2-chōme-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011, Japan

Very nice and a short walk to go up there. But a lot of tourists around. You have a great view of Mount Fuji if it is not hiding behind the clouds. Walk further up if you have the time and motivation. You can also walk up to the summit for a fantastic view but it takes a bit time and energy.

This is the best view of My. Fuji that we've found and it's A 557 +/- step climb, or you can take the sloped ramp. It is crowded at the top, but I suspect the climb might keep some of the older folks away. The nice part about this view is that you get a two for one iconic shot with a 5 story pagoda AND Mt. Fuji. With a wide angle you can also get the entire valley. The platform at the top can be difficult to maneuver between everyone taking pictures, that is if you are respectful and observant of others and don't walk in front of them. So please be kind and patient. Your turn in line will come. But the length of the platform allows a left or right justified pagoda/Mt. Fuji or even a 1/3 2/3 placement of Fuji in the picture for your best balance. You can also opt to go up a trail that goes higher up for a view above the Pagoda with an unobstructed view of Mt Fuji.

Nice place to visit. We need to walk upstairs to see mt Fuji. It takes time and energy. People are crowded to take a snap shot, so it is hard to take pictures. But scenery is so peaceful and serene. Never regret if you visit here.

Chureito Pagoda

279-25 Yamashitachō, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan

Don't miss it while it's still open! Very impressive display and well worth the trip. The show runs once each hour and we stuck around long enough to see it twice, where we learned there are actually a number of different performances it cycles through. The whole presentation is in Japanese so you'll definitely get more out of it if you understand at least a little Japanese. Otherwise, you should be able to make purchases at the restaurant and gift shop without knowing much of the language. The website makes it seem like you need to buy tickets in advance, but we saw plenty of people lined up to buy tickets on-site. Definitely nice to be able to skip the line though.

Plan ahead before going to places that will require you to ride a bus. The location is a 1 bus ride away from Yokohama Station.

The construction of this place is really a marvel and kudos to the people behind this project as it is really a great tourist spot to visit. There are a lot of seats too and you have the option to view it from the deck too.

Great for families, Gundam fans, those who'd like to rekindle childhood memories, and technology enthusiasts. Buying tickets in advance is recommended if you have a tight schedule.

It's good fun to experience. Bit expensive, but they need to keep that giant machine running somehow. I paid around $50 AUD at the time with exchange rates and all.(I paid extra to get up onto the viewing platform, next to the Gundam.)

They gave me a small pop together Gundam model which is very cool. The model will run out, so get there early.

The viewing time I got was 2 hours later than my arrival time and you cannot re-enter. There is not a lot to do there.
1. I lined up for the gift shop. (There is always a gift shop)
2. Lined up for the cafe. (The Gundam themed lunch box looked cool, but was not very tasty. I have high standards since most of the food in Japan is amazing.) I say and ate as slow as possible to burn time.
3. Went to the two food trucks and got another drink.
4. Went to the museum. (Small gallery of some items and simple activities for children.)
5. Sat in the conference room watching the story of building the Gundam.
6. Lined up at the Gundam to get onto the viewing platform.

All in all, it was a fun experience. If you can time it better, you do not need 2 hours there. On the platform it is cool to be up close, but you mostly see the side and the mechanics of how the machine moves. (That's pretty cool.)
The lunch box was really average, and I'd said get something else to eat. Hopefully it's better.

Gundam Factory Yokohama

Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511, Japan

One of the better vantage points to admire Mt. Fuji. It is not too close but not so distant either. When I was there, Fuji San was kind of shy, hiding behind a blanket of clouds most of the time. He did let us, the eagerly awaiting onlookers, take a peek every now and then, but mostly the top half part of his cone.

This village is a scenic spot in and of itself, too. Crystal clear ponds that are teeming with different kinds of fishes and ducks swimming about are scattered around the area. Lush flowers, green grasses, the trees, and hills surrounding it make for a very nice spot - pick anywhere - to sit and relax. Water wheel houses add to the already beautiful scenery. Walk around and enjoy the place.

If you're hungry or thirsty, there are restaurants and food stalls. Had a bowl of very delicious pork udon here, plus some skewers while strolling around.

Be awed by this scenic tourist spot endorsed by World Heritage. Serenity is the word to describe the feelings as you stroll by the ponds. Pause for a moment to appreciate the ponds with Koi fish and be inspired by the calmness of the nature. Good exercise and definitely fresh air to rejuvenate yourself from your daily routines. Seasonal fruits during this summer such as peach was amazingly succulent & juicy. Family with young kids or even their furry buddies were also having bonding times at this peaceful village. There were cafes and eating stalls in case you need to take a short break from the walk. Weather was cloudy and I was not able to view the majestic Mount Fuji from the village but I will definitely revisit this awesome place in the next coming season.

Nice place to walk around with many small gift shops and nature. Grilled fish for 11,000¥. Souvenir is worth the price, chestnut ice cream was great too (450¥). The main parking at the entrance costs 300¥ for 2 hours if I’m not wrong, but there are free parking lots at the back (near the dining area)

Oshino Hakkai

Sei in Giappone e vuoi vedere il Monte Fuji? Sappi che non è semplicissimo, il monte è spesso coperto dalle nuvole e difficilmente visibile. Qui troverai, però, un itinerario di una giornata che sarà super piacevole anche se, quando arriverai, il Fuji non...

Road to... Oshino Hakkai per vedere il Monte Fuji

Are you in Japan and want to see Mount Fuji? Know that it is not very simple, the mountain is often covered by clouds and hardly visible. Here, however, you will find a one-day itinerary that will be super pleasant even if, when you arrive, Fuji is not…

Road to... Oshino Hakkai to see Mount Fuji