The Chureito Pagoda is one of the most iconic places in the whole of Japan, and rightly so. Perfectly perched high on the mountainside with an incredible view down towards Mt Fuji, this five-storied pagoda also has another secret weapon up its sleeve.
During Cherry Blossom season, the entire surroundings of the Pagoda are cherry pink and absolutely beautiful. Making this a triple threat when it comes to Japanese culture.
Mt Fuji.
A pagoda.
Some Cherry Blossom.
If you’re in the Fuji area and want an incredible view over Mt Fuji itself, then let me tell you, the early alarm and 400 steps are absolutely worth it. Even if there is no cherry blossom.
How to get to The Chureito Pagoda – Mt Fuji View
Perched high on the hillside overlooking Fujiyoshida City this incredible Pagoda sits perfectly over the city and with incredible views down towards Fuji.
Not actually that difficult to get to if you’re staying locally, and if you’ve got a car even easier. Especially if you’re wanting to get here for a sunrise. That being said, wherever you’re staying will likely have bikes for rent if you’ve not got access to your own transport.
There are two ways to get to the Pagoda itself, either take the nearly 400 steps or follow the road. I took the steps up and then followed the road down. It doesn’t take too long, but I promise it’ll be worth it.
My Experience with The Chureito Pagoda
When you first read or research about places to visit in Japan, it’s very common for this place to come up. Now I’m not usually one for trying to flock to well-worn tourist destinations, but this was on the list and I really wanted to tick this off.
Unfortunately, right now (May 2023) it isn’t Cherry Blossom Bloom so there wasn’t any here, but it’s still worthy of a visit.
Having been in the city on the third day and still not caught a glimpse of the incredible mountain yet, when the forecast changed in our favour I knew we had to make the most of it.
With alarms set at 430 AM, it was time to make up for nearly 3 days of rain and cloud and see the iconic Japanese mountain once and for all.
I honestly don’t think there are more visual mountains than volcanos and Fuji didn’t disappoint. With a warm golden glow, a coldness in the air, and a coffee in hand. Sitting and watching the sunrise over one of the most iconic mountains in the world is a morning I’ll not be forgetting anytime soon.
A walk through the downtown and the popular street view of the towering Fuji in the background and then on to the Pagoda itself. If you’re leaving early in the morning there will be a handful of people but not as many as mid-day. I’ve read about 3-hour queue’s just to get a photo of the pagoda during bloom season.
The steps up aren’t too bad, but with the fresh morning air and signs warning you of bears, it’s easy to get them over and done with and take a rest whilst taking in the incredible view.
Once you’re up the stairs you’ll be at the base of the pagoda, which in itself is an impressive structure. Japanese and Korean architecture is my favourite anywhere in the world, and seeing these buildings up close is always fascinating.
The real money shot is from the observation deck behind the pagoda, with it being as high as the five stories it gives a superb view down over the city and across the skyline to the forever dominating Mt Fuji.
If you’re here, visit it, Cherry Blossom or not, it’s well worth it and one of the most iconic places in all of Japan.
If you’ve any questions about the Chureito Pagoda then drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.
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