Arakurayama Sengen Park

We visited in the middle of summer and while the heat and humidity made the steep climb up the stairs a little rougher it was worth it. Theres a really nice viewing platform where you can get some scenting views of Mount Fuji with the pagoda in front. The platform can become crowded during peak hours but there is another spot a bit further up the hill where you can also get very nice views, but not with the pagoda in front. It is a bit tight driving the car to the parking lot but there are a lot of staff there to help you and guide you so as long as you follow their instructions it shouldn't be a problem. The parking was free when we were there

Amazing views of Mount Fuji. The parking lot can be quite full at times. There are two access methods, either straight up the steep steps or choose the winding path. Both are fairly steep, but the view is worth it. Continue up past the five tier Pagoda and you’ll reach a higher viewpoint that is less busy. I’m told that the earlier you go in the morning the better the view will be. It was quite cloudy the day we visited but still very impressive.

Understand from tour guide, summer/ early autumn is not the right time to see Mount Fuji. Winter Dec till Feb offer better chance to see the peak of Mount Fuji. We visited this place early of Sep with nice weather, but Mount Fuji peak was hiding behind clouds. It needs some fitness to climb stairs to reach the viewpoint, but it definitely doable for most of us (15-30 min, depends on fitness level) include kids. I recommend stopping here if you are around this region.

Very pretty area to take iconic photo of Mr Fuji. Beware that to get there, it is a steep hill. You can either take the steps (more than 300) or road which winds up the hill. Either way not for the faint hearted. Well worth it though.

There are 398 steep steps to climb, to get the money shot of Mount Fuji and Chureito Pagoda. You can't win them all. I've been to this mountain 3 times, and it's pot luck if the summit is obscured by cloud or not. I got lucky once, so I will take that. Mount Fuji was shy, as they say, that day I was in this park / pagoda. If you don't want to climb all these steps, your other option is a long winding path upwards which is equally as tough, so you do need to be fit. The tough work is worth it because of the scenic spots along the way, even if there is cloud on the mountain. It is highly recommended to go early in the morning because it will get really crowded later, and people will be jostling for the best spots for a picture. If you like to meditate, getting up early gives you the peace needed to really appreciate the old forest and shrines in this park. They also sell fresh fruit and other food at the entrance of the park and there are toilet facilities. The giant peaches from Yamanshi are famous and so delicious. This park is a beautiful gift as it is free of charge.