5 Spots Around Hakone for Stunning Views of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, a symbolic home to Japanese people, became a World Cultural Heritage site by virtue of its beauty and being a source of spiritual, as well as, artistic inspiration. The main purpose of my visit to Hakone was to view Mount Fuji, and thankfully, during the two days that I was in Hakone, the sky was clear and the weather was good. You can get a spectacular view of Mount Fuji from the following 5 places in Hakone.

#1 – Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is a crater lake formed by volcanic activity four thousand years ago. It has a 20 kilometres circumference with a depth of 43 metres at the deepest point. The lake abounds in pond smelt, trout, carp and other fish. I took a morning stroll around the lake around 8am, and the view of Mount Fuji was quite clear. The air was so crisp and fresh, but a tad too cold in late November/beginning December, or else I would’ve bought sandwiches from the convenience store and had breakfast by the lake.

Lake Ashi
Address: Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0522, Japan

#2 – Observation Deck at Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park

The Hakone Detached Palace Garden, also known as the Onshi Hakone Park, is situated on a peninsula that juts into Lake Ashi. The Hakone Imperial Villa was built here in 1886 as a summer retreat for the Imperial family and also to accommodate their foreign dignitary guests. The park today features a number of walking trails centred around the lakeside observation tower and the Benten no Hana observatory, offering superb views of Mount Fuji.

Hakone Detached Palace Garden
Address: 171 Motohakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0522, Japan
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm daily. The observatory is closed on Tuesdays and the day following public holidays.
Admission Fee: Free

#3 – The Lookout at Hakone Sekisho

Hakone Sekisho, an important site for the history of transport and communication during the Edo period, has been restored after 140 years. There are many exhibits where you can learn more about the Edo period, but I’ll focus on the Lookout in this article. During the Edo period, crossing Lake Ashi by boat was prohibited. Minor officials patrolled Lake Ashi and the nearby road, day and night. You’ll have to climb up a flight of stairs to arrive at the Lookout, but the view makes the tiring climb so worthwhile. There is an open space near the Lookout where you can get a beautiful view of Mount Fuji.

Hakone Sekisho
Address: 1 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0521, Japan
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm daily. Winter Season from 1 December to 28 February 9am to 4.30pm.
Admission Fee: Adults 500¥ || Children below 12 years old 250¥
Website: http://www.hakonesekisyo.jp/english/

#4 – Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

This cruise operates between Hakonemachi, Moto-Hakone, and Togendai on Lake Ashi. There are three different sightseeing ships – the red Royal II, the chic Victory, and the Vasa with its elegant sculptures. Mount Fuji is visible from the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise at the Hakonemachi and Moto-Hakone end.

#5 – Hakone Ropeway

The Hakone Ropeway brings you from Togendai-ko to Ubako to Owakudani to Sounzan. On clear days, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of Mount Fuji between Owakudani Station and Ubako Station.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter where you view Mount Fuji from, because this majestic snow-capped mountain stands out so well against the calm Lake Ashi and the clear blue sky. Have you checked Mount Fuji off your bucket list? You should do it soon, or it’s going to get even more crowded with visitors as the years go by.