Loading Page...

Which side of Shinkansen to see Fuji?

Use the bullet train Tokaido Shinkansen to travel to Mt. Fuji right from the heart of Tokyo. On the left side, you will see mesmerizing Sagami Bay, and on the right side the symbol of Japan, the highest summit of the country, perfectly symmetrical Mount Fuji.



To get the best view of Mount Fuji on the Tokaido Shinkansen, you need to sit on the right side when traveling from Tokyo toward Osaka or Kyoto. Specifically, you should request window seat E in ordinary cars or seat D in Green cars. The mountain is most visible around the 45-minute mark of the journey, particularly near Shin-Fuji Station. If you are traveling in the opposite direction (from Osaka/Kyoto back to Tokyo), you should sit on the left side, which corresponds to window seat A. For the clearest views, try to book a morning train in winter or early spring when the air is less hazy. Even with the right seat, visibility depends entirely on the weather, as the peak is frequently shrouded in clouds, so checking a local "Fuji visibility forecast" before boarding is a pro-tip for travelers.

People Also Ask

Just north of the mountain, the Fuji Five Lake region offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji. There are several points around the lakes with beautiful views.

MORE DETAILS

If seeing Mount Fuji is one of your main goals when visiting Japan, plan your travel dates around December and January to get the best views of the mountain and its peak unobstructed by clouds. The best time of the day to spot the mountain is early morning between 7.00am to 10.00am, so be sure to set that alarm clock!

MORE DETAILS

Overtourism: Japan's iconic Mount Fuji struggles with human traffic jams, rubbish and pollution. A dramatic increase in visitors is causing pollution, safety concerns, and discussions about limiting access.

MORE DETAILS

Go to a ticket machine at a train station and change to a language other than Japanese if needed. Select Reserved Seat on the screen. Select For seat reservation on Shinkansen. (There will be other options if you are riding a train other than a Shinkansen.)

MORE DETAILS

Some trains might have a stop as brief as 1 minute, while others might stop 5 to 10 minutes due to waiting for other Shinkansen to pass. Regardless, arriving at the platform about 15 minutes before the departure time provides ample mental and physical preparation.

MORE DETAILS

Baggage with overall dimensions of less than 160 cm You can put baggage whose overall dimensions are less than 160 cm (the same size as the baggage that can be carried for free in airplane holds) * on the overhead baggage rack of the Shinkansen.

MORE DETAILS

Mount Fuji is an iconic and stunningly beautiful volcano. Reaching its summit allows you to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, and the sunrise from the top is a truly unforgettable sight.

MORE DETAILS

A 1-Day hike to the summit of Mt. Fuji requires a very early start, strength and endurance. A 1-Day hike evades the sunrise urgency and staying at a Mountain hut completely, plus reaching the summit around midday allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding views while appreciating the warmest stage of the day.

MORE DETAILS

Overview. This recommended itinerary takes place over 2 days. On the first day, the hike begins from the Fujinomiya 5th station (2,400m) and goes up to Akaiwa Hachigo mountain hut (3,300m) located at the 8th station where you rest for the night. This first climb is around 4km and will take most of the day.

MORE DETAILS

Out of the 1,461 days recorded, Mount Fuji was visible at least once a day for 840 days, which is 57% of the time. This varies vastly from month to month, as above, the best months of the year are December and February, with July and September having the fewest days of visibility.

MORE DETAILS

Use the bullet train Tokaido Shinkansen to travel to Mt. Fuji right from the heart of Tokyo. On the left side, you will see mesmerizing Sagami Bay, and on the right side the symbol of Japan, the highest summit of the country, perfectly symmetrical Mount Fuji.

MORE DETAILS