Japan
will always be associated with Mt. Fuji.
At 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji or commonly called Fuji-san, is the highest mountain in the country. This iconic landmark is an active
stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707-1708 and lies about 100 kilometers
southwest of Tokyo. On clear blue skies,
the volcano is quite visible even from Tokyo.
There are vantage points within the city, which makes it visible to
guests even without the hassle of traveling afar and trekking the high
mountains.
Direct
flights from Manila to Tokyo, which I usually book through Cebu Pacific Air,
also gives a good vantage to have an unobstructed direct view of the Mt. Fuji
above the clouds. I am yet to experience
this one, as I am usually in deep slumber while on flight. But a lot of
passengers were able to experience and shared it already on social media, even with other flight itineraries of different airlines.
While
in the city, the Unlimited Tokyo Subway tickets booked from Klook makes Mt.
Fuji now within reach. This is for
guests without the JR Pass. The
unlimited journeys on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines may be for 24, 48 or 72 hours, depending on one’s choice.
And with that, here are some of the vantage points and observatories
that we have visited in the quest to have a peek of Mt. Fuji even from a
distance.
BUNKYO CIVIC
CENTER
Behind
the skyscrapers of the Shinjuku District, Mt. Fuji can be seen as looming
large, when viewed at the observatory of the Bunkyo Civic Center. Admission is free and it is situated at the
25th floor of the building.
To avoid indoor lighting reflection, the encased tilted glass windows is
a great help for photographers and hobbyists to capture the perfect postcard
view of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks.
Operating
hours is from 9AM to 8:30PM. It is
closed from December 29 to January 3 and the 3rd Sunday of May.
Tokyo Subway: Tokyo Metro Korakuen Station; 1 minute by
foot from Exit4A/5 from the Marunouchi Line or from Exit 5 from the Namboku
Line
HAKONE
Hakone
is a popular tourist destination as a side trip from Tokyo City. It is a resort town at the edge of Mt. Fuji
known for the many hot springs (onsen)
and traditional Japanese houses (ryokan). But apart from which, it can be one of the
best vantage points to view Mt. Fuji.
The cruise at Lake Ashi is a scenic route to view the iconic
landmark. Unfortunately, there was a
typhoon when we visited Hakone.
Tokyo Subway: Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumuto
Station through the Odakyu Railway. The
best option to reach Hakone is to book for the Hakone Pass. It includes roundtrip from Tokyo to Hakone
and unlimited use of selected trains, cablecars, ropeways, boats and buses in
the Hakone area.
TOKYO
METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT BUILDING
As
part of the Shunjuku’s skyscraper district, the 243-meter tall Tokyo
Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho) houses two observation decks, one in
each of its towers. The observation
decks are of free admission and situated at the 45th floor of each
tower.
Key
buildings and landmarks are likewise visible and a photo map serves as guide at
the observatory. Mt. Fuji is visible on
a clear day.
Tokyo Subway: Shinjuku Station with 12-15 minute walk. More accessible thru the Toei Oedo Line on
Tochomae Station, which is a 2-minute walk to the observatory.
FUJI-Q HIGHLAND
Fuji-Q
Highland is Japan’s most famous amusement park at the foot of Mt. Fuji. There are scenic spots designated where Mt.
Fuji can be best viewed. But even
enroute, the train ride can give passengers a peek of Mt. Fuji.
Tokyo Subway: Shinjuku Station. Transfer to the JR Line (Shinjuku to Otsuki
Station). From Otsuki Station of the
Fuji Express Line, disembark at the Fuji Q Highland Station.
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