Getting to Fujikawaguchiko from Tokyo
Fujikawaguchiko is a charming resort town nestled in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji and one of the best places to experience Japan’s most iconic landmark up close.
Since we were staying near Shinjuku Station, we took the Fuji Excursion train directly to Kawaguchiko. I booked our reserved seats in advance and picked up the tickets from the reserved-seat ticket machines at Shinjuku Station on the morning of our trip. The process was quick and easy, but I definitely recommend arriving early. Japanese trains depart exactly on schedule, so you’ll want to give yourself enough time to find your platform and board without rushing.
The journey took about two hours, and one of the best parts is that it’s a direct train—no transfers required. Comfortable, scenic, and incredibly efficient, just as you’d expect in Japan.
💡 Pro Tip: Mount Fuji is famously “shy” and is often hidden by clouds or haze. For the best chance of seeing it, visit in winter (December–February) and aim to arrive around sunrise to 8:00 AM, when skies are typically clearest. The photos in this guide were taken on a sunny day in mid-May. Before your visit, check the When to See Mount Fuji page for real-time visibility conditions.
First Stop: Chureito Pagoda
We got off at Shimoyoshida Station, our first stop of the day. As soon as you leave the station, you’ll see signs pointing toward Chureito Pagoda, making it almost impossible to get lost.
The walk to Arakurayama Sengen Park takes around 20 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass small food stalls and souvenir shops. We resisted the temptation on the way up, promising ourselves we’d stop on the way back—and I’m glad we did!
Once you reach the park, you’ll already find a few beautiful photo spots before the climb begins.
Now, be prepared: there are around 400 steps to reach the famous viewpoint. If stairs aren’t your thing, there’s also a gently sloped paved path that winds up the hill. I opted for the stairs—it felt like the perfect excuse to close my exercise rings before earning the view.
And trust me, it’s absolutely worth every step.
Near the top, you’ll probably notice a line of people waiting. Don’t worry—you’ve found the famous viewpoint overlooking Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background. It’s one of Japan’s most iconic photo spots, and seeing it in person is even more breathtaking than the pictures.
After taking far too many photos, we headed back toward the station. This time, we stopped at the food stalls for grilled skewers and fresh strawberries. I can honestly say they were some of the sweetest strawberries I’ve ever tasted.
Exploring Kawaguchiko
From Shimoyoshida, we took the train to Kawaguchiko Station, where the next part of our adventure began.
Right outside the station, you’ll find the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus. We hopped on the Red Line, tapped our Suica card to pay onboard, and rode all the way to the final stop: Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, located right beside Oishi Park.
By this point, we were starving.
We stopped for lunch at Kobaiya, and I couldn’t have picked a better spot. If you can, grab a table outside—you’ll be treated to incredible views of Mount Fuji while you eat. The food was delicious and generous, though it felt a little heavy for such a hot day. It was nearly 30°C with clear blue skies, but honestly, it’s hard to complain when you’re dining with one of the best views in Japan.
Oishi Park
Our final stop was Oishi Park, one of my favorite places around Lake Kawaguchi.
I’ll let the photos do most of the talking here. Depending on the season, you’ll find beautiful flower displays framing Mount Fuji, creating postcard-worthy views in every direction.
Before you leave, don’t miss the soft-serve ice cream at the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center. It was the perfect treat after a full day of exploring and one of those simple travel moments I’ll always remember.
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