What is the best place to view Mount Fuji?

My best memory: An August morning at dawn, on the beach in Yaizu (near Shizuoka). Fuji-San was reflecting the first rays of the sun on the water of the bay ...

Dorothy, <BR>The best place is from Kawaguchi Lake, which is easily accessed in about 1.5 hours from the Shinjuku area of Tokyo by train or bus. When in Kawaguchi Lake, go up the cable car and you will see Mount Fuji in all its glory in an unhindered view that is truly unforgetable. You can also enjoy the little town of Kawaguchi with the shops and grape ice cream. And if you are still begging for more of Mount Fuji, take a boat ride excursion out on the lake. This is a very nice day trip from Tokyo. And while I am working and can't entertain relatives and friends who visit me, I always have them go out there on their own, and they always come back with good stories. Hints: Make sure you go on a sunny day! The famous snow cap on Mount Fuji melts by end of May through fall.<BR><BR>Ron

Ron:How far is this excursion you mention from Kyoto area?

Thank you Florence and Ron. 18-teen years ago ( April) we went to Japan on 1 month honeymoon trip. During this trip we took 2 days bus tour to Hakone and Mt. Fuji area. We enjoyed picture perfect view of Mt Fuji throughout 2 days. This time we are taking our 15 years old daughter to show her some of the places special for us and to see other places which we missed the first time around like Hiroshima and Miyajima. We do not want to go to Hakone again(aversion to crowds),so like Ron suggested - Kawaguchi-ko is perfect. Ron, we are going in April again so cherry blossom and snow cuped Mt Fuji shouldn't be a problem. We will pray for a one sunny day during our 4 days in Tokyo.

First to Dorothy. April sounds like a perfect time for Fuji. Hopefully the weather will be fine. Cherry blossoms start last week of March and last around only through the 1st week of April in the Tokyo area. Also, this year from the 27th April thorugh through 1st week of May is "Golden Week"--and if you dislike crowds--stay away from any tourist spots and even the whole country!<BR><BR>Sarah, Kawaguchi Lake is definitely a day trip from the Tokyo area. I don't know your plans, but you can geta look at Mt. Fuji from the Shinkasen (bullet train) if you take it between Tokyo and Kyoto. If you want to stop, though, the area around Mishima is a good location. Although I am not sure if there is much around there to see--other than the mountain, so you'd need to do some research on the internet to see if it is worth it. <BR><BR>Regards,<BR>Ron<BR>

Thanks for the tip Ron. Did not know I could see it from the train think that will suffice? ....not much around the mountain?<BR><BR>I was planning on doing Kyoto and surrounding areas only but it does seem a shame to skip Mt.Fugi. I will have to think about that 4hour train ride.