Top 10 Mount Fuji Views I Ranked From My Trip
Mount Fuji has some of the most famous photo spots in Japan — and in the world.
But here’s the truth:
Not all of them are worth it.
After four full days chasing views around the mountain, I ranked the Top 10 Mount Fuji photo spots — from hidden gems to the ones that truly live up to the hype.
And yes, I’m also revealing the one spot you should absolutely skip.
Let’s get into it.
#10 – Lawson at Kawaguchi Station
Lawson Kawaguchiko Station
It sounds ridiculous to rank a convenience store.
But this Lawson is iconic.
You step off the bus or train, turn around, and Mount Fuji towers perfectly above the blue Lawson sign.
Accessibility: 10/10. It’s literally steps from the station.
Crowd: Always busy, but fast-moving.
Photo Quality: Not a postcard shot — a proof-of-arrival shot.
It works because it blends Fuji with everyday Japan. And Japanese convenience stores are a cultural experience in themselves.
Sometimes they even install barricades because it gets so popular.
It’s ordinary — and that’s exactly why it’s special.
#9 – Lake Motosu (1,000 Yen Bill View)
Lake Motosu
This is the image printed on Japan’s 1,000 yen note.
Standing there feels surreal — like you stepped into your wallet.
Accessibility: Car recommended. Remote and winding roads.
Crowd: Surprisingly light.
Photo Quality: Stunning but distant. Bring a zoom lens.
Without the currency connection, this wouldn’t feel as iconic. But because it’s on the money? It’s legendary.
#8 – Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba (Traditional Village)
Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba
Thatched rooftops. Old workshops. Mount Fuji rising behind them.
It feels like a movie set from historical Japan.
Accessibility: Easy drive or bus. Large parking lot.
Crowd: Moderate, manageable.
Photo Quality: Magic during cherry blossom or autumn season.
Fuji framed between traditional rooftops is pure Japan.
#7 – Lake Saiko
Lake Saiko
The quiet sibling of the Fuji lakes.
No chaos. No bus tours.
Just reflection and stillness.
Accessibility: Easy by car.
Crowd: Almost none.
Photo Quality: Perfect mirror shots when the wind dies.
This was the most meditative view of the entire trip.
#6 – Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda
The most famous Fuji photo in existence.
But most people ruin it.
They:
Arrive too late
Trust weather apps
Show up after tour buses
Get there one hour before sunrise.
Accessibility: 400-step climb.
Crowd: Brutal midday. Peaceful early.
Photo Quality: Red pagoda + snowcap Fuji = iconic.
Do it right, and it’s unforgettable.
#5 – Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls
Waterfall. Forest. Mount Fuji behind it.
Three layers of perfection.
Accessibility: Paved path, easy walk.
Crowd: Spread out, manageable.
Photo Quality: Cinematic when light hits the mist.
It’s one of the only places you can frame a waterfall and Fuji together.
#4 – Honcho Street
Honcho Street
City street. Power lines. Cars.
And Fuji rising at the end like a movie backdrop.
Accessibility: Walkable from station.
Crowd: Light in morning, heavy afternoon.
Photo Quality: Best with telephoto lens.
Use side streets. Avoid the chaos of the main intersection.
It’s urban meets epic.
#3 – Mount Fuji Dream Bridge
Mount Fuji Dream Bridge
The “stairway to heaven.”
At sunrise, it feels unreal.
Accessibility: Car required. Far from main Fuji town.
Crowd: Peaceful at dawn, packed later.
Photo Quality: Clean, symmetrical, dramatic.
This might be the cleanest Fuji composition available anywhere.
#2 – Oishi Park (Lake Kawaguchi)
Oishi Park
This is the Fuji most people imagine.
Flowers. Lake. Mountain.
Accessibility: Huge parking lot, restrooms, cafes.
Crowd: Always busy.
Photo Quality: Flawless year-round.
Spring moss. Summer lavender. Winter snow.
There’s no bad angle here.
#1 – Tenku no Torii (The Torii in the Sky)
Tenku no Torii
This was it.
A single red torii gate high on a hill, perfectly framing Mount Fuji.
Online reviews said:
Too crowded
Overhyped
Not worth it
They were wrong.
I arrived early.
Had it nearly to myself.
Accessibility: Slightly tricky road. Small parking area.
Crowd: Manageable early, chaotic later.
Photo Quality: Unreal. Fuji framed inside the gate.
Go low. Center it. Full body shot.
It’s spiritual. Powerful. Perfect.
This was the moment everything clicked.
🚫 The Worst Mount Fuji Spot – Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai
The “Eight Seas of Oshino.”
It looks stunning online.
In reality?
Chaos.
Tiny ponds
Wall-to-wall tour buses
Narrow paths
Souvenir stands everywhere
Paid parking
You’ll spend more time dodging selfie sticks than seeing Fuji.
The water is beautiful — but Fuji is often blocked by buildings or crowds.
This is Instagram vs. reality.
Skip it.
Final Thoughts
Mount Fuji isn’t just about seeing the mountain.
It’s about:
Composition
Timing
Light
Patience
Some spots are iconic for a reason.
Others are popular because they’re convenient.
Choose wisely.
📍 Google Maps: All Ranked Fuji Spots
Save these before you go:
🎥 Watch the Full Ranking Video
See all 10 locations in real time — including the crowds, light changes, and hidden angles.
👉 Watch the full Mount Fuji ranking on YouTube
And as always —
Travel far.