Chureito Pagoda

📍 Chureito Pagoda 新倉山浅間公園 忠霊塔 @ Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 🇯🇵 We visited Chureito Pagoda on 18 November 2025, one of the most iconic Fuji-view spots in Japan. Located within Arakurayama Sengen Park, the pagoda is part of the Chureito Memorial Tower (忠霊塔) built to honor the war victims of Fujiyoshida City. The climb up the long staircase takes some effort, but the reward at the top is incredible. The viewing platform offers the classic postcard scene — the red five-storied pagoda⛩️, the city below, and Mount Fuji 🗻 standing beautifully in the background. During our visit, the area was decorated with red maple trees 🍁, adding even more colour and depth to the scenery. The park is well maintained with clean paths, and the fresh mountain air makes the walk enjoyable. The autumn colours around the pagoda created a warm and vibrant atmosphere, making this viewpoint even more memorable. A must-visit landmark with stunning Fuji views, vibrant red maple trees, and the classic pagoda silhouette — absolutely worth the climb. 🗻⛩️🍁✨

We began our journey by taking the train from Kawaguchiko Station and alighted at Gekkouji Station. From there, it was about a 15 to 20-minute walk to the base of the hill leading up to the pagoda. As we approached, we began our climb up the staircases. Along the way, we paused to admire and photograph the vibrant autumn leaves, which painted the trail in brilliant shades of red and gold. Eventually, we reached the Chureito Pagoda. Although it was a cloudy day and Mount Fuji remained hidden, the experience was still breathtaking and serene.

We visited this place during the second week of October 2025. We had booked a Mount Fuji tour on Klook, the guide took us to Oshino Hakkai, Lawson station, Lake Kawaguchigo and this pagoda was our last stop near this area. Our guide said that it would take just 30 minutes to go upstairs for a healthy person. I managed to climb the first 50 steps but my leg started giving up. I even felt nauseous and sat in between for a while. Then I had a sudden rush of adrenaline and started analysing why am I here at Japan if I can’t even climb 500 stairs to goto a viewpoint. Then I slowly started again and took break between every 15/20 steps. My husband whom I had asked to go earlier had already reached the top and made a new friend from Mexico and was talking to him. He was delighted to see that I made it, I was over the moon because I never gave up. The view of Mount Fuji was incredible. On our way back we shared a lot of stories with the Mexican friend. Overall a wholesome experience.

I went at 5:30am in the morning thinking the crowd wouldn't be so bad. There definitely was a crowd there to see the iconic view of the pagoda and Mt Fuji. But the crowd wasn't too intense. Majority like minded "travellers". Too early for the mainstream tourist and influencer wannabes. The next time I think I would go just before daybreak and watch the sun rise over the majestic mountain. If you're thinking about taking the stairs up, it is a bit of a hike up, so be prepared. Don't be ashamed to have a stop and drink some water. There's a toilet at the top as well. And if you want the trail continue into the mounting going to the other side toward Lake Kawaguchi.

I hate being around other tourists, but this was very much worth the hype. Soak in the whole experience, not just the basic photo op at the top. The crowds were slightly bothersome but manageable in the fall. Lots of stairs so prepare to be winded. So worth it though. You actually start seeing crazy views of Fuji on the stairs if you pause and turn around on your way up. The fall colors were absolutely stunning. Highly recommend watching sunset here. We stayed much longer than we initially allotted because we just couldn't stop looking at Fuji's majestic form. It got pretty cold once the sun set which was to be expected. The pagoda is beautiful but the massive uninterrupted scale of Fuji taking up the whole horizon was really the best part. There are staggered steps in front of the pagoda to mitigate the crowds but there are other winding paths on the sides that were totally empty. When we arrived at first it looked like there was a line (?) but only for the area right in front of the pagoda. It kinda dispersed 30 minutes before sunset. In my opinion, this is the best viewpoint we went to. If you don't have much time in Fuji, skip the cable car and just do this. After dark, the stairs are not lit at all so be careful of that. With nightfall the crowds dropped significantly and yet there were some small groups starting their ascent as we were leaving. Photos from late November.

Visiting Chureito Pagoda was such a rewarding experience. Be prepared for a bit of a climb — there are quite a number of stairs — but the view at the top makes every step worth it. I checked the weather before going, which I strongly recommend. On a clear day, the scenery is absolutely beautiful, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even get a perfect view of Mt. Fuji behind the pagoda. If it’s not raining or too cloudy, the photos and the atmosphere are stunning. Overall, a must-visit spot for anyone traveling around Kawaguchiko. The climb may be a little tiring, but the payoff is unforgettable🌸🗻✨

Quick Summary: Chureito Pagoda The Chureito Pagoda is a five-story red pagoda located in Fujiyoshida City, near Lake Kawaguchiko. It is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and was built in 1963 as a peace memorial. It is widely considered one of the most iconic photography spots in all of Japan. The View of Mount Fuji The "Classic" Shot: The view is famous for a specific composition: the red pagoda in the foreground, the city of Fujiyoshida below, and the massive Mount Fuji symmetrically centered in the background. Accessibility: To see this view, you must hike up to the observation deck behind the pagoda. The "Sacrifice": Be prepared to climb 398 steps (approx. 15–20 minutes) to reach the top. There is also a winding ramp for a gentler, though longer, ascent. It felt more like 500 steps than 398. On the day we went, clouds obscured MT. FUJI, so we took the photos without the iconic views of the mountain, if planning to come, pray for clear weather. Its crowded full of tourists.

I had a good time regardless if I didn't get to see mt. fuji because of one cloud that didn't want to leave. Yes you should plan ahead and look at the weather for the day but we just went out on a limb and decided to go for it. Again overall we still had fun. We took a bus all the way there and a bus back. We didn't book any tour group. You can also take the train there but being able to book a bus and get assigned seats was better. Didn't have to worry about getting a seat. Be prepared to walk or climb a bunch of steps. Definitely got a leg workout that day. There are to paths, stairs and a slow gradual incline road to get up to the Pagoda. The stairs are more direct but more exhausting. Was still a beautiful sight to see.

I was super excited when I found out that the tour I was taking was stopping by Chureito Pagoda, because I keep seeing it on my screen saver! Lol. Climbing up all those stairs was really a workout. Take your time and breath. My legs were burning by the time I got to the top. But it was definitely worth it! Well kinda.... By the time the tour got to the Chureito Pagoda, Mt Fuji was covered by the clouds. Boooo. But it was still nice to chill at the top. Pro tip - Download Lightroom. I was able to remove the people in my picture. :) There's bathrooms there, but bring some soap or hand sanitizer, cause there's none there. Didn't really check out the shops. Definitely a great experience and highly recommend to check it out if you're traveling to Japan.

Chureito Pagoda is located at the top of Arakurayama Sengen Park. If you're coming from Tokyo, it's about an 1.5 hour train ride from Shinjuku. This is a popular destination to get a photo with Mt. Fuji in the background so make sure to book your train tickets early. You can do it online or at the station. If you don't book tickets early, you may not have a reserved seat and might have to either stand the entire way or sit on the ground. From the train station, it's a quick walk over but be prepared to walk up some steep stairs. If you want to take the long way, there is a paved road that is easier for those who have trouble with stairs. It's a lot safer for those individuals. When you get to the top, you'll be surrounded by tons of other visitors trying to capture that perfect photo. You need to be patient as some tour groups there of a certain ethnicity are rather rude and ruin some of your photos or don't allow you space to take a better photo. The weather on the day before we went was raining so we were worried. Fortunately it was extremely clear the day we went without a cloud in the sky. The following day it was gloomy and drizzling so we got very lucky with the weather. We also left at the perfect time before the earthquake as we were on the train back into Tokyo. Talk about luck! One of the best photo spots to capture Mt Fuji in the background and we highly recommend this spot.

Despite the seemingly endless stairs, the reward awaiting at the top makes every step worthwhile. The panoramic view of Mt Fuji against the backdrop of the pagoda and vibrant autumn hues during sunset is a visual spectacle that etches itself into your memory. It's a moment of awe and tranquility that transcends the ordinary. If your time in Kawaguchiko is limited and you can only choose one itinerary, this has to be it. It's truly an unforgettable journey.

The view of Mt Fuji from the pagoda during the cherry blossom season is just absolutely spectacular and one of if not the nicest views I've seen over all my trips to Japan. I've come to this area on one other occasion in the past but did not make the trek up after seeing that the weather was quite cloudy. I definitely recommend checking the weather first before coming here as Mt Fuji may not even be viewable depending on the weather. However, if the weather is clear, the view of Mt Fuji is just perfect from this area. The trek up to the pagoda area is decent high up so wear comfortable shoes. There are multiple paths upwards that feature either a winding slope or stairs. I recommend coming here as early as possible as the crowds build up very quickly later into the morning. It can be quite tempting to stop and take photos while going up to the pagoda but I'd recommend saving that for during the way down. This is because the nice photo taking area by the pagoda will start forming a long line before long. There are multiple people working there to even just form and coordinate the line waiting to get into a small area that allows for picturesque photos. They let a number of people into the photo taking area at a time and do give quite some ample time for photos. I'd say it is definitely worth it and that pictures don't even do the view justice on a nice sunny day with cherry blossoms. It's simply iconic and the reason it is is quite clear once there.

If you're in need of a good leg pump or just looking for a great viewpoint of Mt Fuji, come to this Pagoda. The workout will kill you but the payout is awesome. You choose your own destiny. You can take the steep stairs that take you directly to the top. Or you can opt for the winding climb that tracks back and forth up the mountain. We come from California where the weather is always sunny and warm. So we our joints don't do well in the cold. We opted for the straight shot of stairs and our legs certainly felt the burn. After the strenuous climb, you'll find a fenced off red pagoda along with some public bathrooms and public drinking water faucet. There's some seating at the top where you can enjoy that beautiful sunset view. The closest train station is around 10 minute walk away. This place is a great spot for photographers and tourists alike since you can see the whole city of Kawaguchiko. Come for the views, experience the hike. Bring comfortable shoes & water!

Now I know why the postcards promote this place so hard! The view of mount Fuji together with the pagoda is breathtaking! I have seen many people get really excited coming here just to realize that the fog on that day totally blocks out Mount Fuji (nothing to see, wasted trip). Anyways, if you need to put in some workout, the hike to the pagoda would be a pretty good one. You would burn calories and get to witness the awesome view, good for the body and soul! I suggest that before coming here, check the weather in this area a week or two in advance on Google. This way, you won't go back empty handed, especially when you are coming from Tokyo and taking the public transport. The trip is not short at all. If you are coming to see the sakura as well, then also check the best time to see them online because the sakura season isn't uniform across Japan. Overall, if you enjoy nature and appreciate clean, fresh air, then I would recommend you coming here at least once!

Be prepared to walk up 500 treads of stairs up to the pagoda. There is a zig zag path though it's rather step for wheelchairs. The view up with the pagoda is magical. Suggest to go during Sakura season which is the signature view.

Bucket Shot. Leave early. Bring water and comfy walking shoes. Chureito Pagoda and the iconic Fujisani shot is something I've wanted to see for a long time now. Last week I made it happen. Set out around 6AM from Shinjuku, took the local train to the shrine's stop and walked about a mile from the train station to the base of the shrine. My mother being disabled was not able to make it up, so I left her with some extremely kind pop up cafe owners who let her sit down at the base of the shrine. I then proceeded up the 5000 steps to the top, genuinely nearly passing out due to exhaustion and the intense Japanese humidity several times. After about 40 minutes, I made it to the top and boy was it worth it. The Pagoda is nice, but the view is the real sell. A guy at the top said he'd come a year prior and was unable to see Fujisan as it was cloudy so apparently what started out as an extremely cloud day, turned into a beautiful bundle of luck. I really really emphasise getting there early like I did. There were only 4 other people there with me, but on the way down, there were dozens of people on there way up, around 9:15, and apparently it is normally crowded. They technically don't allow tripods, but I don't really see any way they'd stop you since there's no employees or guards. I never got an answer, so hopefully I can help someone else who's got the same question. For the shot, you'll want a relatively wide angle lens. I shoot canon, so brought the 16-35f4 and I used it on my m50.Show less

Wow! One of Japan's iconic photo ops. Mission completed yesterday. We arrived around 0900 on 20 May 2018 and mistakenly drove up to the mini parking area right at the pagoda. Kinda disappointed since I did want to walk up/down those 400 stairs... Oh well. Got there and the pagoda's 50 feet away. Walk up to the right to get to the viewing platform where everyone was waiting for the clouds to clear so Fuji-san would be visible. Voila, waited about 10 minutes and the clouds began dispersing. A great, great, great photo op when you're in the Fujiyoshida area and lucky for me only an hour drive along the expressway from where I live!

It's a must to see if you want to see both the 5 story Pagoda and Mount Fuji at the same time, just like in the postcards. However... Be ready to climb those 397 stairs one way. Worse case scenario, take a taxi shuttle nearby the restroom.