Experience the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms with our guide to the best places to see sakura near Mount Fuji. We'll explore scenic spots where the iconic pink blooms create stunning landscapes set against Japan’s most iconic mountain, giving you plenty of opportunities to fill your feed with memorable shots.
Our recommendations will help you plan a memorable trip to witness nature’s most impactful mountain framed by its most delicate sakura displays, so whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply in search of natural beauty, discover the charm of cherry blossoms near Mt. Fuji.
Where is Mt. Fuji?
Where is Mount Fuji? This famous mountain is located across two prefectures in Central Honshu (Japan's main island): Yamanashi and Shizuoka. It is about 60 miles west of the Tokyo metropolis.
If you were to travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, there are a few options:
Bullet train: Taking the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Fuji Station costs around ¥6,000 for a one-way ticket and takes about an hour. However, to get to Mt. Fuji itself requires further bus journeys, taking about two more hours.
Buses: The easiest buses for getting close to Mt. Fuji are those from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station. The most convenient will take you to Kawaguchiko Station — one of the Fuji Five Lakes — where Lake Kawaguchiko gives you front-row seats for cherry blossoms set against Mt. Fuji itself in the background, all for 2-3 hours on the road and a mere ¥2,000-3,000 for a one-way ticket.
Car: If you prefer to be in control of your journey, you could rent a car. This may set you back around ¥6,000-¥10,000 per day, not including fuel and highway tolls. The cost may also increase around peak tourist times like sakura season. However, you’ll have complete freedom to plan out your journey!
When is cherry blossom season near Mt. Fuji?
Cherry blossom season typically comes to the areas near Mt. Fuji around mid-April and into early May. That means you can see all the best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka from mid-March to early April before heading to the sakura splendor of Fuji.
Check our 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast or the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s (JMC) Forecast Map, for the most accurate forecast ahead of your Japan trip.
Find out more: Cherry Blossoms in Japan: When and Where to See Sakura
Sakura Competition: FREE E-Book & Cooking Box!
From February 1 to April 30, 2025, you can win sakura-themed treats!
Book a restaurant or food tour with us and you'll unlock a free e-book guide for cherry blossom season.
You'll also be entered into an exclusive prize draw to win a premium Japanese cooking kit, complete with kitchen essentials and a cookbook.
Pro tip: Leave a review after your meal or experience and you'll get another entry to win!
Get sakura season offers and explore cherry blossom tours!
Best places to see cherry blossoms near Mt. Fuji
1. Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park)
A stunning spot for cherry blossom viewing, the Chureito Pagoda offers one of the most iconic views of Mt. Fuji framed by blooming sakura trees. In fact, you’ll likely have seen this picture online long before you arrive at Arakurayama Sengen Park, where this world-famous pagoda is surrounded by over 1,000 cherry trees.
During peak bloom, the sight of Chureito Pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background, accompanied by the pink and white sakura blossoms, is truly breathtaking. The view from the observation deck is especially picturesque at sunrise or sunset, making it a top destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.
2. Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Lake Kawaguchiko is a must-visit spot for the breathtaking combination of Mt. Fuji and vibrant cherry blossoms in one view. The lake is lined with hundreds of cherry trees that bloom in early spring, creating a beautiful setting against the backdrop of Japan's tallest peak.
The most famous cherry blossom viewing area is the Oishi Park, offering a spectacular view of the lake and Mt. Fuji framed by cherry blossoms. With tranquil boat rides and rental swan-boats available, visitors can enjoy the landscape from multiple angles.
For those seeking a more elevated view of cherry blossoms near Mt. Fuji, the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is another must-visit. The ropeway takes visitors up to the summit of a small mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
At any time of year, this is one of the best things to do in Kawaguchiko, offering a sweeping vista of the town with Mt. Fuji looming in the distance. Of course, in sakura season when the pinks and white sakura petals create a fluffy foreground, there’s an extra dramatic and beautiful contrast.
Find out more: Mt. Fuji Restaurants: The Best Places to Eat in Kawaguchiko
3. Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a picturesque village located near Mt. Fuji, famous for its eight clear ponds and its traditional rural charm. The village features numerous cherry trees that bloom in the spring, creating a beautiful contrast with the surrounding scenery.
The blossoms are particularly striking when viewed around the ponds, where the sakura trees reflect in the clear waters. The village also offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji, making it an ideal place for peaceful cherry blossom viewing in a traditional Japanese setting (and without the crowds of the more well-known spots!).
4. Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park
Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park, located near Lake Yamanakalo, offers one of the best cherry blossom experiences near Mt. Fuji. The park is home to over 1,000 cherry trees, which bloom in early spring, transforming the area into a sea of pink and white blossoms.
The park provides stunning views of Mt. Fuji across the lake, offering visitors a chance to enjoy both the natural beauty of the sakura and the majestic peak of Japan’s famous mountain. The park is also perfect for outdoor activities like cycling and picnicking.
Even if you miss the cherry blossoms, it’s worth a visit for its expansive tulip fields — equally as colorful and striking against Fuji.
5. Hakone Gora Park
Located just a short distance from Mt. Fuji, Hakone Gora Park offers a wonderful cherry blossom experience in a well-maintained botanical garden. The park features a variety of cherry trees, creating a lovely garden atmosphere during the spring season.
Visitors can stroll through the lush grounds, enjoy the traditional Japanese landscape, and view Mt. Fuji in the distance. The park also hosts tea ceremonies and art exhibits, adding to its cultural appeal. Hakone Gora Park is perfect for those seeking a peaceful cherry blossom experience with a touch of culture and history.
Taking a break from the views with lunch or dinner? Here’s our guide of what to eat in Hakone.
Find out more: 2-Day Hakone Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
6. Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)
Okay, this one is kind of cheating… but if you go to any of the five lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji, you’re promised stunning views of Mt. Fuji with an inimitable backdrop of cherry blossoms, tranquil water and mountains. It doesn’t get any better than this.
The Fuji Five Lakes include:
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Lake Kawaguchiko
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Lake Yamanakako
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Lake Saiko
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Lake Motosuko
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Lake Shojiko
Each lake offers a different perspective of the iconic mountain, surrounded by sakura trees in full bloom. Notable spots like Lake Saiko and Lake Yamanakako host large cherry blossom festivals, drawing crowds for picnics, photography and sakura-themed snacks.
With several hiking trails around the lakes, visitors can immerse themselves in nature while appreciating the cherry blossoms, ideal for inspiring hanami cherry blossom viewing parties with fewer crowds.
Chasing cherry blossoms across Japan? Head to the best cherry blossoms spots in Chiba, Toyama, Fukuoka and Japan’s sakura parks. Or, get a taste for Japanese spring foods and more things to do in spring.
For more of our sakura guides, explore the:
If you feel like staying near Mt. Fuji for a little longer, you’ll want our list of the best things to do near Fuji.
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