How Is Mount Fuji Visible From Tokyo, Even When It’s Over 80 Miles Away?

Mount Fuji is one of the most sacred places in Japan. It is also one of the most breathtaking sights, bringing a myriad of visitors from all over the world to Japan. 

What some might not realize is that views of Mount Fuji in all its glory can be seen from as far as Tokyo, even though Tokyo is slightly over 80 miles away from Mount Fuji. 

About Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and is one of the tallest in the world. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site in Japan, ensuring it is kept protected and maintained.

What many don’t realize is that Mount Fuji is actually an active volcano. However, there hasn’t been an eruption from Mount Fuji since the 1700s, thankfully. 

The Spiritual Significance Of Mount Fuji

Many spiritual sects and religions regard Mount Fuji as being a sacred space. Even the indigenous peoples of Japan saw Mount Fuji as holy.

In Buddhism, for example, Mount Fuji is seen as a place to partake in on the power of meditation. 

For the Shinto faith, Mount Fuji’s volcano is believed to be the embodiment of the kami Princess Konohanasakuya-hime.

Being that it is such a spiritual spot, visitors can see many shrines surrounding the mountain. Some of the Shinto shrines surrounding the mountain are some of the most important to the faith. 

Generally, there are many people who believe that Mount Fuji is surrounded by spirits of loved ones who have passed, and many make the pilgrimage to the mountain in order to pay their respects to their dearly departed and pray for them. 

It is also believed that those who see Mount Fuji in their dreams are about to experience some good luck or fortune. 

Mount Fuji has also been the subject of numerous works of art by Japanese artists, as well as artists from around the world. It has been marveled for its beauty for centuries and will continue to be far into the future. 

Even if you don’t have the chance to explore near Mount Fuji, you have the opportunity to witness its beauty from many other regions of Japan, including Tokyo. 

When Can Tourists Visit Mount Fuji Itself?

There are a few times of the year where tourists can visit Mount Fuji, and there are also times of the year where part of the mountain is open for people to climb.

There are even huts set up along the climbing path for hikers to get refreshments and get first aid if needed. 

There is also a unique and widespread perspective you can get from being able to see Mount Fuji from afar that you just couldn’t get from being close to the mountain.

It is just way too big to be able to appreciate the same way from close up, though that does offer a beautiful sight to behold in its own right. 

How Far Is Mount Fuji From Tokyo?

There is a part of Mount Fuji that sits near the border of Tokyo. However, the majority of Mount Fuji lies between two completely different prefectures; the Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture. 

Where In Tokyo Can You See Mount Fuji From?

There are many options within Tokyo that offer a view of Mount Fuji. Many of these places are even landmarks for tourists to visit due to the fact that Mount Fuji can be witnessed from these locales. 

If you are not afraid of heights, there are some attractions that feature observation desks where you will get a unique perspective of the city of Tokyo, with Mount Fuji present in the background.

There are places that are not so elevated that you can see Mount Fuji from as well. 

Sankaitei Restaurant

If you are looking for something romantic to do in Tokyo, one of the most memorable dates you could plan is dinner at the Sankaitei restaurant.

Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you’ll get a magnificent view of Mount Fuji. 

This restaurant is located in the Hokutopia building in Tokyo, which is seventeen stories high. 

Bunkyo Civic Center

Being that the Bunkyo City Center is located pretty central in Tokyo, it is a great place to be able to look out at Mount Fuji.

There is an observation deck located in this building where you can gaze out to Mount Fuji. That being said, there are some taller buildings and skyscrapers that may partially block some of Mount Fuji from your sightline. 

Bunkyo Civic Center Official Website

Fujimi Terrace

This is perhaps one of the best places where you can get a clear view of Mount Fuji if you are not able to visit the site itself. There are even some occasions where you can enjoy watching the sunset in the evening on top of Mount Fuji. 

Fujimi Terrace Article

One of the best perks about seeing Mount Fuji from the Fujimi Terrace is that it doesn’t cost anything to gaze out at the horizon from this vantage point. 

Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree is actually home to a broadcasting center, and it is the tallest tower of its kind in the world. On some nights, you can actually watch the Skytree illuminated with different color lights, making it a sight to see in its own right. 

Tokyo Skytree Official Website

The observation deck is located high up on the tower, and it gives you a breathtaking circular view.

Thus, you can make your way around the observation deck to see the skyline, as well as far beyond the city, including Mount Fuji, in a very unique way. 

Tokyo Sea Life Park

The Tokyo Sea Life Park is one of the best places to get a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, especially when the sun is setting in the evening.

This aquarium is also a nice place to look out at Mount Fuji during the day, given that you are able to see the mountain without any buildings disrupting the view. 

Tokyo Sea Life Park Official Website

The view of Mount Fuji while the sun is setting is famous when observed from this aquarium, and is even known as Diamond Fuji. This is because there’s a point where the sun appears to be glistening right at the top of the mountain. 

There’s a Ferris Wheel present at this park that many will enjoy while the sun sets, as once you get to the top, you get a brilliant view. 

Haneda Airport

If you happen to be flying into or out of Haneda Airport, there is an observation area that is open throughout the entire day that offers a view of Mount Fuji.

It’s worth spending time in this area and getting a magnificent view while you wait for your boarding call. 

Haneda Airport Official Website

The Best Time Of Year To See Mount Fuji From Tokyo

Unfortunately, you might not be able to get the best-unencumbered view of Mount Fuji from Tokyo all year round. The quality of the view is mainly dependent on the weather in Tokyo

That being said, you have a better chance at getting a clear view of Mount Fuji from Tokyo if you’re visiting between November and February. Outside of these months, there is a chance that the view might be obstructed. 

December and January are the two best months to see Mount Fuji from afar. This data was heavily studied and each month has been compared pretty meticulously to come to this conclusion.

What’s more, Japan gets some really beautiful snow in the winter, so the views are uniquely breathtaking around this time. 

The Best Time Of Day To See Mount Fuji

Unless you are aiming to get a look at the famous sunset among the horizon of Mount Fuji, your best bet to get the clearest view is to try and view it from Tokyo in the morning.

The early afternoon is also a pretty decent time to be able to see Mount Fuji from afar. 

Which Weather Conditions Obstruct The View Of Mount Fuji From Tokyo?

The forecast will have little bearing on how well you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji from any vantage point in Tokyo.

There are days where it is cloudy and the view is still clear, just like there are days where the sun is in the sky but Mount Fuji can’t be seen clearly. 

The better determinant for whether or not you’ll get that desired view from Tokyo is what time of year you are visiting Tokyo. Secondary would be what time of day you plan to view the vistas of the mountain.

View Of Mount Fuji In 4K

My fascination with Japan began several years back at a roadside bonsai stand while on vacation. I became more interested in the where and why's more than the trees themselves. My love of Bonsai led me to further research my interest in the gardens where they originated from and the places and people that surrounded those little trees. My curiosity was well rewarded upon visiting Saitama where the National Bonsai Museum was located and Omiya Village the bonsai mecca for lovers of this ancient art form. Exploring many towns and villages and even making my way to Japan's furthest southern prefecture of Okinawa. I hope to share my love of this wonderful and exotic place with all those who want to know more about Japan.