Arakurayama Sengen Park & Chureito Pagoda

Gorgeous scenery when you make it all the way up to the outlook area. The walk can be tough, definitely prepare for the weather because you will get extremely hot climbing the 400+ steps up the mountain. Japan humidity is insane. Felt so lucky to see Mount Fuji so clearly on this day.

Iconic view of Mount Fuji and Chureito Pagoda! Arakurayama Sengen Park is breathtaking, especially during cherry blossom season. The iconic view of the red Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background is unforgettable and perfect for photography. The park is well-maintained, peaceful, and offers a lovely walk up the stairs with scenic spots along the way. A must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting the classic Mount Fuji experience!

This was my second time visiting this place. This time, I went by bus with a Japanese co-worker who kindly arranged the transportation for us, allowing us to experience the scenic ride to the area. The location is quite elevated, so I recommend visitors be prepared for some uphill walking. Doing regular physical activities like jogging, walking, or running beforehand can definitely help you handle the climb to the observation deck more comfortably. We visited in June, and the number of tourists was noticeably lower compared to the peak months of March and April, making for a more relaxed experience. There are public toilets and a drinking fountain (faucet-style) available in the area. You might notice warning signs about bears and monkeys, though we didn’t encounter any during our visit. There’s also a small restaurant nearby that serves ramen, karaage (fried chicken), and sells souvenirs. A good spot to rest and enjoy a meal after the climb.

I recently made my first trip here and even though the weather wasn’t ideal, the setting was still striking. On a clear day, I imagine the scenery would be breathtaking. The site sits high up, so expect a bit of a workout on the way. The incline isn’t extreme, but a little stamina goes a long way—anyone who walks or runs regularly will probably find the climb easier. There were a fair number of visitors during my stop, but the space handled the crowd well and it never felt jam-packed. Facilities are basic but helpful: restrooms and a simple fountain for drinking water are available. You’ll also spot notices about bears and monkeys, though none showed up while I was there. If you need a break afterward, there’s a modest restaurant close by offering ramen, fried chicken, and some souvenirs. A nice place to refuel before heading back down.

This is another iconic spots to observe Mount Fuji. I came here around 8am by car, you can park at the free car parking spot at the bottom of the hill. There's a free public restroom as well. If you come early you dont have to worry about the crowds at all, and it's easier to take photos. If you come by train, you can stop at Shimoyoshida station and walk and hike for 20 minutes to reach the top. To get to the top at the observation deck you can either climb up the stairs or you can take the hiking trail or winding road which is longer in distance but more friendly to your knees. And since I have bad knees, I took the winding road to the top, some parts are quite steep, therefore just relax and keep on hiking, eventually you'll reach the top. It took me 20 minutes to hike the winding road, I guess it would be faster if you take the stairs. Once you rech the top, you'll see the observation deck at which you can photgraph the view of Mount Fuji with Chureito pagoda in it. Honestly, it is very breathtaking and the view are so mesmerizing. I love every second of my trip here.