Arakurayama Sengen Park Observatory — Attraction in Fujiyoshida

Okay I am of minority opinions here. Sure this place has a great view and the often photographed pagoda offer beautiful color contrast to the snowy top of Mt Fuji.

But honestly, that view could be anywhere with slight elevation around this region half way up ANY hills. And probably with better views and rich histories. The pagoda here is of a modern construction literally just for the sake of the park (i.e., not part of a temple). States differently, this is a tourist attraction created in recent years by the local municipality to boost economy. Yes there is the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine at the base of the park, but after visiting so many ancient parks/temples/shrines in Japan in the last three weeks, this place feels like less genuinely authentic Mt Fuji pilgrimage. Oh yeah, this place is crawling with bus loads of foreign tourists who most likely just come here to check the box off the photo op.

I would've preferred to go somewhere more authentic and less of an internet hit based on purely photogenics.

Complaint aside, want to note there is an interesting Meiji statue likely much older than the pagoda (again few visited despite only 15 meters away from the Pagoda observation deck, which says a lot about the nature of the tourist mobs...

The view, that view, a view so iconic it's featured in almost everything written about Japan. I've wanted to see the classic scene with the pagoda and mount Fuji in the background for years, and today I finally did. It really is stunning!! From shimoyoshida train station the path up to pagoda is well marked. Be warned it is quite the walk up, especially in hot weather but the view is worth it. However, I couldn't give this five stars for one reason - overcrowding. Naturally this is a very popular spot and I was surprised by the lack of control. Once you reach the platform, it's a free for all. I personally would have thought a monitored one way system would be in place allowing everyone to enjoy the view and take pictures before clearing the area. Because of this you will be swamped, bumped, pushed and squeezed - fair warning for those with bad anxiety.

Despite this however it is easily one of the best views in the area and I'd encourage everyone to...

As you'd expect, it's crowded with tourists trying to find the best spot. I overheard several people saying they just couldn't frame the shot exactly like how it appears in that iconic photo. It's amusing to watch them try.

There's staircase leading up here, or you could take the windy path up like I did. Either way, you would get a work out but I suppose the path is easier for those who can't climb stairs. I've included photos to show the elevation you can expect along the way.

If you can't recreate the shot as well, then might as well enjoy the sight and take it all in. After all, if I wanted to see the iconic shot, why bother taking one myself when others have done...