Chureito Pagoda
Iconic five-storied pagoda offering a postcard-perfect view of Mt. Fuji, nestled in Arakurayama Sengen Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Chureito Pagoda
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic five-storied pagoda offering a postcard-perfect view of Mt. Fuji, nestled in Arakurayama Sengen Park.
"The view at the top is absolutely worth it. Seeing Mount Fuji framed behind the pagoda feels almost unreal."
🎯 Arrive Early for Photos
Beat the crowds and get the best shots of Mt. Fuji with the pagoda. Sunrise is ideal!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing about 398 steps to reach the main viewpoint.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Classic Pagoda View
Arakurayama Sengen Park
The iconic five-storied pagoda perfectly framing Mt. Fuji. A must-see for any visitor.
Higher Vantage Points
Above the main viewpoint
Continue climbing past the main viewpoint for fewer crowds and unique perspectives.
Seasonal Blooms
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Experience the pagoda with vibrant cherry blossoms in spring or fiery autumn foliage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Iconic View
The Climb and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Photos
Beat the crowds and get the best shots of Mt. Fuji with the pagoda. Sunrise is ideal!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing about 398 steps to reach the main viewpoint.
☁️ Check the Weather
Mt. Fuji can be shy! Clear days offer the best views.
💰 Bring Cash for Souvenirs
Food trucks and souvenir booths at the base often only accept cash.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Photos
Beat the crowds and get the best shots of Mt. Fuji with the pagoda. Sunrise is ideal!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing about 398 steps to reach the main viewpoint.
☁️ Check the Weather
Mt. Fuji can be shy! Clear days offer the best views.
💰 Bring Cash for Souvenirs
Food trucks and souvenir booths at the base often only accept cash.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Spot
Keep climbing past the main viewpoint for more space and unique photo angles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking, postcard-perfect view of Mt. Fuji framed by the Chureito Pagoda, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The climb, though tiring, is considered well worth the effort for the stunning panorama. However, the popularity means significant crowds, especially at peak times, and the iconic view is highly dependent on clear weather.
"Quick Summary: Chureito Pagoda
The Chureito Pagoda is a five-story red pagoda located in Fujiyoshida City, near Lake Kawaguchiko. It is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and was built in 1963 as a peace memorial. It is widely considered one of the most iconic photography spots in all of Japan.
The View of Mount Fuji
The "Classic" Shot: The view is famous for a specific composition: the red pagoda in the foreground, the city of Fujiyoshida below, and the massive Mount Fuji symmetrically centered in the background.
Accessibility: To see this view, you must hike up to the observation deck behind the pagoda.
The "Sacrifice": Be prepared to climb 398 steps (approx. 15–20 minutes) to reach the top. There is also a winding ramp for a gentler, though longer, ascent.
It felt more like 500 steps than 398.
On the day we went, clouds obscured MT. FUJI, so we took the photos without the iconic views of the mountain, if planning to come, pray for clear weather.
Its crowded full of tourists."
George Fine
"We visited this place during the second week of October 2025. We had booked a Mount Fuji tour on Klook, the guide took us to Oshino Hakkai, Lawson station, Lake Kawaguchigo and this pagoda was our last stop near this area. Our guide said that it would take just 30 minutes to go upstairs for a healthy person. I managed to climb the first 50 steps but my leg started giving up. I even felt nauseous and sat in between for a while. Then I had a sudden rush of adrenaline and started analysing why am I here at Japan if I can’t even climb 500 stairs to goto a viewpoint. Then I slowly started again and took break between every 15/20 steps. My husband whom I had asked to go earlier had already reached the top and made a new friend from Mexico and was talking to him. He was delighted to see that I made it, I was over the moon because I never gave up. The view of Mount Fuji was incredible. On our way back we shared a lot of stories with the Mexican friend. Overall a wholesome experience."
Varsha Lk
"I went at 5:30am in the morning thinking the crowd wouldn't be so bad. There definitely was a crowd there to see the iconic view of the pagoda and Mt Fuji. But the crowd wasn't too intense. Majority like minded "travellers". Too early for the mainstream tourist and influencer wannabes. The next time I think I would go just before daybreak and watch the sun rise over the majestic mountain.
If you're thinking about taking the stairs up, it is a bit of a hike up, so be prepared. Don't be ashamed to have a stop and drink some water. There's a toilet at the top as well. And if you want the trail continue into the mounting going to the other side toward Lake Kawaguchi."
Bobby Phillips
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a highway bus from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station (approx. 2,200 yen). From Kawaguchiko, take the Fujikyu Railway to Shimo-Yoshida Station, then it's a short walk. Alternatively, you can take a JR train. +1
Yes, it's a popular day trip! However, it can be a long day. Some recommend staying overnight in Kawaguchiko for a more relaxed experience.
Yes, driving is an option. Parking is available, with private lots costing around 1,000 yen and public parking around 1,500 yen.
The Fujikyu Railway is convenient for reaching Shimo-Yoshida. Local buses and taxis are also available. Renting a car offers the most flexibility.
Follow signs for Arakurayama Sengen Park. The path to the pagoda is well-marked, though the climb is significant.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Arakurayama Sengen Park and the Chureito Pagoda is free.
The park is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times posted for the pagoda itself.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. However, arriving early is highly recommended to avoid crowds.
The main path involves approximately 398 steps, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. There might be gentler slopes, but the iconic view requires the climb.
Visiting at sunrise or very early in the morning is best. Weekdays outside of peak seasons (cherry blossom and autumn foliage) are also less crowded. 
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers beautiful light and fewer people. Sunset can also be stunning, but expect more crowds.
The main viewpoint directly in front of the pagoda is iconic. For different angles, explore higher up the mountain.
Yes, nearby spots like Honcho Street in Fujiyoshida and Oishi Park offer great Mt. Fuji views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the pagoda and Mt. Fuji together. A telephoto lens can be useful for details.
Drone usage is generally restricted in many popular tourist areas in Japan, including national parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food trucks and restaurants at the base of the park selling snacks and meals.
You can find local snacks, street food, and casual dining options. Some visitors mention trying apple pie in the area.
While the pagoda viewpoint is the primary spot for Fuji views, some cafes or restaurants in the wider Kawaguchiko area might offer distant views.
Picnicking is generally allowed in parks, but it's always good to be mindful of waste and dispose of it properly.
While not specific to the pagoda, exploring Fujiyoshida or Kawaguchiko might offer local specialties like Hoto noodles or regional sweets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed family outing, exploring the wider Kawaguchiko area might be beneficial. While the pagoda itself is iconic, other attractions like Lake Kawaguchiko offer flatter terrain and more diverse activities suitable for all ages.
If visiting the pagoda, aim for early mornings to avoid the peak crowds and make the climb more manageable.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for sunrise for the best light and fewer people, though be prepared for potential cloud cover obscuring the mountain. Don't just stick to the main viewpoint; explore higher elevations for unique angles and to escape the crowds. Beyond the pagoda, the surrounding area offers diverse photographic opportunities. Honcho Street in Fujiyoshida provides a charming, retro urban landscape, while Oishi Park by Lake Kawaguchiko is famous for its reflections of Mt. Fuji.
+1 Researching other 'Mt. Fuji photo spots' in the region can help you plan a comprehensive photography itinerary. 💑 Couples and Romantic Getaways
The climb itself can be a shared adventure, and the breathtaking view from the top provides a memorable moment to enjoy together. For a more extended romantic experience, combine your visit with a stay in the Kawaguchiko area. Enjoying the views from lakeside parks or a ryokan with a view of Mt. Fuji can enhance the romantic atmosphere.
+1 The journey from Tokyo can be made more comfortable by opting for a bus or even a private transfer, allowing you to focus on each other and the stunning scenery.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to the Pagoda
Once you arrive at Arakurayama Sengen Park, the ascent to the pagoda begins. Be prepared for approximately 398 steps. While this climb is often described as manageable, comfortable footwear is essential.
For those seeking a less strenuous option, there might be gentler slopes available, but the classic, unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji framed by the pagoda is best accessed via the main staircase.
Capturing the Iconic View
To truly capture this scene, timing is crucial. Many visitors recommend arriving at sunrise to avoid the dense crowds that gather later in the day and to experience the magical morning light. The early morning hours also offer a chance for clearer skies, as Mt. Fuji can be notoriously shy behind clouds. The primary viewpoint is the most popular spot, but don't stop there. Several travelers suggest continuing to climb higher up the mountain beyond the main viewing platform.
Beyond the immediate pagoda area, the surrounding Arakurayama Sengen Park and the wider Fujiyoshida and Kawaguchiko regions offer numerous other excellent photo opportunities.
+1 Spots like Honcho Street in Fujiyoshida, with its charming retro feel, and Oishi Park by Lake Kawaguchiko, known for its reflections of Mt. Fuji, provide diverse photographic subjects. Seasonal Beauty and Crowd Dynamics
Similarly, mid to late November offers a spectacular display of autumn foliage, with the surrounding trees turning vibrant shades of red and gold, making it another peak season for visitors. These peak seasons, while visually stunning, mean you'll likely encounter large numbers of tourists, including organized tour groups.
To mitigate this, arriving extremely early, ideally at sunrise, is highly recommended to secure a good vantage point and enjoy a more serene experience. Weekdays outside of these popular periods generally offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Conversely, visiting during the shoulder seasons or on a cloudy day might mean fewer people but also a less iconic view if Mt. Fuji is obscured.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit