TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 2025 climbing season for Mount Fuji has ended. However, tourists can still enjoy the panoramic views of Japan's highest mountain year-round. When winter arrives, the mountain's spectacular view, with its snow-capped white peak contrasting against the blue sky, has become one of Japan's winter icons.
During this season, tourists enjoy hunting for the Diamond Fuji moment, a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun rises or sets directly behind Mount Fuji, causing the sunlight to appear like sparkling diamonds on the mountaintop. This phenomenon is usually seen in autumn and winter, from mid-October to late February.
The Japanese travel site Jalan and the tourism authority Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) have compiled recommendations for places to find beautiful views of Mount Fuji without having to climb the mountain. Here's the list:
1. Mount Takao (Tokyo)
You don't have to travel far from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji. The sacred mountain can be seen from the summit of Mount Takao, located west of Tokyo and only an hour from the city center by train. At an elevation of 599 meters above sea level, tourists can hike to the summit of Mount Takao in about an hour and a half. The trail is easy, even for beginner climbers. If you don't want to tire yourself out, a cable car takes you to the plaza at the summit, which offers a beautiful view of Mount Fuji.
2. Mount Kumotori (Tokyo)
Mount Kumotori straddles the border of Tokyo with Saitama and Yamanashi prefectures in the Okutama region. However, this hike is especially for adventurers, as the round trip to the summit takes 10 hours. Along the way, tourists can enjoy views of the Southern Japan Alps and Mount Fuji.
3. Mount Kintoki (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Mount Kintoki is located in Hakone City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It takes about two hours to reach the summit, but the views are well worth the effort. In addition to Mount Fuji, tourists can also enjoy views of Lake Ashinoko and the steam rising from the Owakudani Gorge.
4. Asagiri Kogen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Fujinomiya City in Shizuoka offers stunning views of Mount Fuji. Many viewing spots are located in the Asagiri Kogen/Asagiri Highlands area. Outdoor activities here include cycling and camping, and there are also farms and dairy farms for tourists to visit.
5. Shiraito Falls (Shizuoka Prefecture)
In Fujinomiya, you'll find Shiraito Falls. Shiraito, meaning "white thread," boasts dozens of waterfalls cascading down the cliffside, resembling strands of silk. Behind the tallest waterfall, with a height of 20 meters and a width of 150 meters, is Mount Fuji.
6. Mishima Skywalk (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Mishima Skywalk, in Mishima City, allows tourists to experience the heights without having to climb. It's a recreational area with a restaurant, zipline, and obstacle course. Its main attraction is a 400-meter-long suspension bridge with dramatic views of Mount Fuji at sunset.
7. Lake Tanuki (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Lake Tanuki, which literally means "crossing the fields," is the perfect spot for panoramic views of Mount Fuji. From there, visitors can see Mount Fuji perfectly reflected in the mirror-like surface of the lake.
8. Lake Yamanaka (Yamanashi Prefecture)
This lake is known for Hana no Miyako, a large garden with mountain views. As the closest lake to Mount Fuji, this location is one of the best places to enjoy the mountain's scenery. The fields of sunflowers in summer and cosmos in autumn make for captivating portraits.
Read: 10 Things to Avoid Doing in Japan for a Trouble-Free Vacation
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