Chureito Pagoda is the picture most travelers have in mind when they dream of Mount Fuji: a red five-story pagoda, a snow-capped volcano and, in spring, a sea of cherry blossoms. It stands in Fujiyoshida, a small city in Yamanashi Prefecture at the northern foot of the mountain, roughly two hours from Tokyo. This guide covers Fujiyoshida’s three big draws for first-time visitors: the climb to Chureito Pagoda, the retro shopping street where Mount Fuji seems to rise right out of the road, and Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan’s most famous thrill parks.
1. Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park)
The Chureito Pagoda sits on the hillside of Arakurayama Sengen Park, and reaching the classic viewpoint means climbing 398 stone steps (about 200 meters) up from Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. The walk from Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyu Railway takes about 10 minutes, so the whole visit fits easily into a morning. The five-story pagoda was built in 1962 and is about 19.5 meters tall. Around 650 cherry trees bloom on the slopes, usually in early to mid April, but clear winter days with fresh snow on Fuji are just as popular with photographers. Come early: mornings tend to have the clearest views before clouds build around the summit. Fujiyoshida has struggled with overtourism, and the city did not hold its 2026 cherry blossom festival because of traffic jams, trespassing and litter, so stay on paths, take your trash with you and keep voices down near the shrine and homes.
2. Honcho Street (the “Fuji View” Street)
Honcho Street is the old main street of Fujiyoshida, and it became famous on social media for one reason: from the right spot, Mount Fuji looms enormous at the end of the road, framed by retro shop signs and overhead wires. It is a real working street lined with shops and homes, and the city asks visitors to follow a few simple rules. Never step into the roadway to take photos, which is very dangerous because cars and buses use the street constantly. Keep noise down, do not block sidewalks or shop entrances, and look out for your own safety and other people’s. The street is in central Fujiyoshida, within walking distance of Fujisan Station, so it pairs easily with Chureito Pagoda on the same morning. Visit on a clear day, ideally early, when traffic is lighter and the mountain is most likely to be visible. Afterward, browse the small local shops and cafes rather than just snapping a photo and leaving.
3. Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland is a big amusement park at the foot of Mount Fuji, best known for record-setting roller coasters with the volcano as a backdrop. The park itself is free to enter: you register a free entry pass and then pay for each ride or buy a 1-Day Free Pass, whose price varies by date. Headline rides include FUJIYAMA, Eejanaika, Takabisha, famous for its 121-degree drop, and ZOKKON, which opened in 2023. Note that Do-Dodonpa, once one of the park’s signature coasters, is permanently closed. If you are not a thrill-seeker, the FUJIYAMA Tower observation deck gives you a view over the park and toward the mountain without the adrenaline. Fuji-Q Highland has its own station on the Fujikyu Line, one stop from Kawaguchiko Station, and some highway buses from Shinjuku stop right at the park. Opening hours change by date, so check the official site the day before, and expect long lines on weekends and Japanese holidays.
Where to Stay Near Fujiyoshida
Where to stay: FujiyoshidaHotel links in this section go to Booking.com. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Staying overnight in Fujiyoshida lets you reach Chureito Pagoda and Honcho Street at dawn, when the light is soft and the crowds have not arrived. Hotels here are close to the Fujikyu Line, and many have hot spring baths and rooms facing Mount Fuji. Lake Kawaguchiko is only a few minutes away by train if you want to add the lakes to your trip.
Luxury
Highland Resort Hotel & Spa stands right next to Fuji-Q Highland, and many of its rooms face Mount Fuji. Guests can also use the Fujiyama Onsen hot spring next door, which makes it a comfortable base for both the park and the viewpoints.
Upscale hotel beside the park with many Mount Fuji-view rooms.
Mid-Range
HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort is a hot spring resort hotel in Fujiyoshida near Fuji-Q Highland, with indoor and outdoor baths, Fuji-view rooms and a station shuttle.
HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort
Hot spring hotel with Fuji-view rooms and a station shuttle.
Budget-Friendly
Fujisan Station Hotel is a simple, practical hotel about two minutes on foot from Fujisan Station and a short walk from Honcho Street, ideal for early starts.
Budget hotel steps from the station and Honcho Street.
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Hotels in Fujiyoshida on Booking.com
Wake up near Chureito Pagoda and Honcho Street, and catch Mount Fuji in the clear morning air before the day-trip crowds arrive.
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Quick Tips for Visiting
- Go early in the morning; Mount Fuji is often hidden by clouds later in the day, especially in summer.
- Never stand in the road for photos on Honcho Street, and keep noise down in residential areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the 398 steps up to Chureito Pagoda.
- Check Fuji-Q Highland’s opening hours for your date, and arrive early on weekends to beat the lines.
- Combine Fujiyoshida with Lake Kawaguchiko, which is just one or two stops away on the Fujikyu Line.
Getting there by train: The Fuji Excursion limited express runs directly from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, stopping in Fujiyoshida on the way; the fastest trains take just under two hours, and all seats are reserved. The JR Pass covers only the JR section between Shinjuku and Otsuki, so you pay separately for the Fujikyu Railway section. Highway buses from Busta Shinjuku are a cheaper alternative. Read our guide to riding trains in Japan, check whether the JR Pass is worth it, and if you are arriving from overseas, see our guide to getting from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Chureito Pagoda?
Take the Fujikyu Railway to Shimoyoshida Station, then walk about 10 minutes to Arakurayama Sengen Park. From the shrine, 398 stone steps lead up to the pagoda viewpoint. The Fuji Excursion limited express from Shinjuku stops at Shimoyoshida.
How many steps are there to Chureito Pagoda?
There are 398 stone steps, about 200 meters, from Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine up to the pagoda. Most visitors take 10 to 20 minutes with photo stops.
Is Fuji-Q Highland free to enter?
Yes. Entry to Fuji-Q Highland is free after you register a free entry pass, and you pay for each ride or buy a 1-Day Free Pass, whose price varies by date.
Can you take photos on Honcho Street in Fujiyoshida?
Yes, but only from the sidewalk. The city asks visitors never to stand in the roadway, to keep noise down and to respect the shops and homes along the street.
