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From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Nino O

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Couple
2 weeks ago
It was an amazing tour. Will was an amazing tour guide, he kept the entire bus ride interesting by talking about history and fun facts about the places we were visiting. The only downside I can point to is that we didn't get enough time to properly explore places. And I recommend upgrading to First class in the ship ride because it gets too crowded.

Christophe H

Belgium
Family
3 weeks ago

+2 more

Very well organized, everything went perfectly as planned. Our guide 'Captain Jack' was very friendly and gave us all very interesting information on all the sites we visited. Even though we were a large group, Jack made time for all travellers to give them personalized information and help. I really recommend this package. You see a lot on one day.

Bernadette F

United States
Couple
Jan 2026
Anna was a very helpful guide in showing the best spots to take photos with my friend. She also helped take the photos herself! She's so sweet, organized, and made our experience fun, informative, and enjoyable.

Nyasha R

United States
Solo
Jan 2026
Linda the tour guide was amazing! She was informative, engaging and funny. We were very lucky to have a clear cloud day and see the mountain with no clouds blocking it but I don't know if the sites would have been as pretty had we not had a clear day, so just a warning don't expect to be able to see the mt clearly everyday. The tour itself was great though

Natasha B

Australia
Solo
Jan 2026
Asif was our driver and he was great. Lots of knowledge and showed us places to get photos away from the crowds. MT Fuji was a little cloudy but we ended up with some great shots later in the day. Highly recommend this tour.

Payal M

Hong Kong
Group
Dec 2025
We just completed a customized private tour of Mount Fuji and Hakone with Afi, and it was amazing! The private vehicle was comfortable, allowing us to enjoy the stunning scenery as Afi shared fascinating insights about the region. Our visit to Mount Fuji's 5th Station was unforgettable, with breathtaking views and plenty of time for photos. In Hakone, the cable car ride was a highlight, with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Highly recommend it!

Manon V

Couple
4 days ago
The first view point at kawaguchi lake was splendid and Linda was a super guide. The stops were a little bit too short.

Annalou L

United States
Solo
Last week
Initially I thought I wouldn't be able to see Mt. Fuji due to the weather, but I was thankfully able to! Our guide Leonard was flexible in the order of which stops to see, saving the best stops for last when the visibility was best. Leonard was very helpful messaging times and meet up locations so we didn't get lost. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Visiting Chureito Pagoda & Arakurayama Sengen Park

Chureito Pagoda stands within Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. Built in 1963 as a peace memorial, the five-storied pagoda sits above the main Arakura Sengen Shrine and offers one of Japan’s most recognised views of Mount Fuji.

What to see

  • Arakura Sengen Shrine: Located at the base of the hill, this shrine dates back to the 8th century and is dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of Mount Fuji.
  • Chureito Pagoda: Reached by climbing about 398 steps from the shrine, the pagoda overlooks the city of Fujiyoshida with Mount Fuji in the background.
  • Viewpoint Area: A short walk beyond the pagoda leads to an observation deck with an open panoramic view — the same angle often seen in guidebooks and postcards.
Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background from Arakurayama Sengen Park.

Quick facts about Arakurayama Sengen Park & Chureito Pagoda

Chureito Pagoda

  • Official name: Chureito Pagoda (Peace Memorial Pagoda)
  • Location: Within Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Built: 1963
  • Access: 398 stone steps from Arakura Sengen Shrine to the pagoda
  • Height: Five stories
  • Purpose: Built as a peace memorial and observation point overlooking Mount Fuji and Fujiyoshida City
  • Best time to visit: Late March–mid April (cherry blossoms) and late October–mid November (autumn foliage)
  • Opening hours: Open year-round; best visited early morning for clear Mount Fuji views
People walking down steps lined with cherry blossoms in Arakurayama Sengen Park, Japan.
  • Official name: Arakurayama Sengen Park
  • Location: 2-chōme-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Established: 1959
  • Situated around: Arakura Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda
  • Access: 398 stone steps or a sloped walking path from the shrine to the park’s main viewpoint
  • Famous for: View of Mount Fuji alongside the five-storied Chureito Pagoda and seasonal cherry blossoms
  • Best time to visit: Late March–mid April (cherry blossoms) and late October–mid November (autumn foliage)
  • Opening hours: Open year-round; generally accessible from sunrise to sunset

Panoramic view of Mount Fuji

Experience one of Japan’s most iconic sights — Mount Fuji framed by the red, five-storied Chureito Pagoda. From the park’s observation deck, you can see the mountain, Fujiyoshida City, and the surrounding forested slopes in one view.

Historical significance

Arakurayama Sengen Park surrounds Arakura Sengen Shrine, founded in 705 CE and dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of Mount Fuji. In 1963, the Chureito Pagoda was built within the park as a peace memorial to honour citizens of Fujiyoshida who lost their lives in war.

Scenic climb

Walk up 398 stone steps from the shrine through the park to reach the pagoda and viewing platform. The route is lined with seasonal trees, and a gentle slope is available for easier access.

Cultural and spiritual connection

Visitors can explore both the Shinto shrine at the base and the pagoda above — two sites that together capture centuries of Japanese spirituality and reverence for Mount Fuji.

Seasonal highlights

  • Spring (late March – mid April): Cherry blossoms frame Mount Fuji, creating the postcard-perfect Fuji view.
  • Autumn (late October – mid November): The park’s maple trees turn red and gold, offering a vivid contrast to the mountain backdrop.

Plan your visit to Arakurayama Sengen Park

Entrance gate to Arakura Sengen Shrine with Mt. Fuji in the background, Fujiyoshida, Japan.

Arakurayama Sengen Park and Chureito Pagoda are open year-round and can be visited at any time of the day. However, the area is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset, as there are no gates or ticketed entry points.

Best time to visit:

  • Early morning: Clearer skies and fewer visitors, ideal for photography.
  • Spring (late March – mid April): Cherry blossoms line the path to the pagoda and park viewpoint.
  • Autumn (late October – mid November): The hillside turns vibrant with autumn foliage, offering clear views of Mount Fuji.

Closed:

  • The park and pagoda remain open year-round, but access may be restricted during heavy snowfall or maintenance periods.
Arakura Sengen Shrine

Both are located in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, within walking distance of one another.

  • Address: 2-chōme-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0031, Japan
  • Nearest Station: Shimoyoshida Station (Fujikyuko Line) — about a 10-minute walk to the park entrance.
  • Access from Tokyo: Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to Shimoyoshida Station (around 2 hours total).
Arakura Sengen Shrine
  • Timing: Visit early in the morning for the best lighting and minimal crowds.
  • Climb: Be prepared for a 398-step staircase to reach the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint; there’s also a gentler slope available.
  • Weather: Mount Fuji visibility depends on weather; clear days after rainfall offer the best views.
  • Seasonal visits:Spring brings cherry blossoms; autumn offers colourful foliage.Summer has lush greenery, while winter provides snow-capped views of Mount Fuji.
  • Facilities: Rest areas, vending machines, and benches are available near the viewpoint; toilets are located near the shrine base.
  • Etiquette: Remain quiet around the shrine area, avoid blocking pathways during photography, and use the bins provided.
  • Parking: Paid parking is available near the base of Arakura Sengen Shrine for those arriving by car.

History of Arakura Sengen Shrine

Welcome to the captivating history of Arakura Sengen Shrine, where tales of spirituality and natural beauty intertwine. Located in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, this sacred site holds a wealth of fascinating stories that span centuries.

Origin: Arakura Sengen Shrine traces its origins back to the 9th century when it was established as a place of worship dedicated to the Shinto goddess Konohanasakuya-hime. This deity, often associated with Mount Fuji and the blooming of cherry blossoms, symbolizes renewal, beauty, and the transient nature of life.

Lesser known fact: A lesser-known fact about the shrine is that its original location was near the base of Mount Fuji. However, due to volcanic eruptions and subsequent changes in the landscape, the shrine was moved to its current hilltop position in the late 16th century. This relocation not only preserved the spiritual essence of the shrine but also granted visitors stunning vistas of the surrounding area.

Other relevant information: While the awe-inspiring Chureito Pagoda steals the spotlight, Arakura Sengen Shrine offers more than meets the eye. Venture off the beaten path and meander through its serene grounds to discover hidden treasures. Seek out ancient stone lanterns, meticulously maintained gardens, and quiet paths that wind through the enchanting forested areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arakura Sengen Shrine

Arakura Sengen Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine located in Fujiyoshida, Japan, known for its iconic view of Mount Fuji and the Chureito Pagoda.