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Looking for one of the most spectacular and iconic views in Japan? You’re probably looking for that view of Mount Fuji framed by a five-storied pagoda (called Chureito Pagoda) and cherry blossoms. If so, how do you get to this classic and beautiful viewpoint?
You need to get yourself to Arakurayama Sengen Park, in Fujiyoshida City. But How do you get here? What can you expect? And how do you get the best photos?
If you’re planning a visit to one of Japan’s most famous viewpoints, we highly recommend a little research first. This area may be beautiful but it is very intense. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your visit, including how to get there, the best times to go, and what to expect when you arrive.
Don’t miss our full visitor’s guide to Fujiyoshida City
What is Arakurayama Sengen Park?
Arakurayama Sengen Park is a scenic spot on the slopes of Mount Arakura in Yamanashi Prefecture. It’s home to Chureito Pagoda, a famous five-storied pagoda built in 1963 as a peace memorial. This pagoda statue (not actually a working pagoda) is set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, is one of Japan’s most recognisable views, especially in spring when the landscape is covered in soft pink cherry blossoms.
But it does get super busy. Whenever you visit be prepared to contend with a wall of tourists, phones out, all hoping to snap their own shot of Japan’s most iconic viewpoint.
At the base of the park, you’ll also find Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, a Shinto shrine that dates back over 1,300 years. Though it often gets overlooked in favour of the pagoda, it’s worth a look too.
A few places to stay with a view of Mount Fuji
Dreaming of waking up to a view of the stunning mount Fuji? Then you need to find a place that actually has rooms with Fuji views. For us personally – waking up to a view of mount Fuji and a can of hot coffee (YES That is actually a thing in Japan!) was one of our top travel highlights – not just of the trip but of all our travels. So here are 2 places to stay in Fujiyoshida that actually have mountain view rooms available:
1 Highland Resort Hotel & Spa
A mid-range hotel adjacent to Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park. The hotel offers rooms with panoramic views of Mount Fuji, along with large hot spring baths and spa facilities. You can book Highland Resort Fuji on Agoda. You can also reserve your room at Highland Resort Fuji on Booking.com
2 Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen
A luxury ryokan featuring traditional Japanese rooms, some with private open-air baths overlooking Mount Fuji. The property boasts expansive gardens and multiple indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.
Even after you have booked the hotel we recommend sending a direct message to make sure they actually allocate a mountain view room. Reserve Kaneyamaen on Agoda.
Where is Arakurayama Sengen Park?
The park is located in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, not far from Mount Fuji. If you’re coming from Tokyo, it’s an easy (but long) day trip and a fantastic way to experience Fuji’s beauty without taking too much time out your itinerary.
Once you arrive, you’ll find that the park is built into the hillside, meaning there’s a bit of an uphill walk before you reach the famous viewpoint. But don’t worry—the effort is completely worth it.
How to Get to Arakurayama Sengen Park
There are a few different ways to reach the park, depending on your budget and travel style.
If you are driving the park is accessible from the Chūō Expressway Fujiyoshida Nishikatsura Smart IC. There’s a car park near the entrance with space for 87 vehicles, though it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Buses also run from Fujisan Station or Kawaguchiko Station, stopping near the park. From the bus stop, it’s another 10-minute walk to the start of the path leading up to the pagoda.
Personally we stayed in town and just walked in the morning.
Train Route and Fares:
If you’re taking the train, the closest stop is Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyuko Line. From there, it’s about a 10-minute uphill walk to the entrance. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you’ll need to take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line. The full journey from Shinjuku takes around 2.5 hours.
To reach Shimoyoshida Station from Tokyo, you’ll typically follow these steps:
- Tokyo to Ōtsuki Station: Board a JR Chūō Line train from Tokyo Station to Ōtsuki Station. This segment is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
- Ōtsuki to Shimoyoshida Station: Transfer to the Fujikyuko Line at Ōtsuki Station, which will take you directly to Shimoyoshida Station. The fare for this segment is approximately ¥1,170 for adults. Additionally, if you take a Limited Express train on the Fujikyuko Line, there’s an extra express fee of ¥400.
Note – the Japan Rail Pass covers the JR-operated segment between Tokyo and Ōtsuki, it does not cover the Fujikyuko Line from Ōtsuki to Shimoyoshida Station. So you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for this portion of the journey.
Best Time to Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park
The park is beautiful at any time of year, but if you want that iconic shot of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms, you’ll need to plan your visit carefully.
Spring is by far the busiest season, with mid-April being the peak time for cherry blossoms. During this period, the park is transformed into a sea of pink, creating a breathtaking contrast against the red pagoda and Fuji’s snow-capped peak. However, this also means crowds, so if you’re after a quieter experience, it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
Autumn is another fantastic time to visit. In November, the trees turn vivid shades of red and gold, offering a different kind of beauty. It’s a great alternative to cherry blossom season, especially if you prefer a more peaceful setting.
Winter can also be spectacular, particularly if you’re hoping for a clear, crisp view of Mount Fuji. The cold, dry air makes it more likely that the mountain will be visible, and if you’re lucky, you may even see snow covering the pagoda’s roof.
Summer, while lush and green, is often the trickiest season for getting a clear view of Fuji. The humidity and cloud cover can obscure the mountain, making visibility hit-or-miss. If you do visit in summer, early mornings give you the best chance of seeing the peak.
What to Expect at Arakurayama Sengen Park
When you arrive, be prepared for a bit of a climb before reaching the famous viewpoint. To get to the Chureito Pagoda observation deck, you’ll need to tackle 398 stone steps. It’s not the toughest climb, but it will get your heart pumping—especially on a hot day.
The Chureito Pagoda itself is striking, standing tall against the sky with its bold red colour. Built as a peace memorial, it has since become one of the most photographed sites in Japan. Depending on the season, the view changes completely—cherry blossoms in spring, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and snow-dusted scenery in winter.
When you get to the viewpoint, expect crowds and get ready to get creative with your photography. If you want the best photos we recommend that you arrive soon after sunrise. Plan to spend some time in the area looking out for quieter spots. Places like this have a natural rhythm. Don’t get stressed, just enjoy the buzz and keep your eye open for good spaces.
The observation deck above the pagoda is where you’ll get the most famous shot of Mount Fuji. From here, the pagoda is perfectly framed, by blossom trees with Fuji in the background .
Tips for Visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park
If you want to experience the park without the crowds, arriving early is key. Sunrise is a fantastic time to visit, as the soft morning light casts a golden glow over Mount Fuji and the pagoda.
Mount Fuji isn’t always visible, so it’s worth checking the forecast before heading out. Winter mornings usually offer the clearest views, while summer tends to be more unpredictable.
Since the walk up involves nearly 400 steps, comfortable shoes are a good idea. The climb isn’t overly difficult, but the steps can be busy.
If you’re coming for photography, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full scene, including Mount Fuji, the pagoda, and the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. A tripod can also be useful if you’re aiming for sharper shots in low light.
Food options inside the park are limited, so bringing a bottle of water and a snack is a good idea, particularly if you plan to stay for a while enjoying the view.
Practical Information
Arakurayama Sengen Park is open 24 hours a day, so you can plan calmer early morning and late evening visits. Admission is completely free, so you can take your time exploring the area without worrying about entrance fees or time limits.
Facilities within the park are fairly simple, but there are public toilets and rest areas available. If you’re driving, there’s a designated car park, though it tends to fill up quickly during peak seasons.
