■Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida

🗻 Spot Overview

Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of Japan’s most iconic viewpoints, offering a stunning panorama of Mt. Fuji framed by a five‑story pagoda. The view becomes especially famous during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, but the scenery is beautiful year‑round. Visitors climb about 400 steps to reach the observation area, where the combination of traditional architecture, seasonal colors, and Mt. Fuji creates unforgettable photographs. Located near Fujiyoshida City, the site is easily combined with Lake Kawaguchi and other Fuji attractions, making it a must‑visit destination for travelers seeking classic “Japan scenery.”

🌟 Highlights – Chureito Pagoda / Arakurayama Sengen Park

  • One of Japan’s Most Photographed Fuji Views
    The five‑story pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background is an iconic image recognized worldwide.
  • Seasonal Beauty
    Cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant red leaves in autumn, and clear winter skies offer different atmospheres.
  • Panoramic Observation Deck
    A short climb rewards visitors with sweeping views of Fujiyoshida City and Mt. Fuji.
  • Cultural Significance
    Part of Arakura Sengen Shrine, with a peaceful atmosphere and traditional Shinto architecture.
  • Great Combination Spot
    Easy to pair with Lake Kawaguchi, Oishi Park, or the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway.

💡 Useful Tips for Visitors

  • Prepare for stairs—about 400 steps lead to the viewpoint.
  • Best time: early morning for clear skies and fewer crowds.
  • Cherry blossom season is extremely busy—arrive early.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk.
  • Weather matters—Mt. Fuji may be hidden by clouds.
  • Photography spots are clearly marked near the pagoda and observation deck.

⚠️ Important Note for Visitors (Overtourism Advisory)

Chureito Pagoda has become one of Japan’s most crowded tourist spots, especially during the cherry blossom season. The narrow paths and stairways cannot handle large crowds, and long waiting times for photos are common. For this reason, visiting during peak sakura season is not recommended. If you choose to visit, please be mindful of local residents, follow staff instructions, and avoid blocking pathways. Early morning or off‑season visits provide a much more comfortable and respectful experience.

🚐 Access from Shimizu Port (Hinode Pier)

1. By Taxi / Private Transfer – Fastest & Most Convenient

  • Travel time: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours
  • Direct and comfortable; ideal for cruise passengers with limited time.
  • Easy to combine with Lake Kawaguchi, Oishi Park, or Iyashi‑no‑Sato Nenba.

2. By Bus or Train

Total: approx. 3.5 hours one way
Not recommended for cruise passengers unless staying overnight.

📍 Location

Address: 3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Located on the hillside of Arakurayama Sengen Park, near Shimo-Yoshida Station on the Fujikyu Railway.

Sights and Experience from Shimizu Port

■Shimizu Area
S-Pulse Dream Plaza (Shimizu Port), Shimizu　　Ryugeji Temple, Shimizu　　Seishintei Tea House, Shimizu Funakoshi Tsutsumi Park, Shizuoka, Shimizu　　Shimizu Ekimae Ginza Shopping Street, Shimizu　　Shimizu Fish Market, Riverside Market, Shimizu　　Shimizu Port Seamen’s Inn Museum”SUEHIRO”, Shimizu　　Minowa Inari Shrine, Shimizu　　Shimizuminato Jirocho Seika (Jirocho’s Birthplace), Shimizu　　Miho no Matsubara　　Nihondaira ( Yume-Terrace)　　Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan　　Nihondaira Ropeway　　Nippondaira Hotel　　Kunozan Toshogu Shrine　　Satta Pass　　Jiji-in Temple, Shizuoka　　▲Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art 【Long-Term Closure】
■Shizuoka Area
Oden Yokocho ( Aoba Yokocho), Shizuoka　　Shizuoka City Museum of History　　Shizuoka Gofuku-cho Shopping Street　　Shizuoka Hobby Square　　Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, Shizuoka　　Sumpu Castle Park, Shizuoka
■Eastern Shizuoka Area
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)　　Hakone Area　　Owakudani Valley, Hakone　　Mishima Sky Walk　　Fuji Safari Park　　Fuji Bussharito Heiwa Park, Gotemba　　Gotemba Premium Outlets, Gotemba　　Mt.Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka　　Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Fuji-City　　Jinba Falls, Fujinomiya　　Lake Tanuki　　Shiraito Falls, Fujinomiya　　Taiseki-Ji Temple, Fujinomiya　　Obuchi-sasaba, Fuji-City
■Close to Mt.Fuji
Oshino Hakkai　　Lake Kawaguchi　　Lake Motosu　　Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba　　Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida　　Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja, Fujiyoshida　　Narusawa Ice Cave　　Yurari Hot Springs （Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari）