The Best Photo spot in Japan
The most famous picture spot in Japan is near Mt Fuji called Chureito Pagoda. (disclaimer: be warned, there are a lot of steps going up to this pagoda, 400 steps in total.)
I was really lucky to get this picture below.. I see so many comments that there was fog, snow or clouds and people were not able to get a picture.. so you need to have a backup plan. You also need to think about crowds, angle of the sun and ensure you have a charged battery in your camera.. Weather will be another factor and you need to plan for rain or snow. I also recommend taking a bottle of water or something to drink. If it’s winter time bundle up as it gets cold. Planning is key here as you may not get another chance to visit this location.
What is a pagoda, thought it was a shrine? These tower-like structures are architecture traditionally in association with Buddhist temple complexes and with odd number floors most being with 5 stories. Normally a Pagoda do not have floors or rooms and typically just a staircase to the top for viewing.. Pagodas are common sights throughout Asia and usually structures for religious relics, storing sacred writings or refuge from the weather.
Fun Fact: Pagoda’s are lighting magnets due to their height, they are now decorated with metal at the top as lightening rods or “demon arrester”.
The Chureito Pagoda built in 1963 is located near the 5 lakes at the base of Mount Fuji in the city called Fuji Yoshida. Besides the view of Mount fuji, its also famous for its 400 stairs that you have to climb to get to the top.. but believe me the view and the picture is well worth the effort. Normally 30 mins at the top is more than enough time to plan for taking a photo.. if you are there during cherry blossom festival, I assume you will be in a massive crowd and suggest maybe going early morning.. There is not much to do at the top so I would plan for half a day here and the rest of the day going around one of the 5 lakes near Mt Fuji.
Driving Access:
If you have a car in Tokyo, then you can drive, the pagoda is right behind the amusement park Fuji Highland.. Easy to get there and typical Japanese tourist parking lot at 1,000yen. You can see the google map link below for directions.
Train Access:
Train to Kawaguchiko station and 15min taxi ride.. The is about $15 to $20 usd.. (just split it between friends, its cheap, don’t try to figure out the bus as there are other things to worry about.)
Many people recommend:
Chureito Pagoda tour bus that leave from Shinjuku, normally around $80 - $100 and they go to a couple of different locations.. it’s probably the easiest way to go but the bus leaves early morning is the only downside. Do a search on the web and several will show up.
