Where do you get the best views of Mt. Fuji? For a panoramic Mt. Fuji landscape, there’s nowhere better than this park in Izu!

Mt. Fuji has been in the news a lot this year, with articles popping up about the massive crowds on the mountain, followed quickly by articles discussing the massive crowds trying to view the mountain. A random roadside Lawson convenience store, it turns out, is not actually the best place to take pictures of Mt. Fuji! Both locals and respectful travelers have found the situation frustrating, now that intrepid Mt. Fuji enthusiasts have been found actually making holes in the black plastic barrier erected at the convenience store to discourage visitors, so that they can take forbidden photos of Mt. Fuji.

Fortunately, there are much better places to take photos of Mt. Fuji – places that not only welcome visitors, but offer them breathtaking views of Japan’s tallest mountain. The first recommendations you’re likely to hear when it comes to viewing (and taking photos of) Mt. Fuji are generally areas where you can see the mountain right up close. Think Hakone, or Kawaguchiko. But I’m here to tell you that there’s another option out there for Mt. Fuji lovers!

Shizuoka Prefecture’s claim to fame comes largely from being home to approximately half of Mt. Fuji, but the Izu Peninsula that juts out from the side of the prefecture is better known for hot springs, delicious locally-grown wasabi, and iconic sights like Mt. Omuro and the Granpal Park Illumination. But this is also the part of Shizuoka where you’ll find Izu Panorama Park, which offers a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and all its surroundings, from crowded cities to glittering seas. The park is surprisingly easy to get to even using public transportation, and there’s plenty to keep you entertained all day long.

So hop on the train to get yourself to Izu-Nagaoka Station, then take a 15-minute bus ride to the Izunokuni-shiyakusho-mae bus stop, and you’re there! That’s what I did, and before I knew it, it was time to get a ropeway ticket for a leisurely climb up into the mountains.

My first glimpse of Mt. Fuji was from the ropeway, and even though my fear of heights had me feeling a little nervous as the swinging car climbed up the mountainside, I was pretty excited to get to the top for a better look. As soon as you get off the ropeway, there it is: Mt. Fuji in all its glory, with cities crowded around the base, and the foothills trailing off into the sea. After taking in the spectacular view, soaking up the sweeping views, and of course taking some pictures, I’d already achieved my goal for the day.

Fortunately there was plenty to do up at the top of the mountain, all with Mt. Fuji in sight!
For a really close-up view, you can try out the coin-operated binoculars set up along the edge of the observation deck. I really lucked out with the weather, and the day I visited, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky! Mt. Fuji was stunningly clear, and my photos were a wash of blue sky and blue seas.
Izu Panorama Park has gardens, shrines, hot spring bathhouses, restaurants, and more. I happened to notice the “Hyakutai Jizoson” as I explored the area, which is a collection of (supposedly 100!) Buddhist statues watching over the park.

When you visit Izu Panorama Park and climb up the mountainside using the ropeway, you’re actually going up the side of Mt. Katsuragi. You can take photos at the very peak, which is 452 meters high!

Finally, my very favorite part of my trip to Izu Panorama Park was actually visiting the dining area with its observation deck seating! Prices are reasonable, the hot udon is flavorful and warms you right up from the inside out, and best of all, the view is unbeatable. With Mt. Fuji right in front of your eyes, and the picturesque landscape stretching out in all directions, you might call this a “million-dollar view.” I spent a long time sitting here, enjoying the udon, and taking it all in. Since I was visiting on a weekday in winter, it wasn’t very crowded, and I could really take my time!

I came to Izu Panorama Park with the simple goal of seeing Mt. Fuji at its best, so I think we can call this trip a success! If you want to impress your friends with an amazing view (or if you want to find the best spots in Japan just for yourself), I’d definitely recommend this place first.

A quick travel tip before I go: if you get up to the top of the mountain and you’re not sure exactly where to go, just check the route options in this guide map and start walking!

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Original Author: Pin
English Edition: Sophia Appelbaum