The beautiful Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san, is Japan’s sacred mountain. This mountain is arguably the most notable and famous feature in Japan, and has been depicted in art for centuries.
Fuji-san 12,380 feet (3,776 meters), and is a commanding spectacle. As the tallest mountain in Japan and the 35th tallest mountain in the world, this stratovolcano gets a lot of attention.
Located just under 64 miles from Tokyo, Fuji-san is easily visible from the city on a clear day. Many locals and tourists alike visit the surrounding area every year to see this beautiful, but active volcano.
In July and August, the mountain is even a popular climbing destination. This climb can take between 5 and 10 hours! However, what if you just wanted to view the mountain from afar?
Not everyone wants to spend the sweltering summer months scaling a 12,000-foot high mountain, after all. So, what if you wanted to view the mountain from nearby cities? Can you see Fuji-san from Kamakura?
Is Mt. Fuji Visible From Kamakura?
Yes! Fuji-san is visible from Kamakura. Kamakura is a city southwest of Tokyo. This city is just 46 miles from Mount Fuji, meaning that it’s a stunning spectacle to the west!
The views of Mount Fuji from Kamakura are arguably better than those from Tokyo because of the distance. However, there are lots of amazing places in the Kanagawa prefecture if you want amazing views of the sacred mountain.
Since Kamakura is on the eastern side of the prefecture, it isn’t the closest option if you’re planning on taking some snapshots of Fuji-san. Nonetheless, you can enjoy some great views, especially on a clear day.
When Is The Best Time To See Mount Fuji?
The best time to see Mount Fuji from a distance is in the winter. This is because of the low humidity and clear air, making visibility amazing. Aim to visit Kamakura, or any of the surrounding areas, between December and February.
Alternatively, the second-best time to view Mount Fuji from afar is in the fall. Between September and November, the humidity levels have subsided and there are often clear skies.
Visiting in the summer could prove difficult if you want to see the mountain from afar. This is because of the extreme humidity, which causes fog and cloud formation.
However, there’s a slim chance that you will be able to see the mountain before sunset, when the clouds are usually clearer.
If you visit in the fall or winter, the best time to view the mountain is either early morning or late in the afternoon. The light is usually just right, and there’s usually less fog to decrease visibility.
Best Spots To See Mount Fuji From Afar
Enoshima
Enoshima is a small island west of Kamakura. A 1,312-foot bridge connects this island to the mainland. This island is on the Shōnan coast, and has a number of stunning beaches.
However, the views of Fuji-san from this island are spectacular no matter where you go. The best spot to view the sacred mountain is from the observatory on the island and go to the eastern side.
There, you will have a clear view of the mountain, provided the weather permits it.
Inamuragasaki
Located just a few miles from Kamakura, you will find Inamuragasaki – a beautiful cape. This is a well-known spot for great views of Fuji-san.
From here, you will view the mountain from the coast, overlooking the stunning blue waters. This calm and tranquil spot also provides some incredible views of the sunset, too.
Route 134
Route 134 connects Yokosuka and Oiso on the coast. You can drive on the road, which is directed straight towards Mount Fuji for a stretch, or find one of the pedestrian bridges.
This spot gives you a shot that’s centered almost perfectly, but stunning nonetheless. Here, you can take some spectacular photographs, especially at dusk, and watch Mount Fuji in the distance.
Chigasaki City Beaches
This small city not only has beautiful beaches, but also stunning views of the great Mount Fuji. Little gets in the way of the sacred mountain from Chigasaki, making it one of the best locations where you can see the mountain from afar.
Here, you can enjoy the peaceful beaches while gazing at the snow capped volcano. With only around 42 miles between the city and the mountain, visiting this spot will always get you a beautiful view.
Mount Fudoyama
Mount Fudoyama is a small mountain, just 1,073 feet tall. This little-known mountain is located within Odawaya City, on the western side of the Kanagawa Prefecture.
Here, you can hike up the mountain and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Fuji, as well as the other nearby mountains.
What About Closer Views Of Mount Fuji?
There are lots of great options to choose from if you want to get a closer view of Japan’s sacred mountain. We’ll list a few incredible options for you to check out if you want to get up close and personal with Fuji-san.
A stop at any of these locations will be an unforgettable experience, so take the time to do it if you can! Visit these locations for the best views of Fuji-san:
- Boso Peninsula
- Miho-no-Matsubara Pine Grove
- Fuji-Q Highland
- Nihondaira Ropeway
- Lake Saiko
- Lake Shojiko
- Gotemba
- Tagonoura Port
- Asagiri Kogen
- Izu Panorama Park
- Tenjoyama Park
- Lake Kawaguchiko
- Oshino Hakkai Springs
- Lake Yamanakako
- Lake Tanuki
- Urui River
- Imamiya Tea Field
- Arakurayama Sengen Park
Final Thoughts
Mount Fuji is visible from Kamakura, and the views don’t disappoint as long as you’re there on a good day! However, there are a number of locations throughout the Kanagawa Prefecture that boast breathtaking views of Japan’s sacred mountain.
If you want to get a closer look at the mountain, you will need to head out of the Kanagawa Prefecture and to those closer to the mountain. There, you will find a number of lake and field views that simply go unmatched.
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