Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic and famous natural landmarks, as well as the highest mountain in Japan and one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. Situated about 100 kilometers west of Tokyo, it stands at an elevation of 3,776 meters. For five months of the year, you can see snow on its summit. In the hearts of the Japanese, it is a divine mountain embodying the allure of nature, elegant and majestic, attracting global attention for its graceful shape and stunning vistas.
Himawari Clock Shop in Hikawa Town
A super photogenic spot, the entire street faces Mount Fuji, and the small shops on both sides have a Japanese drama vibe, offering many opportunities for photography. From Yoshida Station, navigate to Hikawa Clock Shop; it’s about a 15-minute walk away! 
2-1-31 Shimo-Yoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Sunrise or Daytime
Lawson Store in front of Kawaguchiko Town Office
This is one of Japan’s most famous Lawson convenience stores. At sunset, the afterglow bathes the snowy white Mount Fuji. Or after sunset, switch to blue tones for stunning photos. Alight at Kawaguchiko Station, about a 10-minute walk away.
3495-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Sunset
Arakura Sengen Shrine
Known as one of the “21 Places Every Photographer Must Visit Before They Die,” you can capture “Five-Story Pagoda + Mount Fuji + Street Scene Below” in one shot, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, when you might need to queue. This is where the classic postcard photos are taken.
Alight at Shimo-Yoshida Station, a 10-minute walk to Arakura Sengen Park. From the base of the park, climb 400 steps to reach the platform with the pagoda.
3353-1 Arakura Sengen, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Anytime
Maple Corridor
In spring, view the cherry blossoms; in autumn, admire the maples – this is a Japanese tradition. This spot is perfect for autumn, where you can enjoy the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. The best time for maple viewing is generally from early to late November, and it’s recommended to go early as it gets crowded during peak viewing times.
Kawaguchiko, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Daytime
Sky Torii Gate
Located on the hillside behind the shrine, the remote worship site is known as the Sky Torii because of its beautiful red torii gate. You can view Mount Fuji from here. After someone shared it on Instagram in 2019, it quickly gained over 10,000 likes and became a popular spot for Mount Fuji photos.
It takes about 30 minutes to hike from Kawaguchiko Sengen Shrine, or you can take a taxi directly. Note that apart from mobile phone photography, other equipment requires a prior membership certificate from the remote worship association, and drone photography is prohibited. Even with a mobile phone, you might have to queue for a few minutes to take your photos.
1119-2 Kawaguchiko, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Sunrise or Daytime
Kawaguchiko North Shore
Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, offers the most complete and beautiful view of Mount Fuji. Here, you can capture the reflection of Mount Fuji in the lake. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, it’s vibrant; autumn brings brilliant colors, and winter dresses it in silver. The scenery of Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji is breathtaking.
2-3353 Arakura Sengen, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Daytime
Kawaguchiko Tenjinyama Park
The park has an excellent viewing platform where you can see both Mount Fuji and the town below, along with swings where you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji while swinging, making it a popular spot for photos. From Kawaguchiko Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the cable car station, where you can take the Tenjinyama Cable Car directly to the top. The park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, depending on the season.
1163-1 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Sunset
Oishi Park
The park boasts over 90 varieties of flowers and a 350-meter-long Flower Walk Street where you can stroll while gazing at Mount Fuji. Every June, the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival is held, with 100,000 lavender plants adding color to the backdrop of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko.
2585 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Sunset
Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi, a symbol of Hakone, was formed by volcanic activity over 3,000 years ago and is the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s a well-known tourist spot and a famous viewpoint for Mount Fuji. With Mount Fuji as its backdrop, the lake reflects the mountain, and both the colorful Hakone Shrine and the unique pirate ship can become highlights in your photos. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, it takes about 40 minutes by bus to reach.
Motohakone, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Daytime
Shonan Coast
How many people have visited Kamakura because of the anime “Slam Dunk”? Besides the must-visit gate where Sakuragi Hanamichi and Haruko Akagi wave, there’s also the Shonan Coast, where Rukawa Kaede must pass on his way to school. This is also where the four sisters from the movie “Our Little Sister” take their beach stroll.
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean, Shonan Coast enjoys ample sunlight. Even in winter, you can bask in a touch of warmth, with mysterious black sand beaches. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance, seemingly floating on the sea, making for stunning photos. Alight at Shonan Coast Park Station, about a 15-minute walk.
1-1 Koshigoe, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Sunset
Dream Bridge
This is a bridge in Shizuoka, Japan. Using a telephoto lens, you can take a photo that appears as if the steps lead directly to Mount Fuji, which has become a popular spot for Instagram photos in recent years. Alight at the new Fuji Station, a 20-minute walk away, and you’ll see Dream Bridge. Along the way, you can also enjoy views of Mount Fuji from different angles.
National Route 139, Tsuru, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Best Time for Photography: Daytime
On the Plane
You read that right; the last spot for photography is on an airplane. From above, with a God’s-eye view, you can clearly see the volcanic crater. This angle is only possible from an airplane, and even the flight attendants can’t resist taking out their phones to capture the moment.
This depends on the weather on the day, whether clouds obscure the view, and the specific flight route, requiring some luck. Generally, flights in and out of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport are closer to Mount Fuji, so if you want to see it up close from the plane, choose a window seat and avoid sitting near the wing. You can check flight path apps in advance to know which side to sit on for the best view.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, Mount Fuji is an exciting and inspiring subject. Bring your camera and enthusiasm, capture those mesmerizing moments, tell your own Mount Fuji story, enjoy the process of photography, and feel the grandeur and allure of Mount Fuji.
