Chureito Pagoda framed by cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji behind

Photography

Chureito Pagoda: How to Get the Famous Mount Fuji Photo

12 June 2026 · 4 min read · by the Tokyo With Us team

The image of a red five-storey pagoda in front of Mount Fuji is probably the most reproduced photograph in Japanese tourism. It is taken from Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida — and getting your own version is straightforward if you know three things.

First: the steps

The viewpoint sits above the park, reached by climbing 398 steps from near Arakura Sengen Shrine. There is also a gentler zig-zag path to the side. Allow 10–15 minutes up. The pagoda itself, Chureito, is a 1963 peace memorial — the view is from beside it, not from inside.

Second: the season

Cherry blossom season (early to mid-April) is the postcard: pink branches framing pagoda and mountain, and understandably the busiest weeks of the year. November brings red maples instead. Winter mornings give the sharpest mountain and a full snow cap. Summer views are possible but hazy — read our month-by-month Fuji visibility guide before choosing dates.

Third: the hour

Go at opening, near sunrise. The light is soft, the air is clear, and the viewing deck is calm; by late morning, queues form for the photo spot. The mountain often clouds over by early afternoon, whatever the season.

Chureito Pagoda is the first stop on our private Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo, timed to arrive before the crowds — see the tour on GetYourGuide for dates and group pricing.