The best views of Mount Fuji from Hakone
View of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi in Hakone.
Unsplash
Majestic and iconic, Mount Fuji attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of breathtaking panoramas. Located just a few hours from Tokyo, the Hakone region offers some of the finest views of this sacred mountain. From must-see observation points to more confidential spots, here's our list of spots where you can admire Mount Fuji in all its splendour from Hakone:
- Hakone cable car
- Owakudani and its fumaroles
- Lake Ashi
- Ryokan with a view
- Mount Kintoki
- Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum
- Onshi-Hakone Park
- Mishima Skywalk
- Otome-togeschool
1. The Hakone cable car
The Hakone cable car is undoubtedly one of the best ways to admire Mount Fuji from the heights . It links Sounzan to Togendai via Owakudani, offering breathtaking views along the way. During the journey, you'll fly over the volcanic valley and its sulfurous fumaroles, while enjoying a clear view of Mount Fuji, weather permitting.
The Hakone funitel before its renovation, with Mount Fuji in the background
ryan Cragun
Tōgendai station in Hakone Kanagawa prefecture
©作者 663highland, wikimedia
The journey takes around 30 minutes , and several stops are perfect for taking incredible photos. When the sky is clear, Mount Fuji stands out magnificently against a blue background. In autumn, the flamboyant vegetation makes the view even more spectacular. However, on overcast or foggy days, the silhouette of Mount Fuji can be difficult to see, adding a certain mystery to the landscape.
2. Owakudani and its fumaroles
Owakudani is a volcanic valley formed around 3,000 years ago when Mount Hakone erupted. It is still active today, releasing thick sulfur fumaroles, bubbling hot springs and a characteristic odor that permeates the air.
The site is famous for its"black eggs"(kuro-tamago), eggs cooked in the hot springs that are naturally rich in sulfur, giving them a black shell. According to local legend, eating one will add seven years to your life expectancy!
View of the Owakudani valley from the Hakone cable car
©作者 ohkubo, wikimedia
Kuro-tamago (black eggs) cooked in Ōwakudani hot springs
david Monniaux, wikimedia
From Owakudani, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji, especially on a clear day. The high altitude and unique volcanic landscape make it one of the best places to observe the mountain in all its splendor.
3. Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi, formed in the caldera of the Hakone volcano, is one of the region's most emblematic sites. Its peaceful waters and natural setting make it an ideal place to admire Mount Fuji.
There are several options for making the most of it: pirate boat cruises offer a unique perspective, while the trails around the lake allow you to see Mount Fuji from different angles. The famous floating torii of the Hakone-jinja shrine adds a mystical touch to the landscape, especially at sunset.
Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi
©wikimedia
The pirate ship of Lake Ashi
©Unsplash
Hakone-jinja Torri
©Unsplash
To explore Hakone with ease, the Hakone Free Pass is an ideal option. This pass provides unlimited access to the region's main transport links, including the Hakone cable car, Lake Ashi boats, funicular railway, as well as buses and trains connecting Hakone-Yumoto and other must-see attractions.
Book your Hakone Free Pass now!
4. Stay in a ryokan with a view
For total immersion, spending the night in a ryokan with a view of Mount Fuji is an experience not to be missed. Many ryokans offer rooms with mountain views and open-air onsen baths for relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Some well-known establishments include:
- Hakone Ginyu,
- Green Plaza Hakone,
- Hakone Takuminoyado Yoshimatsu,
- The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko.
5. Mount Kintoki
Mount Kintoki is a popular destination for hikers seeking breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Culminating at 1,212 meters, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the region, as well as being associated with the legend of Kintaro, a Japanese mythological hero.
The hike to the summit, which takes around 3-4 hours, is accessible to hikers of all levels, with trails through cedar and pine forests. It's an excellent place to enjoy nature and exceptional views, especially at sunrise or sunset.
6. The Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum
The Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum, located near Lake Ashi in Hakone, is famous for its collection of Japanese art, including works that illustrate the landscape and culture of Japan. One of the museum' s star attractions is its special room offering a spectacular view of Mount Fuji, particularly visible from the "panorama room" or room with a large bay window.
This room allows visitors to contemplate Mount Fuji through works of art, including paintings depicting Mount Fuji in various traditional Japanese styles. The breathtaking view of the mountain, combined with the art, makes this room a must for lovers of nature and Japanese culture.
7. Onshi-Hakone Park
Onshi-Hakone Park is a peaceful, historic site with spectacular views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. Formerly an imperial residence, this park offers carefully landscaped green spaces, paths lined with landscaped gardens and perfect vantage points for admiring the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
It's an ideal place to stroll while discovering century-old trees, sculptures and traditional pavilions. The park is particularly popular with visitors for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, especially on clear days.
Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji seen from the Sorin Plaza in Onshi Hakone Park
by Quercus acuta, wikimedia
8. Mishima Skywalk
This 400-meter-long suspension bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in Japan. Located around 30 minutes by car and an hour by train from Hakone, it offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay and the surrounding forest.
However, visibility of Mount Fuji is highly dependent on weather conditions. On a clear day, the panorama is particularly impressive, especially at sunrise. The best time to visit is early morning, when the sky is clear and Mount Fuji is most visible.
Mount Fuji from the Mishima footbridge
©くろふね, wikimedia
9. Otome-toge
Otome-toge, also known as Otome Pass, is a mountain pass located between Hakone and Gotenba, offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Its name, which literally means "maiden's pass", comes from a legend according to which a young woman climbed this path while mourning her lost love. Today, it's a popular destination for hikers and travellers in search of exceptional panoramas, especially at sunrise when Mount Fuji reveals itself in all its splendour.
Mount Fuji seen from Otome Pass
©By Makoto_Lab, wikimedia
Tips to optimize your experience
- Best season : Autumn (October-November) and winter (December-February) offer the best chances of seeing Mount Fuji, with clear skies and optimum visibility. Summer is often foggy, making the view more uncertain.
- Ideal time : Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the fog.
- Transport: The Hakone Free Pass makes it easy to travel between these different spots
