Photo tips: The 5 best places to shoot Mt Fuji, Japan

I have been visiting the surrounding areas of Mt. Fuji for the last ten years and here are my five best landscape locations.

I would have to say the easiest way to get around quickly is in a hire car. Most of the best viewing points are from the lakes and hill tops.

The distances to each lake with public transport are far and not frequently available. Most tourist take a day trip from Tokyo but I would suggest an over night stay. This will give you a chance to catch a sunset and sunrise. Mountain weather can be very unpredictable so be prepared to have heavy cloud cover on Mt. Fuji.

Here is a link to check live web cams in many key locations. I usually go in autumn or spring to capture the beautiful autumn leaves and cherry blossoms. There are many other points of interest to shoot so here are some suggestions worth exploring. 

Kawaguchiko

On the northern shore you are certain to find great vantage points from Oishi Park in autumn or spring. Be prepared to run into crowds of tourists looking for the best trees with cherry blossoms or Cypress leaves. If you are looking for some nice light then early morning or late afternoon in the golden hours are perfect up to 2 hours before sunset or after sunrise. Keep in mind that the sun drops earlier out of view as surrounding mountains can block off the sun rays. Sunrise and sunset times vary through out the year so best to check using Google Earth or special apps like Photo Pills, Sun Surveyor, or Ephemeris to name a few.

Saiko

If you continue driving along the shoreline heading on Kohoku View Line road you will go through a tunnel to see Saiko immediately after. Saiko Nebahama parking lot is the best spot to stop for a view looking back at Mount Fuji. There are great leading lines that can be used with all the colorful canoes and fishermen dotted along the banks.

Shojiko

Only a 12 minute drive from Saiko will take you to a campsite along the western shoreline. I would suggest a mid afternoon drive to be able to access all three lakes as quickly as possible. Many city slickers escape to these areas for a weekend camping of rest and relaxation.

Yamanakako

Since this lake is on the eastern side of all the five lakes, I would suggest going here in the morning after a sunrise shot at Chureito Pagoda. The weather can be quite unpredictable as seen in the image below which was shot in early April of 2017. I was expecting some cherry blossoms but instead I got snow and some white swans.

Chureito Pagoda

This is the iconic pagoda on a hilltop facing Mount Fuji in Arakurayama Sengen Park that's reached via 398 steps. This should get your heart pumping and build up your appetite before breakfast. Tripods and drones are not allowed up here. In the distance you can sometimes hear the defense force training with gunfire and canons. Every morning senior citizens make the the climb and do their daily exercises; what a beautiful day to start each day.

Other Points of Interest

Shiraito Falls

The Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝, Shiraito not Taki) are located in the southwestern foothills of Mount Fuji. Ranked among the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, the 150 meter wide cascade is fed by the volcano's spring water and flows off the edge of a 20 meter high cliff in thin white streams that resemble hanging threads of silk — hence its name. The base of the waterfall is easily accessible from the road via a walking trail in just a few minutes. If it is a clear day you might be able to see Mount Fuji just above the waterfall.

Lake Ashinoko, Hakone

Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖, Ashinoko) was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's eruption 3,000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone. The lake's shores are mostly undeveloped except for small towns in the east and north and a couple of lakeside resort hotels.

About the author: Alfonso Calero is a professional photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Over the past 20 years, Alfonso has photographed everyone from politicians to artists and everything from exquisite food to amazing landscapes. See more of his work, and find out about his tours to Japan: alfonso.com.au