Arakurayama Sengen Park Observation Deck — Attraction in Fujiyoshida

I guess this is one of the most famous places near Mount Fuji. Photos from this place are all over the internet. That's why, keep in mind that it's very often crowded.

Even when you go there for the sunrise at 4:30, there will be a lot of people. When I got there around 4:10 (20 minutes before the sunrise), there were already 20 people waiting.

When you go there for sunset, Mount Fuji is often shrouded in clouds. Just don't rush away straight after the sunset, because usually after a couple of minutes, the fog or clouds rise higher and Fuji becomes visible. Also, the morning golden hours last for about an hour, not just for 5 minutes, which means that the best conditions for photography will last for around an hour, so just be patient.

It's worth mentioning that at "the top" (even though it's not that high) it can be quite cold. A jacket in the morning is, in my opinion, obligatory.

To reach this place, you have to go through many steps. Some of them are steep, some are not, but the elevation you have to conquer is not more than 100m. Alternatively, you can also use the car road, which is next to the stairs. It's a bit longer, but at the same time, easier.

Good luck with the...

The observation deck provides a stunning view of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Most of the time it is hidden by a blanket of cloud. On average, you only have a full view for twenty-five percent of the year. There is the choice of going up the steps, of which there are a lot or walking up the steep road. There are areas to rest as you go up. The first has toilets, food stalls, and a shrine. There are cherry blossoms along the way. When they are in bloom, this can create a long queue of people waiting to get a photo of the trees with Mount Fuji in the background. The path continues over the mountain. There are no further views higher up, so it is only worth continuing if you fancy a...

The location of the famous photo of Mount Fuji and the 5 story Chureito Pagoda. A must visit for anyone coming to Japan.

Depending on the weather, it can be hit or miss on seeing Mount fuji. When I arrived, it was covered by cloud and was an hour and a half before the peak of Fuji became visible.

Very crowded in the observatory section the day i went, everybody waiting just like myself. And be warned that to reach the Observation Area are a lot of stairs or a long bending...