Chureito Pagoda
Arakura sengen parkThe Arakurayama Sengen Park is a globally known scenic spot with a panoramic view of a cenotaph called Chureito Pagoda, Mt. Fuji, the world heritage representing Japan, and Fujiyoshida City at the foot of the Mountain. Tourists from Japan and overseas flock to the 4.3-ha park during the cherry blossom season to enjoy the splendid view comprising approximately 650 cherry trees (Prunus yedoensis) planted in the park, Mt. Fuji, and Chureito Pagoda. In February 2022, an observation deck was installed in a popular photo-shooting area in the park (behind Chureito Pagoda) for safety.
- Facility name: Arakurayama Sengen Park
- Address: 2-3353 Asama, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi
- Admission fee: Free
- Opening hours: 24 hours (no closure of the Park at nighttime)
- Closed day: None
- Toilets
- Car park
*Free of charge except during the Cherry Blossom Festival
*Open around the clock
Chureito Pagoda
Cenotaph for people from Fujiyoshida City who died during the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and the Pacific War. The construction was completed in April 1962.
Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja-Shrine
Torii (archway)
A must-see spot, with a view of the Torii and Mt. Fuji, in Arakurayama Sengen Park. The imperial scroll (shrine scroll) is believed to be granted by the then-Emperor Heizei, following the great eruption of Mt. Fuji in 807.
Observation Deck
Visitors can enjoy one of the most popular views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a representative scenic place of Japan that presents an assortment of views of Mt. Fuji, Chureito Pagoda, and cherry blossoms in April every year.
Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja-Shrine
Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja-Shrine was built in 705 as the guardian god of Arakura Village, Yashiro County of Kai Province (present Arakura District). The Shrine has been a place of worship for warding off bad luck, household harmony, easy child delivery, and childrearing.
Sakuya-hime Stairway (398 steps)
Linear 398-step stairway to Chureito Pagoda. It’s a new tourist attraction in Arakurayama Sengen Park. The stairway is named after the goddess of Mt. Fuji worship, Princess Konohana Sakuya. The place was originally a game trail used as a shortcut to Chureito Pagoda by local children.
Fuji panoramic platform
After a five-minute climb from the observation deck, there are two arbors and the Fuji panoramic platform. Here, tourists can enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji different from the one from the observation deck.
Access to Chureito Pagoda
Arakura sengen park mapBy train or bus
- Approximately a 20- to 30-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station of Fujikyu Railway
- The nearest bus station is the bus terminal in front of Shimoyoshida Station (buses are not running into the Park).
- Access from Shimoyoshida Station of Fujikyu Railway to Chureito Pagoda
By car
- Approximately a 10-minute drive from the Kawaguchiko IC on the Fujiyoshida Route, Chuo Expressway
- Approximately a 10-minute drive from the Fujiyoshida-nishi-katsura-smart IC on the Fujiyoshida Route, Chuo Expressway
- Approximately a 10-minute drive from the Fujiyoshida IC on the Higashifujigoko Expressway
Free parking for approximately 100 vehicles (the parking is not available during the Cherry Blossom Festival)
Google mapBy Fujiyoshida City circular bus (community bus)
- Approximately a 20- to 30-minute walk from the Shimoyoshida Station bus stop on the central route of the Town Sneaker bus operated by Fujikyu Bus or approximately a 20-minute walk from the Nyoraiji temple entrance bus stop on the Kumaana-Arakura Route
FAQs
Frequently asked questions-
What time does the park open?
Visitors can enter the park around the clock. The park is open every day.
-
Do I have to pay an admission fee?
No, it’s free of charge.
-
Is there a parking place?
The park is equipped with free parking and is open 24 hours.
-
Can I drive to Chureito Pagoda or the observation deck?
You cannot drive a car to Chureito Pagoda and the observation deck.
-
How long does it take by foot from Shimoyoshida Station to the park?
It’s normally a 20 to 30-minute walk for adults.
-
How far is the park from Shimoyoshida Station?
Approximately 1.1 km. Visitors can enjoy the rustic landscape of Japan comprising railways, railroad crossings, and private housing.
-
Do I need to be physically strong to climb up to the observation deck?
The route to Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja-Shrine is like the routes often found around shrines in Japan, but visitors need to climb up the 398-step stairs to visit Chureito Pagoda and the observation deck. Accordingly, it’s better to be in sound physical health. There is a slope for people with leg problems or with low confidence in their physical strength.
-
What types of footwear do you recommend?
Sneakers and sports shoes would be good. Avoid wearing heeled shoes, leather shoes, and sandals to prevent falls and injuries.
-
Can I climb to the park with my luggage?
There is rough ground and steep stairs on the route to the park. The stairs to the observation deck consist of 398 steps. Visitors are advised not to bring a carrying bag or other large luggage to the route but to keep it in the car or one of the luggage lockers in front of Shimoyoshida Station for ease of walking.
-
Can I park my car in the parking if I visit the park in April?
The Cherry Blossom Festival is held around every April. During the festival, the parking at Arakurayama Sengen Park is not open to visitors. Please park your car in the temporary toll parking near the park.
Tips for enjoying the park
Take pictures for memories of Mr. Fuji.
Mt. Fuji’s image varies every moment. It significantly changes depending on the season, weather, time of the day, temperature, and humidity. Take pictures of you and images of Mt. Fuji that you like. The observation deck might be packed with people, so it is recommended to prepare your camera and get ready for photo shooting before entering the deck. Although many visitors go down after shooting from the deck, you can enjoy different, more dynamic images of Mt. Fuji from the Fuji panoramic platform, located a five-minute climb from the deck. Be sure to climb up to the platform!
Wear light clothes for having fun on the observation deck.
It takes about 20 minutes from the station to the deck. Wear light clothes when climbing for easy walking. A camera and drink for hydrating yourself would be the minimum items you should bring to the deck. In case rain is forecast, it’s a good idea to bring rain gear because there are few spaces where you can avoid rain along the route to the deck. If you want to avoid getting sunburned, bring a parasol to the deck where no sunshade is installed.
To view the scenic landscape
Mt. Fuji may be completely invisible depending on the weather conditions. It is recommended to schedule the trip plan with the flexibility to change the itinerary forward or backward as per the weather forecast. You can also enjoy, by taking the advantage of the 24-hour opening of the park, sunsets, night landscapes, and the view before the sun rises if you stay in an accommodation facility near the park. There are multiple access routes by car or by bus, for example, but the best recommendation is to climb on foot from Shimoyoshida Station. Arakurayama Sengen Park is surrounded by households living in the traditional Japanese lifestyle and landscapes unique to Japan, such as fields and paddies. Enjoy the landscapes while climbing.
Get ready a day before climbing
Start preparation for the visit to the observation deck and the Fuji panoramic platform a day before climbing to enjoy the view with the best smile. The area surrounding Arakurayama Sengen Park is cool in summer and cold in winter. Being ready for the cold is important in winter, but you will sweat after climbing to the deck. Therefore, dressing for easy body temperature control is the best choice. Start preparing a day before the visit.
Recommended spots around Chureito Pagoda
Other photo spotFujimichi Street (Honcho Street)
A street nicknamed Honcho Street faces Mt. Fuji. Since the World Heritage inscription of Mt. Fuji, information about the street has been frequently posted on social media. The street now has become a globally popular photo-shooting spot. You can enjoy the streetscape that symbolizes Japan with atmospheric signs, lighting, and shops. It’s a five-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station.
Google map