Best places to view Mt Fuji from Hakone

Hakone is well known as a resort destination of traditional Japanese ryokan hotels and onsens and catching amazing views of Mt Fuji. Where are the best spots to view Mt Fuji from Hakone?

Mt Fuji is sometimes affetionaly called Fuji-san to the locals. It is Japan's highest mountain standing 3776 metres located at Honshu Island, about 100 kilometres south west of Tokyo.

There are many day trips being organised from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, sometimes to the 3rd and 5th station depending on weather conditions.

Others like myself, preferred to take in the majestic views from afar. During my brief two-day visit to Hakone, I managed to catch Fuji-san several times. My two best spots are:

1.   On the ropeway between Souzan and Owakudani.
Starting from Gora, I took the Cable Car up to Souzan, then switched to the Ropeway. The ropeway trip started with a sharp incline befeore it peaked then headed down. It was at the apex of this journey that fellow passengers gasped in awe as Fuji-san came into view, with it's beautiful snow-capped peak glistening in the sunlight.

2.   From the observation deck at Owakudani.
Alighting from the ropeway at the Owakudani station, I exited the station and took 2 minutes to walk up the road to the nearest buidling. The single storey building which has a store selling souvenirs and black eggs (eggs steamed in the sulfur infused hot springs from that area), has an observation deck on the second floor. It was from this vantage point that I managed to capture the glorious stature of Mt Fuji. I would recommend a morning viewing, as the sun would be behind you as you look west to Mt Fuji.

 The cable car leaving Gora and hedaing up to Souzan.

The Ropeway cars at Souzan station.

Photo of Mt Fuji taken from inside the ropeway car as it reaches the apex bewteen Souzan and Owakudani  

Owakudani at 1044 metres. 

Hello Kitty enjoys some black eggs at Owakudani.

 From the observation deck at Owakudani.