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Arakurayama Sengen Park: Mt. Fuji and Pagoda Views, Access, Events
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Arakurayama Sengen Park in Yamanashi is known as one of the best spots to see Mt. Fuji, a beautiful five-story pagoda, and cherry blossom trees. April is the best time to take photos of this iconic scenery during the cherry blossom festival.
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Born in Yamagata Prefecture. I have experience working in community development at the foot of Mt. Fuji and PR for local products across the country, and am currently working in Tokyo to disseminate information about Yamanashi Prefecture. A mother of one who loves local gourmet food and alcohol.
Visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park
Picture courtesy of Fuji Yoshida City
At Arakurayama Sengen Park, with Mt. Fuji standing majestically in the distance and the five-storied Chureito Pagoda in the same scenery, it truly serves as a spot where you can experience Japan. The park is located halfway up Mt. Arakura or Arakurayama, and the view after climbing up the 398 steps is indeed worth a visit.
With about 650 cherry trees planted within the park, the park holds a cherry blossom festival in the spring, attracting many visitors. There are also various other activities and attractions available to visitors. In this article we will introduce five things you should check out at Arakurayama Sengen Park.
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Arakurayama Sengen Guide
1. Enjoy Spectacular Views of Mt. Fuji from the Observation Deck
2. Visiting the Historical Sengen Shrine
3. Learn About the Chureito Pagoda
4. Visit the Famous Cherry Blossom Spots
5. Unique Experience during Summer Season
6. Autumn Highlights with Sakura Momiji
7. Walk Through Nature on the Hiking Route
8. Access to Arakurayama Sengen Park
1. Enjoy Spectacular Views of Mt. Fuji from the Observation Deck
Photo by Pixta
Arakurayama Sengen Park has an observation deck available to visitors. On days with clear skies, you can get a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji from here. Because this deck is located on a hill in the park, you can enjoy the beauty of Mt. Fuji without anything obstructing your view. The awesome view of Mt. Fuji also harmonizes with the scenery of every season, bringing awe to visitors no matter which season they visit.
Another thing to consider is visiting during sunrise or sunset. During these times, the silhouette of Mt. Fuji beautifully stands out, providing a very fantastic sight to behold. The observation deck area also has benches and spots to rest at, allowing visitors to relax and spend some quality time taking in the scenery.
The observation deck had been renovated through crowdfunding in February 2022, so it is now wider and offers amazing views!
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2. Visiting the Historical Sengen Shrine
The Sengen Shrine was built during the Edo period and attracts many locals who come to worship. Details of the shrine’s origins and its foundation are unclear, however it is a shrine boasting a long history and is a spot of great significance to the people of the local area.
Sengen Shrine’s architectural style is based on the traditional Japanese shrine architecture. Its torii gate, halls of worship, and main hall are all made with wood and feature intricately carved patterns and decorations. At the shrine, the Shinto priests are there daily to protect both the shrine and faith.
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3. Learn About the Chureito Pagoda
Photo by Pixta
Chureito is what this memorial tower enshrining the war dead is commonly referred to. The official name of the Chureito in Arakurayama Sengen Park is the The Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument. On the front side of the Chureito Pagoda, an information board which describes the history of the construction of the Chureito Pagoda.
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4. Visit the Famous Cherry Blossom Spots
Photo by Pixta
Cherry Blossoms typically reach full bloom status around early April, and prior to this a cherry blossom festival is held on the third Saturday and Sunday in March.
The 650 Yoshino cherry blossom trees all bloom at once, creating a marvelous setting where you have cherry blossoms, a five-storied pagoda, and Mt. Fuji in the same scene. It’s a marvel that brings in many visitors and tourists in Japan and from abroad.
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5. Unique Experience during Summer Season
Visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park in summer is a unique experience. From July, the lights of mountain huts begin to glow, signaling the start of the climbing season. One of the park’s key attractions is its breathtaking night views. From the five-storied pagoda to the expansive plains, the blend of historical architecture and modern cityscapes creates a stunning contrast. This rare nighttime scenery, with Mount Fuji as a backdrop, has earned a spot among the "Three Major Night Views of Mount Fuji" in 2019.
While Mount Fuji is often associated with its snow-capped peak, the summer version without snow is equally captivating. The mountain reveals different facets throughout the day, with early morning being particularly special. Just before sunrise, Mount Fuji glows a deep red, a phenomenon known as "Aka Fuji" (Red Fuji). In winter, when the mountain catches the morning light, the name changes and it is called "Beni Fuji" (Crimson Fuji).
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6. Autumn Highlights with Sakura Momiji
From late October, the cherry tree leaves turn a beautiful shade of orange, marking the arrival of the autumn foliage season. By November, you can also enjoy the vibrant red maple leaves. The maples around the observation deck begin to change color in November, and the area around the Chureito Pagoda remains vibrant until late November. Near the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, the autumn leaves can be enjoyed until early December.
Interestingly, the term for cherry trees turning colors in autumn is "Sakura Momiji." In spring, these trees bloom with lovely pink flowers, and in autumn, their leaves turn brilliant orange. Cherry trees are indeed a quintessential symbol of Japan, embodying beauty in both spring and autumn.
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7. Walk Through Nature on the Hiking Route
Picture courtesy of Fuji Yoshida City
Arakurayama Sengen Park extends across the mountain slope and is divided into the following areas:
- The parking lot to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine grounds
- The stairs from the shrine to the observatory deck
- Chureito Five-story Pagoda and the observation deck
Arakurayama Sengen Park also has a nature-filled hiking trail, allowing you to get a healthy workout while enjoying some forest bathing.
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Access to Arakurayama Sengen Park
Yoshida Station
To get to Arakurayama Sengen Park, ride the JR Fujikyuko Line or the express bus from Shinjuku. It is a ten-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station and a twenty-minute walk from Shimoyoshida bus stop. This article explains the details on how to get there.
For more information regarding parking, shuttle buses and other ways to get to the park, please check the Arakurayama Sengen Park website.
Hotels near Arakurayama Sengen Park Chureito Pagoda
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In cooperation with Fuji Yoshida City Hall - Mt. Fuji Division
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Main Image by Pixta
Born in Yamagata Prefecture. I have experience working in community development at the foot of Mt. Fuji and PR for local products across the country, and am currently working in Tokyo to disseminate information about Yamanashi Prefecture. A mother of one who loves local gourmet food and alcohol.
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