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Mt. Fuji Fall Foliage: 10 Spectacular Locations
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From fiery red forests to cozy golden vistas that you can view while sipping coffee, the Mt Fuji area boasts spectacular places to view the fall foliage. We introduce 10 fall foliage locations near Mt. Fuji that are easy to access from Tokyo.
Written by
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
Enjoy the Fall Foliage Near Mount Fuji!
2024 Fall foliage map created by MATCHA based on information from Weathernews
The area around Mount Fuji boasts excellent locations for enjoying the fall foliage. There are autumn leaves festivals, observatories with panoramic views from above, and even a park with fiery red Kochia bushes that look stunning in the fall!
The best time to visit Mt. Fuji for the fall foliage is mid to late November. Read on to learn the best 10 fall destinations near Mt. Fuji.
10 Fall Foliage Spots near Mount Fuji
1. Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival
2. Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
3. Arakurayama Sengen Park and the Chureito Pagoda
4. Kaneyama Waterfall
5. Koyodai Observatory
6. Oshino Hakkai
7. Kochia Fields in Oishi Park
8. Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenspace Park
9. Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park
10. Fujisan Museum
Read also
1. Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival
Photo by Pixta
Starting off on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival that runs every year is a must-visit! The festival takes place on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes around Mt. Fuji, from early to late November every year.
During the autumn festival held here in November, visitors can enjoy local treats and products offered at food stalls.
The event features the colorful autumn foliage of the more than 400 maple trees found around the Lake Kawaguchi area. There are several scenic spots around the venue, the most famous of which is the Momiji Tunnel.
Photo by Pixta
The Momiji Tunnel is a corridor of beautiful fiery red leaves that stretches for 150 meters at the base of Mt. Fuji! Seeing the trees create beautiful archways for visitors to walk under and the carpet of brightly colored yellows, oranges, and reds is a highlight for any trip during the fall season.
The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, which displays beautiful kimonos created by the famous artisan Kubota Itchiku, is also located nearby.
Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival 2023
Dates: October 28 - November 23, 2023
Venue: Kawaguchi MAP
Nearest train station: Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line (*If you come from Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo or Shinjuku Station then change at Otsuki Station to the Fujikyuko Line)
Access by bus: take the Kawaguchiko loop bus RedLine and get off at the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum; the festival venue can be accessed from here on foot in about 20 minutes.
Official website: https://fujisan.ne.jp/pages/433/ (Japanese)
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2. Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Photo by Pixta
The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the forest on the mountainside. From the observation deck, which sits more than 1,000 meters above sea level, you can see Lake Kawaguchi.
While most prefer to take the roundtrip on the ropeway, it is also possible to hike from the observation deck down the forested mountain slope; it takes about 30 minutes to descend on this trail.
Another trail from the observation point leads 300 meters uphill to a small shrine at the summit of Mount Tenjo. From there, the trail continues on to Mount Mitsutoge, a popular day hike with good views of Mount Fuji.
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Official website: https://www.mtfujiropeway.jp/en/
Business hours: weekdays 9:30 - 16:00, weekends and holidays 9:30 - 17:00
Roundtrip tickets: adults 900 yen, children 450 yen
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3. Arakurayama Sengen Park and the Chureito Pagoda
Photo by Pixta
If you are looking for an iconic image of Japan, then visit Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida City. At the top of a 398-stair hike is an observation deck that looks out over the city and Mt. Fuji.
As pictured above, the image of the Chureito Pagoda standing tall with Mt. Fuji in the background is absolutely stunning. In autumn, the fall foliage adds a nice foreground element that makes any images of the area memorable.
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Location: Yamanashi Prefecture, Fujiyoshida, Asama 2-4-1 Map
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4. Kaneyama Waterfall
Photo by Pixta
With a 10-meter drop in two streams, Kaneyama Waterfall lies on the upper reaches of the Katsuragawa River near Oshino Hakkai, the famous springs of Mt. Fuji. The scenery around the waterfall changes with the seasons, with azaleas in spring and lush verdant greenery in the summer.
In autumn, the vibrant oranges and reds create a lovely contrast with the white foam from the falls. The Fujisan Museum (the former Fuji-Yoshida Museum of Local History) is located nearby and makes a wonderful stop along the way.
Kaneyama Waterfall
Location: Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Oshino, Shibokusa Map
Read also
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5. Koyodai Observatory
Photo by Pixta
The Koyodai Observatory Resthouse offers a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji with the Aokigahara Forest slowly changing color to the vibrant autumn leaves. Koyodai is an open hill along a hiking trail and the Observatory Resthouse is where you can stop by for a breather and take in the atmosphere of the area.
Koyodai Observatory
Location: Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Narusawa 8527 Map
Official website: https://www.narusawa-kanko.jp/koyodai.html
Read also
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6. Oshino Hakkai
Photo by Pixta
Oshino Hakkai is a scenic area built on the site of a former lake. In the past, there were six lakes around Mt. Fuji, but one of them dried up several centuries ago; eight ponds with clear waters have remained. This area has been developed into a tourist destination where visitors can see traditional homes and structures that were common in this region.
In autumn, the foliage of the trees in the precincts changes color, creating a splendid background for photos of the idyllic rural scenery of Oshino Hakkai and Mt. Fuji.
Oshino Hakkai
Location: Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Oshino, Shibokusa Map
Official website: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/recover/oshino-hakkai.html
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7. Oishi Park: Kochia Field with Mt. Fuji in the Background
Photo by Pixta
One of the most spectacular sights in early autumn is that of the fiery red kochia plants at Oishi Park. These shrubs turn a vivid blood red during the early fall foliage season and make for some absolutely spectacular landscapes to enjoy while staring at the majesty of Mt. Fuji.
The shrubs perfectly frame Mt. Fuji and create the ideal scenery for lakeside photos of the mountain. There are terraces and cafes within the park making it a wonderful location to unwind at the foot of Japan's iconic peak.
Oishi Park
Location: Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Fujikawaguchiko, Oishi 2525-11 Map
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8. Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenspace Park
Photo by Pixta
Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenspace Park is a quiet park on the shore of Lake Yamanaka. In late October to November, the park sees a lot of visitors when the autumn leaves are at their peak.
In the daytime, the vivid autumn leaves show their brilliant colors in the sunlight. The idyllic lakeside hemmed by the fiery red and orange foliage makes for a lovely area to picnic or just soak up the atmosphere of autumn. The fall foliage is lit up in the evening; the illuminations transform the surroundings into dreamlike scenery.
Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenspace Park
Location: Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Yamanakako, Hirano Map
Official website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10352 (Japanese)
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9. Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park (Fujisan Eco Net)
Photo by Pixta
Surrounded by the lush Aokigahara Forest, the Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park is home to about 60 species of wild birds. The gallery within the park displays documents and photographs of animals in the area; it also has a bird-watching room equipped with telescopes.
Bird feeders are placed throughout the park allowing visitors to see the various species up close and enjoy their birdsong while taking in the sights of the autumn.
Lake Saiko, one of the five lakes around Mt. Fuji, is located nearby. How about exploring the area and enjoying the views?
Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park
Location: Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Fujikawaguchiko, Saiko 2068 Map
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10. Fujisan Museum Area - Miyashita Cottage
Photo by Pixta
Visitors wondering why people are so fascinated by Mt. Fuji or why it became the object of religious reverence should visit the Fujisan Museum. The entrance fee is 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for students. The museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00 except Tuesdays when it's closed.
On the museum grounds is an original cottage that exemplifies the lifestyles that flourished around Mt Fuji. In autumn, you can see how people traditionally dry persimmons in the crisp autumn air on the museum grounds.
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FAQ
Where is the best place to see Mount Fuji?
One of the best places to see Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic and majestic volcano, is from the Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The Chureito Pagoda offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant fall colors in autumn, providing a postcard-perfect scene of the mountain. Another popular spot to view Mount Fuji is Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, which offers picturesque reflections of the mountain on the lake's surface. Other notable viewing locations include Hakone, known for its hot springs and panoramic views of Mount Fuji, as well as the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, a popular starting point for those climbing Mount Fuji, offering breathtaking vistas of the peak. Each of these locations provides unique perspectives and opportunities to witness the beauty and grandeur of Mount Fuji in Japan.
Is October a good month to see Mount Fuji?
October presents an excellent opportunity to view Mount Fuji, with clear skies and reduced humidity providing optimal visibility of the iconic peak. The stable weather conditions of October offer unobstructed views of Mount Fuji without the summer haze or winter clouds, allowing visitors to appreciate its majestic beauty from various vantage points. Additionally, the autumn foliage during October enhances the picturesque scenery around Mount Fuji, adding vibrant colors to the landscape and creating stunning backdrops for viewing the mountain. With fewer crowds compared to the summer peak season, October offers a more peaceful and relaxed experience, ideal for capturing photogenic views of Mount Fuji amid the crisp autumn air and changing colors of the fall foliage, making it a highly favorable time to admire Japan's famous volcanic peak.
Where can I get the best photos of Mount Fuji?
To capture the best photos of Mount Fuji, consider visiting picturesque spots renowned for offering stunning views of the iconic peak. The Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida frames Mount Fuji beautifully, particularly during cherry blossom season. Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka in the Fuji Five Lakes area provide classic backdrops with reflections of Mount Fuji on tranquil waters. Arakurayama Sengen Park offers unobstructed views of the mountain with the Chureito Pagoda in the foreground, ideal for breathtaking compositions. In Hakone, locations like Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway, and Owakudani provide diverse vantage points to capture Mount Fuji amidst the natural beauty of the region. These picturesque spots offer exceptional opportunities to capture Mount Fuji's majestic beauty from various angles, settings, and perspectives, allowing photographers to create stunning images that showcase the iconic peak in all its glory.
What is the famous village near Mount Fuji?
One of the famous villages near Mount Fuji is Oshino Hakkai. Oshino Hakkai is a quaint and picturesque village located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, known for its pristine spring water ponds, traditional thatched-roof houses, and scenic views of the iconic peak. The village is a popular tourist destination for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in a traditional Japanese rural setting while enjoying stunning views of Mount Fuji in the background. Oshino Hakkai's tranquil atmosphere, natural beauty, and cultural charm make it a must-visit location for those exploring the Mount Fuji region.
Which town has the best view of Mount Fuji?
Among the towns near Mount Fuji, Fujiyoshida is renowned for providing some of the best views of the iconic peak. Fujiyoshida offers several stunning viewpoints and attractions that showcase Mount Fuji in all its splendor. Locations within Fujiyoshida such as Chureito Pagoda and Arakurayama Sengen Park provide panoramic views of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms, pagodas, and picturesque landscapes, making them popular destinations for capturing breathtaking images of Japan's tallest mountain. The combination of these scenic spots and the town's proximity to Mount Fuji's majestic presence makes Fujiyoshida stand out as a top choice for experiencing and photographing the beauty of the iconic peak.
Enjoy the Fall Foliage at the Foot of Mount Fuji!
Autumn is an excellent time of the year to enjoy the vistas around Mt Fuji. From intimate hideaways where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea while viewing the leaves to outdoor experiences that let you take in the majesty of fall, the area has it all!
Be sure to include Mt. Fuji in the itinerary of your next fall trip to Japan. The different charm of each season is one reason to come back on repeat visits and enjoy the beauty that each new change brings to the landscape and traditions.
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
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