Best photo spots of Mount Fuji

Best photo spots and photo locations at Mount Fuji

This travel and photography guide will introduce you to the best photo spots and photo locations around Mt. Fuji and inspire you with great photos to travel this area. Especially the area around Lake Kawaguchi and the city of Fujiyoshida provides you with tons of epic photo locations to travel to and photograph. Take this tour to the famous Chureito Pagoda and the Momiji Tunnel in the autumn, and don’t miss the view point at Honcho Street. Be sure to visit the area with a car to be able to visit other lakes like Lake Tanuki, Lake Saiko, and Lake Shoji, which provide you with absolutely great views of Mt. Fuji.

Best photo spots at Mt. Fuji

Don't miss those photo locations


Japan has some of the most beautiful nature in the world, and Mount Fuji is a landmark for shooters looking for the perfect place to take pictures. With a landscape that changes so dramatically with the seasons, this famous peak provides a wide range of interesting and captivating photo possibilities. Mount Fuji and its surroundings become a living masterpiece during the spring cherry blossom season and the colorful fall leaf season. The delicate pink colors of the sakura blossoms and the fiery reds and golds of the leaves frame the mountain in a spectacular display of natural beauty. Photography fans and professionals alike love these seasons because they create a unique background that brings out the beauty of Mount Fuji, making it the perfect subject for catching the essence of Japan’s changing seasons. Light, color, and the scenery around this famous mountain work together to make a canvas that is always changing. This gives photographers endless ideas for capturing moments of pure natural beauty. Mount Fuji stands out against this background not only as a symbol of natural beauty but also as the moving center of a larger scene of seasonal change, inviting photographers to explore and record its beauty from a wide range of angles.

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Chureito Pagoda

Best photo spot at Fujiyoshida

Location: 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011, Japan
Best season: all season great but during cherry blossom (Sakura) or autumn leaf (Momiji) season best
Best time: definitely sunrise or sunset
Photography Equipment: standard lens works quiet good. Tripod only possible when not crowded.
Photo spot: Observation Deck
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: none
 Come early!
The way up takes 15 to 20 minutes, with around 400 stairs. Take enough time with you, especially at sunrise, because it is also absolutely dark on the way up. Photographers with tripods fill quiet spaces quickly during peak season. Try to be 1 hour before sunrise on location.
 Parking
I prefer to park at P2. It is better accessible. Even if you need to walk 2 minutes longer, you save time parking the car. But P1, is also absolutely fine. During peak seasons there is a parking fee. You can also pay when coming back after sunrise, if you arrive early.

In the city of Fujiyoshida, the Chureito Pagoda is the best photo spot to take pictures because it has one of the best views of Mt. Fuji with an iconic foreground. This five-story pagoda is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine complex. It is perched on a hillside, which gives visitors a stunning view of Mt. Fuji in the background. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the viewing deck at the top of this famous photo spot after a steep climb up many stairs. Although it takes some work, the view from the top is truly amazing, making it a must-see for photographers and tourists alike.

Autumn at Chureito Pagoda Mount Fuji Autumn at Chureito Pagoda Mount Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 57mm | f11 | 1/250s | ISO400
Autumn at Chureito Pagoda Mt. Fuji Autumn at Chureito Pagoda Mt.Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 31mm | f2.8 | 1/2000s | ISO400

People are told to get there early and to catch the peaceful beauty of sunrise as it lights up Mt. Fuji or the magical look of sunset as it casts a warm glow over the landscape. Nevertheless, especially during sunrises and sunsets, they are mostly crowded during the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons. The Chureito Pagoda is most beautiful in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in the fall, when the leaves are changing color. In these times, the surrounding scenery changes into a beautiful tapestry of colors. For example, pink cherry blossoms or rich autumn leaves frame the majestic mountain, making a scene that is very Japanese.

Honcho Street

Best photo spot at Fujiyoshida

Location: 3 Chome-5 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0004, Japan
Best season: all season
Best time: after visiting Chureito Pagoda
Photography Equipment: standard and tele-lens. Tripod ok, if not crowded
Photo spot: Crossing
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: none
 Please don’t jump on the street!
This road is very busy with traffic. Do not cross the street when the lights are red! Be sure to continue walking if you wish to take a photograph at the crossing while the light is green, as green light does not last long.

Honcho Street, which is in the busy center of Fujiyoshida, is known as one of the best places to take photos around Mt. Fuji to capture the spirit of city life with Japan’s most famous peak in the background. It is the Japanese Abbey Road. The daily noise and chaos of this busy street are a great contrast to the peaceful beauty of Mt. Fuji. It’s a great place for photographers to catch the contrast between hectic city life and peaceful nature. It makes sense to continue your photographic trip on to Honcho Street after seeing the beautiful Chureito Pagoda. This street gives you a different view of life in the shadow of the mountain. It is an easy 10-15 minute walk from the pagoda to Honcho Street.

Honcho Street with white Mount Fuji Honcho Street with white Mount Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM | 135mm | f5.0 | 1/1000s | ISO100
Honcho Street with white Mt. Fuji at night Honcho Street with white Mt. Fuji at night taken on 05.04.2023 – Canon EOS R5 with RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM | 142mm | f2.8 | 1/160s | ISO250

Going to Honcho Street on a sunny morning is especially nice because the first light of the day gives the streets a beautiful glow and casts a soft, golden light on both the cityscape and Mt. Fuji in the distance. The beautiful early morning light makes for an interesting scene that shows off the mountain’s beauty as it stands tall over the city. When it gets dark, the warm light of the streetlights changes Honcho Street into a totally different but still mesmerizing sight. The bright lights on the streets make the dark outline of Mt. Fuji stand out, making for an exciting and dramatic backdrop.

Momiji Tunnel

Best photo spot at Lake Kawaguchi

Location: Japan, 〒401-0305 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Oishi, 県道21号
Best season: Autumn Leaf / Momiji season
Best time: early morning or afternoon
Photography Equipment: standard lens is fine
Photo spot: Street / Shore / Curve
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: none
 Sun drops early behind a hill
In the afternoon, the sun drops early behind the hill; therefore, don’t wait until sunset. Or come for sunrise, which is less crowded and delivers amazing light conditions.

The Momiji Tunnel, which is on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, is known as one of the best photo spots around Mount Fuji in the fall when the maple leaves turn a bright red color, which the locals call “Momiji.” This natural canopy of fiery red and orange colors makes a beautiful visual corridor that frames the lake’s calm waters and the grand shape of Mt. Fuji in the distance. The warm colors of fall set against the cool blue of the lake and the strong presence of the mountain create a stunning scene that draws in photographers and nature lovers alike.

Momiji Tunnel at Lake Kawaguchi Momiji Tunnel at Lake Kawaguchi – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 70mm | f16 | 1/250s | ISO160
Momiji Tunnel at Lake Kawaguchi during autumn Momiji Tunnel at Lake Kawaguchi during autumn – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 62mm | f16 | 1/320s | ISO500
 Parking situation
The parking is small compared to the crowds around during the autumn season in the afternoon. There are some other small parking lots within a 5-minute walking distance. Try maybe this one instead. In the morning, you should have no issue parking at the main parking lot at Momiji Tunnel.

But getting a picture of this stunning view isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to parking. It can be very hard to find a parking spot during busy times, like when the leaves are at their brightest. People who want to see this beautiful place should get there early to get a good spot and avoid the crowds that come later. When making a trip to the Momiji Tunnel, timing is also very important. Late in the afternoon, the sun starts to go down behind the mountain, leaving long shadows and making the light on the fall leaves gradually less bright. It’s best to be at the spot at least 60 to 90 minutes before sunset to get pictures of the trees in full sunlight. This makes sure that the warm glow of the setting sun brings out the bright colors of the leaves, creating a beautiful moment that you can capture on camera. Alternately, early morning is definitely less busy.

Lake Shoji

Best photo spot at Mount Fuji

Location: Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0336, Japan
Best season: cold season when fog forms over the lake
Best time: sunrise
Photography Equipment: Tripod and Drone allowed
Photo spot: By the boats
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: none
 Parking situation
You can park your car directly at the lake. Especially useful on cold mornings, it might make sense to set up your gear on a tripod and sit back in the car.
 Some maple trees
There are also some beautiful maple trees around, which make the location worthy of a visit during the day.

One of the peaceful Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Shoji, is known as one of the best places to take photos around Mt. Fuji, especially for its unique weather and stunning natural beauty. Lake Shoji has a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. Lake Shoji is unique because there is a good chance that fog will form on its surface, especially between late autumn and early spring. This natural occurrence lends the scenery a mysterious quality. Lake Shoji can be especially magical in the early morning, when the rising sun breaks through the fog and casts a soft glow over the scene. The dancing fog over the water creates ethereal and mesmerizing scenes, with Mt. Fuji in the background, sometimes partially hidden and sometimes clearly seen. This makes it definitely one of the best photo spots around Mount Fuji.

Lake Shoji at Mt. Fuji Lake Shoji at Mt. Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 24mm | f6.3 | 1/20s | ISO50
Lake Shoji at Mount Fuji Lake Shoji at Mount Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM | 135mm | f5.6 | 1/80s | ISO50
Beach of Lake Shoji at Mount Fuji Beach of Lake Shoji at Mount Fuji – RF15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM | 35mm | f5.6 | 1/30s | ISO100

Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge

Best photo spot at Lake Kawaguchi

Location: Japan, Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, 河口湖
Best season: all season
Best time: morning or afternoon
Photography Equipment: Drone
Photo spot: North Shore
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: none
 Drone Regulations
As of June 20th, 2022, you need to register your drone in Japan. The process takes a few days but is quite easy. Please follow the national and regional rules for flying drones. Find here more information.
 Parking
You can either park directly beside the bridge or in the parking lot a few meters further away.

The Kawaguchiko-Ohashi Bridge, which smoothly crosses over Lake Kawaguchi, is one of the best photo locations on Mt. Fuji. Its strategic location gives it an unbeatable view, especially for drone photography, where the bridge draws attention to the beautiful mountain with a leading line. The beautiful architecture of the bridge, the calm beauty of Lake Kawaguchi, and the famous background of Mt. Fuji all work together to make a peaceful and captivating scene. Photographers can get a full picture of this beautiful place by using a drone to capture it from different points and heights.
When it comes to photography, the Kawaguchiko-Ohashi Bridge is a must-see for anyone who wants to capture the essence of Mt. Fuji in their work. The scene is lit up in a stunning display of natural harmony in the early morning or the vibrant colors of the sunset.

Aerial view of Kawaguchiko Bridge at Mount Fuji Aerial view of Kawaguchiko Bridge at Mount Fuji – DJI Mavic 3

Lake Saiko

Best photo spot at Mount Fuji

Location: 2502 Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0332, Japan
Best season: Autumn Leaf / Momiji Season
Best time: afternoon
Photography Equipment: Standard lens
Photo spot: Maple tree
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: none

One of the most beautiful places to take pictures near the towering Mt. Fuji is Lake Saiko, which is one of the Fuji Five Lakes. This calm lake is less busy and hasn’t been changed much compared to its nearby counterparts. It has a beautiful natural setting that goes well with the famous shape of Mt. Fuji. Especially during the Momiji season in the fall, there is one maple tree right next to the parking lot. As the leaves change from green to fiery red, this tree becomes a popular spot for photographers and nature fans alike. It stands out against the calm background of the lake and the imposing beauty of Mt. Fuji. Getting a picture of the tree in full bloom with the lake and framing Mt. Fuji in the background lets you make images that are full of color and depth, showing how the natural elements work together in harmony. Early in the morning or in the afternoon is the best time to visit Lake Saiko because the light casts a golden hue over the scenery, making it look even more beautiful and perfect for taking pictures.

Autumn in Lake Saiko at Mt. Fuji Autumn in Lake Saiko at Mt. Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 33mm | f22 | 1/250s | ISO640
Autumn in Lake Saiko at Mt. Fuji Autumn in Lake Saiko at Mt. Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 48mm | f16 | 1/250s | ISO160

Boat House

Best photo spot at Lake Kawaguchi

Location: 2953 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0305, Japan
Best season: Autumn Leaf / Momiji season
Best time: afternoon
Photography Equipment: standard lens / tripod has plenty of space
Photo spot: Mapple Tree
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: none
 Parking
You can park your car downward, but the short ramp is very steep. 

One of the best view points to take photos near Mt. Fuji is the Boat House photo location at Lake Kawaguchi. During the Momiji season, when the red and orange maple trees in the area come alive, they give the snow-covered Mt. Fuji in the background a natural, bright frame. The contrast between the bright colors of the trees and the pure white of the top of Mt. Fuji makes for a stunning composition that is great for photography. When soft sunlight illuminates this picturesque setting in the early morning or late afternoon, the colors and textures pop even more. This place is perfect to visit in the afternoon, when the sun drops at Momiji Tunnel, because the light at the boat house lasts longer.

Lake Kawaguchiko Boat House during Momiji Lake Kawaguchiko Boat House during Momiji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 24mm | f16 | 1/320s | ISO800
Lake Kawaguchiko Boat House during Momiji Lake Kawaguchiko Boat House during Momiji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 41mm | f16 | 1/320s | ISO1600

Tanuki Lake

Best photo spot at Mount Fuji

Location: Lake Tanuki, Inokashira, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0108, Japan
Best season: all season
Best time: morning
Photography Equipment: standard lens with tripod and drone
Photo spot: Kyukamura Fuji Viewpoint / Pier
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: none

It is in the peaceful countryside of Shizuoka Prefecture that Lake Tanuki is one of the best photo locations to take pictures of Mt. Fuji. This peaceful lake has a special spot where photographers can take pictures of the famous mountain reflected in the water, making a perfect mirror image that photographers all over the world want to catch. When the light is just right, early in the morning, the clear, calm waters of Lake Tanuki reflect the perfect beauty of Mt. Fuji like a painted picture. But also during the day, the visit is worth it due to the nice illumination of Mount Fuji.

Lake Tanuki at Mount Fuji West part of Lake Tanuki at Mount Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 36mm | f13 | 1/160s | ISO100
Lake Tanuki at Mt. Fuji North part of Lake Tanuki at Mt. Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 29mm | f11 | 1/100s | ISO100

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Best photo spot at Mount Fuji

Location: Japan, 〒401-0332 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Saiko, 根場 2710
Best season: all season / but Cherry Blossom season best
Best time: afternoon to sunset
Photography Equipment: Standard lens / Tripod is ok
Photo spot: Fuji View / Wider View
Opening Hours: March to November: 9:00 to 17:00 / December to February: 9:30 to 16:30
Entrance Fee: 500 Yen
 Narrow roads to parking lot
Make sure to use the wider roads to the parking lot. There are some really narrow roads, which make it hard to pass with wider cars. The parking lot is free of charge.

The old town of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, which is on the beautiful shores of Lake Saiko, is one of the best photo locations around Mt. Fuji to take pictures because it shows Japan’s history and culture in a unique and beautiful way. A typhoon destroyed this traditional village in 1966, but it has been fixed up and is now an open-air museum with thatched-roof houses (kayabuki) that have been turned into shops, bars, and museums. With Mt. Fuji in the background, these traditional buildings make for a stunning contrast between the natural beauty that will never fade and the unchanging charm of Japanese culture. The town is in a place with stunning views of the mountain, especially when the peak is covered in snow, making for a peaceful and majestic scene. Lots of photographers and tourists come to this place because it has beautiful scenery and lets them experience the traditional Japanese way of life.
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba is open from 9:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. from March to November and from 9:30 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. from December to February. It costs 500 yen to get in, and you can explore its historical appeal and capture the essence of Japan’s natural and cultural beauty in every shot.

Saiko Iyashi-No-Sato Nenba at Mount Fuji Saiko Iyashi-No-Sato Nenba at Mount Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 24mm | f7.1 | 1/800s | ISO640
Saiko Iyashi-No-Sato Nenba at Mount Fuji Saiko Iyashi-No-Sato Nenba at Mount Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 43mm | f72.8 | 1/25s | ISO1600

Oshino Hakkai

Best photo spot at Mount Fuji

Location: Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511, Japan
Best season: all season
Best time: morning, otherwise crowded
Photography Equipment: standard lens / tripod only in the morning otherwise to crowded
Photo spot: Rooftop inside / Pond outside
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 for inside / 24/7 for the surroundings
Entrance Fee: 300¥ for inside / no fee for the surroundings

Another great photo spot to take pictures of Mt. Fuji is Oshino Hakkai, a little village close to Fujiyoshida. This charming location is well-known for its glistening ponds, traditional thatched-roof homes, and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. The park is open from 9:00 to 17:00 and requires a 300 yen entrance fee for visitors to explore. After arriving, visitors can climb to a tiny rooftop at the entryway, which provides a stunning panoramic view of Mount Fuji and is ideal for snapping pictures of the great peak.

 Cherry Blossom Photo Spot
If you are during Cherry Blossom Season around here, make sure to visit the Shinnasho River. Beautiful cherry blossom trees line the river. Find here the exact photo location.

The area outside the payable part also offers many opportunities for beautiful photos, with the famous silhouette of Mount Fuji in the background being framed by historic structures and charming streets. Parking is accessible nearby, but keep in mind that during the day, the area might get crowded. To avoid the crowds and experience Oshino Hakkai’s peace and beauty in their most unadulterated state, tourists are advised to arrive early.

Oshino Hakkai at Mount Fuji Photo taken inside Oshino Hakkai at Mount Fuji – Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 35mm | f9.0 | 1/500s | ISO100

Don't miss Hakone

If you are in this region, make sure to stay also in Hakone

Hakone Guide

Mount Fuji Travel & Photography Guide
Mount Fuji Travel & Photography Guide

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