Chureito Pagoda and Mount Fuji: Seasons, the 398 Steps and Access

3. The seasons and the best time of day

The view is beautiful all year round, but the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are the most popular.

Spring (early to mid-April): cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji

Each year from early to mid-April, the park's roughly 650 Somei Yoshino cherry trees burst into bloom together. Snow-capped Mount Fuji, the five-storey pagoda and cherry trees in full bloom make one of the defining images of spring in Japan. The Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival (新倉山浅間公園桜まつり) is held during the bloom, with food stalls and a lively atmosphere.

This is by far the busiest time of year, with visitors from Japan and abroad. The wait to get onto the observation deck can reach one to three hours, so leave plenty of time in your plans.

Autumn (mid-October to early November): autumn leaves

From mid-October to early November, the trees in the park turn red and yellow, and the autumn colours make a striking contrast with Mount Fuji and the pagoda. The leaves of the cherry trees turn early in the season, taking on a deep red known as sakura-momiji (桜紅葉), or cherry-leaf foliage.

Winter: clear air and snow-covered Fuji

Winter is when the air is clearest and Mount Fuji looks its finest of the year. Snow-covered Fuji behind the pagoda has a quiet, solemn beauty. The stairs and the sloping path can ice over in winter, however, so wear shoes with a good grip.

Summer: fresh greenery

In summer, lush green foliage surrounds the pagoda and Mount Fuji, and the scene is full of life. Paths through the park are also used for hiking, so it is a pleasant place to spend time outdoors.

Best times of day

Early morning (about 6:00 to 9:00) and late afternoon (about 16:00 to 18:00) are the best times for photos, when the low sun lights the scene dramatically. Depending on the hour, you might see the landscape wrapped in morning mist or Mount Fuji glowing in the sunset.

4. How to get to Arakurayama Sengen Park

You can reach Chureito Pagoda by train, bus or car.

By train

The nearest station is Shimoyoshida Station (下吉田駅) on the Fujikyuko Line (富士急行線).

• From Tokyo:
  • Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (大月駅).
  • At Otsuki, change to the Fujikyuko Line and get off at Shimoyoshida Station.
  • From Shinjuku, the train journey takes about 2 hours.
• From Shimoyoshida Station to the pagoda:
  • It is about a 10-minute walk from the station to the park entrance.
  • From the park entrance, climb the Sakuya-hime Stairs to the pagoda, about 15 to 20 minutes on foot.

By bus

Fujiyoshida's local loop bus, the Town Sneaker (タウンスニーカー), is also convenient.

• From Mt. Fuji Station (富士山駅):
  • At Mt. Fuji Station on the Fujikyuko Line, board the Town Sneaker Kumaana–Arakura Loop (熊穴・新倉循環), counter-clockwise route (左回り).
  • The nearest stop to the pagoda is Nyoraiji Iriguchi (如来寺入口).
  • From Nyoraiji Iriguchi it is about a 5-minute walk to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine.
  • The Town Sneaker costs 100 yen per ride.

By car

• Via the Chuo Expressway (中央自動車道):
  • About 10 to 15 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC (河口湖IC).
  • About 10 minutes from Fujiyoshida-Nishikatsura Smart IC (富士吉田西桂スマートIC).
• Via the Higashi-Fujigoko Road (東富士五湖道路):
  • About 10 to 15 minutes from Fujiyoshida IC (富士吉田IC).

Parking

The park has its own car park, but what is available depends on the season.

• Most of the year:
  • Arakurayama Sengen Park car park (新倉山浅間公園駐車場): room for about 100 vehicles, free and open 24 hours. Standard-size cars only.
  • For car navigation, enter "3620 Arakura, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi" (山梨県富士吉田市新倉3620).
• During the Cherry Blossom Festival (early to mid-April):
  • The car park in the park cannot be used during the festival.
  • Instead, temporary paid car parks open, including the Shimoyoshida Daini Elementary School ground (下吉田第二小学校グラウンド), about a 15-minute walk from the park.
  • Temporary car park (Shimoyoshida Daini Elementary School ground):
    • Hours: 6:00 to 18:00
    • Fee: 1,000 yen for a standard car, 500 yen for a motorcycle
    • Shuttle: A free shuttle bus may run between 8:00 and 16:00.
  • Roads and car parks in the area are extremely busy at this time, so arrive early or consider using public transport.

Fares, fees and festival arrangements can change, so check the latest details before you travel.

Quick facts

5. Nearby sights to add to your visit

Arakurayama Sengen Park is easy to combine with other sights in the area.

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

Located at the entrance to the park, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine (新倉富士浅間神社) is the natural first stop before you climb to the pagoda. Its deity, Konohanasakuya-hime, is worshipped for safe childbirth, family harmony, child-raising, good relationships and protection from fire and misfortune.

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

A short trip from the park, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine (北口本宮冨士浅間神社) has a solemn atmosphere and an approach lined with cedar trees said to be over 1,000 years old. It is one of the component sites of the Mount Fuji World Heritage property, a place where history and nature come together.

Oshino Hakkai

At Oshino Hakkai (忍野八海), snowmelt from Mount Fuji is filtered underground for decades before it wells up in a series of mysterious ponds. The water is remarkably clear and the setting is beautiful. Read more in our Oshino Hakkai guide.

Food and strolling in Fujiyoshida

Fujiyoshida is known for Yoshida no udon (吉田のうどん), the local udon, famous for its unusually firm, chewy noodles. Around Gekkoji Station (月江寺駅) on the Fujikyuko Line, the Nishiura district (西裏地区) is a retro drinking quarter lined with bars and restaurants loved by locals.

More to do

The area has plenty for all ages: the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park (富士急ハイランド); the Fujisan Radar Dome Museum (富士山レーダードーム館), which displays the weather radar dome that once stood on the summit of Mount Fuji; and the Yamanashi Prefectural Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre (山梨県立富士山世界遺産センター), where you can learn how Mount Fuji was formed and the culture that grew up around it.

6. Tips before you visit

• Wear comfortable shoes: The pagoda is at the top of 398 steps, so sneakers or other good walking shoes are strongly recommended.
• Plan around the crowds: The cherry blossom season is extremely busy. Allow for queues at the observation deck and time to find parking, and consider going early in the morning or using public transport.
• Watch the weather: How much of Mount Fuji you see depends entirely on the weather, and clouds can hide it completely. Check the forecast beforehand and aim for a clear day.
• Dress warmly: It can be cold in winter and in the early morning or evening, so bring warm layers.
• Be bear aware: Bear sightings have reportedly been made around the park, so carrying a bear bell is a sensible precaution.

Chureito Pagoda brings together the grandeur of Mount Fuji and the history and culture of Japan in one unforgettable view. Choose your season, check the forecast, climb the 398 steps at your own pace, and give yourself time to take it all in. To see Mount Fuji from quieter angles as well, continue with our guide to five hidden Mount Fuji viewpoints or spend a day at Lake Kawaguchiko.