To see Mount Fuji when traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto, you must choose a seat on the right-hand side (Seat E) if you are traveling Westward (away from Tokyo). If you are traveling Eastward (toward Tokyo), you should sit on the left-hand side (Seat E). On the Shinkansen, rows are typically arranged in a 3-2 configuration; Seat E is always the window seat on the two-seat side. The mountain becomes visible roughly 40 to 50 minutes after leaving Tokyo Station (near Shin-Fuji Station). It is important to note that Mount Fuji is notoriously shy and often obscured by clouds or haze, especially in the summer months. For the best chance of a clear view in 2026, experts suggest taking a morning train during the winter or spring when the air is crisp and the mountain is capped with snow. Even if you don't have a Seat E, you can usually walk to the area between the carriages to peer through the door windows for a quick photo as the iconic peak whizzes by at nearly 300 km/h.