Mount Fuji – Japan’s highest and most iconic peak. Standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) this majestic volcano is not only a symbol of natural beauty and a sacred summit in Japanese culture, but also a magnet for photographers seeking breathtaking views. Its perfectly symmetrical cone and snow-capped crown provide the surrounding area with many picturesque photo locations that can turn any image into a masterpiece. Whether you’re an experienced photographer, an Instagram enthusiast or an eager traveler with a camera, capturing the perfect shot of Mount Fuji can be a rewarding experience.
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In this post, I’m going to share some of the best photo locations of Mount Fuji. Whether you’re looking for serene lakes that mirror the mountain’s beauty, charming villages that offer unique perspectives, or hidden spots perfect for capturing the sunset, I’ve got you covered. And most importantly, they’re all free!
Travelling around Japan? Check out 9 places you can’t miss during your trip to Japan in 2025!
Important info
The best way to get around the photo locations of Mount Fuji is by rental car. I took a bullet train from Kyoto to Shizuoka and rented my car from Nissan Rent a Car near Shizuoka train station, then drove around 90 mins to Fujikawaguchiko.
And now, grab your camera and your walking shoes and let’s dive into the top places to snap that perfect shot of Fuji-san!
The best free photo locations of Mount Fuji!
Let’s start with one of the most famous ones…
1. Honcho Street
Honcho Street is a charming and historic street located in the town of Fujiyoshida. Quaint shops, local eateries, and preserved architecture offer a glimpse into traditional Japanese life.
But Honcho Street is famous for something else. Its location, with unobstructed views of Mount Fuji provides a stunning backdrop for snapping this perfect Mount Fuji photo.
I have to say, that it was my dream shot and after not being completely satisfied with the first batch of photos I took, I actually returned to this location on the following day.
What’s the exact location?
The shot below, like the majority of the photos from that street, was taken on the pedestrian crossing, on the corner where FabCafé Fuji is located. It’s a great café by the way. But you can admire Mt Fuji from any place along this street.
Where to park?
I always parked in Fujiyoshida Shiei Honmachidori Parking Lot, it’s only 2 minutes walk from the spot. You do have to pay, but it wasn’t very expensive, and you shouldn’t need too long to capture your perfect Fuji photo.
When is the best time to go?
Early! As early as you can! Right after sunrise is the appropriate time, which depending on the time of the year can happen as early as 4:30 am. In October, when this photo was taken, the Sun rose at 5.50 am. Of course you can come later during the day, but I can promise you, that this spot will be busy. You can see how crowded it gets in my Instagram video. Not to mention the traffic. So if you want to avoid people and cars, come early.
What else should you know?
Keep in mind that around 9 am traffic wardens appear. They make sure that people only cross this street on the green light and don’t cause any disruptions to traffic. So yeah, don’t make their job any harder and…
act responsibly!
If you wan’t to know more about responsible travel, download my guide on becoming an eco-friendly traveller. In a few simple steps you can make your travel better and our Planet happier.
2. 3 Chome 21 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi
Not far from Honcho Street you can find another great photo location of Mount Fuji. I can’t tell you much about this spot, since it’s just a street and the fact that I found it by simply walking around. But the view is super cool, isn’t it?
By the way, you should definitely stroll little alleys around Honcho Street. You’ll experience Mount Fuji popping up in many places.
What’s the exact location?
From FabCafé walk along Honcho Street towards Mount Fuji and turn right after Longtemps store. Go straight again and take the second left. You’ll know when you get there, because you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji again. But if those directions aren’t clear enough, take this location as a waypoint. You can snap a photo anywhere along this street.
What else should you know?
It’s a pretty quiet alley, at least it was when I was there, so please respect the local life happening there and be quiet as well.
3. Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda is definitely one of the most famous and popular photo locations of Mount Fuji. It’s also one of the most photographed landmarks in Japan in general. Why?
Because this stunning five-story pagoda located in the Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Built as a peace memorial in 1963, today the pagoda attracts millions of tourist wanting to capture this mesmerising sight.
Chureito Pagoda is particularly popular in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating even more picturesque scene with Mount Fuji in the background. But no matter the time of the year, snapping a photo there is a must when sightseeing Mount Fuji areas.
What’s the exact location?
Well, when you type “Chureito Pagoda” in Google maps, the navigation should take you to the right place. Then you can choose between taking the super steep stairs or the winding path that wraps around the hill. It should take you around 10-15 minutes to reach the top – the famous photo spot. The pagoda itself is located on the lower level. Daaa!
Where to park?
There’s free parking located right at the bottom of the Pagoda. When I was there, around 8 am, it was kind of empty, but it can get busy during the day. Luckily there are parking staff to help you find an available spot.
When is the best time to go?
Because of the light conditions, morning or golden hour are the best. I went there after visiting Honcho Street, so it was around 7-8 am, and the sun was a little bit too bright already. Crowd-wise, this place is always busy, but early morning gives you best chance to enjoy it without many people. So to sum up, I recommend visiting Chureito Pagoda during early morning hours.
4. Not Lawson, but 7/11
You might know this popular photo location of Mount Fuji – a Lawson convenience store in the town of Kawaguchiko. If you don’t know it, you might have heard of it, because during the recent months it got very popular on the Internet. Why? Because thanks to its incredible background – Mount Fuji, it got overly popular with tourists. Everyone wanted to snap a photo of the modern blue facade of the convenience store contrasting with the natural wonder of Japan’s tallest peak.
Unfortunately, the influx of visitors has reached unmanageable levels, leading to littering, obstruction of traffic and pedestrian pathways and unauthorised parking, forcing Kawaguchiko authorities to put an end to it. In May 2024, the town installed a huge barrier blocking the view.
So, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but not far from Lawson, there is a 7/11 with a great view of Mt Fuji. I actually preferred this location. It was definitely more quiet back then. If you know, a photo of a supermarket is what you’re going for. 😉
This view maybe isn’t as perfect as the Lawson one – there is a building and some cables blocking Mount Fuji.
But 5 seconds in Photoshop and AI can remove those obstacles for you.
What’s the exact location?
The exact address is 4735-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko.
Where to park?
Naturally, you can park in front of the store, in a way that your parked car isn’t in the photo.
What else should you know?
When I was there (October 2023), this supermarket felt almost abandoned. Even among customers. Now, after the view of Fuji X Lawson got blocked, I saw more and more posts on social media promoting this place as an alternative. Well, I’m doing the same thing. So please be respectful when you’re there. Don’t litter, don’t cause any traffic disruptions, don’t make it more difficult for people who actually want to shop there. Otherwise they will block this view as well.
I stayed in Toyoko Inn Fuji Kawaguchiko Ohashi. It’s one of Japan’s chain hotels, but it was a great place to stay and a good base for all the photo locations in this blog. The room was nice, clean and spacious. There was a good breakfast (even for vegetarians) included and I really enjoyed my stay there!
BOOK Toyoko Inn Fuji Kawaguchiko Ohashi here!
5. Kawaguchiko Station
Kawaguchiko Station is a key transportation hub located in Fujikawaguchiko, kind of “in-between” Lawson and 7/11 (from the previous paragraph). Serving as the terminus for the Fujikyuko Line, this station is a gateway for tourists heading to the Fuji Five Lakes region and Mount Fuji itself. But for photographers, it’s another of the great free photo locations of Mount Fuji. The beautiful architecture of the station and the stunning view of Mount Fuji make a perfect photo opportunity.
Where to park?
You can park on a parking lot located next to the station. Or park in front of the 7/11 mentioned above. Because to be honest with you, I don’t know if the parking next to the station is free.
When is the best time to go?
Definitely early in the morning. Less traffic and less people equals better snap.
What else should you know?
Again, please be mindful of the traffic and people around you. Don’t stand in the road and don’t make it more difficult for people who actually travel somewhere from this station.
6. Fuji Flower Child
Now, this is a bit confusing. I knew this place as Fuji Flower Child and if you type that in Google maps, you’ll get to the right spot. But I think that this place is actually called Oishi Park.
No matter the name, this beautiful place located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and photography. The park is known for its seasonal flower displays, with vibrant blooms such as lavender in the summer and colourful autumn foliage providing picturesque scenery year-round. You can stroll along well-maintained paths, enjoy the beautiful gardens, and capture breathtaking shots of Mount Fuji framed by a sea of flowers. Additionally, Oishi Park features a small café and a local products shop, allowing visitors to savor regional delicacies and take home unique souvenirs.
Where to park?
There is parking there called Oishi Park Parking Lot. It’s nice and spacious.
When is the best time to go?
You won’t be surprised when I say in the morning or before sunset. This place can get very busy during the day. I didn’t follow my own advice, because I didn’t have enough mornings and evenings around Mount Fuji, and went there in the middle of the day. The sun was very harsh, not so great for a photo.
7. Lake saiko close to Saiko Nenba-hama
Saiko Nenba-hama, located on the western shore of Lake Saiko is actually a small village offering a glimpse into the traditional rural life of Japan. Well-preserved historical homes with traditional thatched-roofs make it a cute spot to walk around and admire Japanese heritage.
While being there, you can’t not notice the lake with Fuji-San rising from behind it. The little pebble-y beach and calming forests around the lake, provide a beautiful setting for yet another photo of Mount Fuji. Especially if you want to see it from another perspective.
Where to park?
There is a free parking spot located on the side of the road, close to the lake. It’s quite spacious, so there shouldn’t be any problem with parking your car.
When is the best time to go?
This is one of the photo locations of Mount Fuji where the time of visit doesn’t matter that much. Obviously, for the best photo you should come in the morning or before sunset, but this place is not super popular among tourists, so you won’t have to be making your way through the crowds. Some peace and quiet is almost guaranteed.
8. Kogamasao Memorial Park
Kogamasao Memorial Park, located in Fujikawaguchiko, is another spot offering stunning views of Mount Fuji. This serene and picturesque park dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region is perfect for peaceful strolls and a quick history lesson about the events and figures associated with the area. But most of all, Kogamasao Memorial Park is another popular spot for photographers and Fuji-San lovers.
Where to park?
There are multiple parking options close to the Park. I’m sure you won’t have any problems with finding a parking space.
When is the best time to go?
For the photos, well sunset was very beautiful from here. Especially, that it’s a lovely place to unwind and connect with nature,
9. Fujisan Yumeno Ohashi Bridge
Fujisan Yumeno Ohashi is a 70-meter-long bridge that offers an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji when looking north. Because of it’s location and the set of stairs that give the impression of walking straight up the magnificent volcano, the bridge is becoming more and more famous among travellers.
Well, there’s not much to write about it – it’s just a bridge with stairs for pedestrians. In fact, the steps are even more important here. Because their breathtaking background provide a vantage point for photographers and sightseers looking to capture the majestic beauty of Japan’s iconic peak.
And majestic it looks when…
When is the best time to go?
…you come on a sunny, cloudless day. That’s really the only requirement when it comes to this spot. Of course, morning time and golden hour would be ideal, but when Mount Fuji is hidden behind the clouds, none of that matters.
As you can see, I was a bit unlucky in cloud department. I went there on a day when Mount Fuji had this amazing “cloud crown” placed on the top, so I was hoping for some great shots. Unfortunately, as I was driving there, I was seeing more and more clouds approaching the volcano. So when I finally got there, Mount Fuji looked liked that…
Well, but there’s nothing AI can’t fix.
What’s the exact location?
The bridge is located a bit further from all the above mentioned locations. It’s on the way to/from Shizuoka. If you type in Fujisan Yumeno Ohashi Bridge in Google maps, the navigation should take you where you need to go. Just in case, that’s its exact location.
Where to park?
There is VERY limited parking there. It’s “under” the bridge and it fits a maximum of 4 cars. So firstly, you have to be lucky. Secondly, since it’s a residential area, you have to be mindful and respectful.
What else should you know?
When I visited the bridge (October 2023), there was literally no-one else there. But as I mentioned, it is gaining popularity which means more tourists and more not cool and even illegal behaviour. So just to be clear, DO NOT park your car on the bridge itself or in any place where it could disrupt the traffic.
Google reviews mention, Uniqlo Fuji Store as a possible parking spot. Since the store is located just a few minutes from the bridge, maybe it’s a wise idea to head straight there and walk.
That’s a wrap!
I hope you enjoyed my list of free photo locations of Mount Fuji. Seeing this iconic volcano with my own eyes has truly been a dream come true and the attempt to capture it on camera was a great adventure. Mount Fuji deserves all the hype it gets and I’m sure your trip there, and your photos will be amazing!
If you have any questions about the locations, drop them in the comment or write me a message on Instagram!
And don’t forget to check out my list of 9 amazing places you can’t miss during your trip to Japan in 2025.
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!
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