost every public space in the hotel.
For those who are less keen on climbing but do not want to miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Mount Fuji's peak, you can try some of the methods above.
