Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda
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- David MShrewsbury, United Kingdom105 contributionsWell worth the visitGreat place to view Mount Fuji at this famous location (it appears on lots of Japanese tourist pictures). It’s almost iconic. Pray for a good day without mist otherwise the top of the mountain can’t be seen. When we visited, the cherry blossoms hadn’t quite bloomed but there were still some amazing views and pictures. The Pagoda is via a steep climb on steps but there is a more user friendly road/track which runs alongside the steps but takes a bit longer. Lots of food and drink trailers as you ascend the climb. The location of the Pagoda is relatively straight forward to get to via a few trains. If you download the app called ‘JapanTravel’, that will map out the entire route for you . Most of the journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass but the last section is via a privately owned rail company (from Otsuki to Shimoyoshida) where you have to purchase separate tickets but these were only about 980 yen each ( one way). It’s worth a visit for sure. Don’t miss out on when you visit Tokyo.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 24, 2024
- Cri12345105 contributionsWORTH THE TRIP!They say everywhere that Chureito Pagoda has the best view in all of Japan. And they were right! From Tokyo, just take the JR Chuo Line towards Kofu and stop at Otsuki Station. Here you take another Fujikyu Railway train to Shimoyoshida station. You arrive in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From this village there is a beautiful route with around 400 steps that leads to the famous Pagoda which in itself is nothing magnificent (if compared to the others in Japan) but the view is UNMISSABLE. Personally we were lucky enough to be able to choose a day with clear blue skies to make this trip, and I highly recommend it. With a few clouds Fuji disappears in an instant. At the Pagoda there are obviously thousands of tourists who will stand in front of you every time you try to take a photograph. My advice is not to just stop there. The path leads to a higher viewpoint, where you will see Mount Fuji in all its splendor with practically no one around. We were at the viewpoint for at least 45 minutes, with very few people. We were able to take some beautiful photographs practically alone.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 3, 2024
- travelcc2016Wellington, New Zealand83 contributionsWonderful visit with wow moment!Amazing place full of cherry blossom, great walk up stairs but also road option less steep and meandering. We waited in long queue to see view from pagoda but they said on sign 120 minutes, we only waiting about 50 minutes and queue was moving! Wow wow wow view from top! Great street food on way back to station!Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 16, 2024
- Nanami TFujinomiya, Japan33 contributionsWe climbed so many steps and made it.A physical and mental struggle of a Japanese man(Ojisan )忠霊塔(Chureito pagoda)The forecast was for rain in the evening and we left from home at noon.This morning we saw Mt. Fuji with a hat on, unfortunately by the afternoon the hat was getting bigger and bigger and had pressed into the side of Mt. Fuji. Even though it was April 22nd, it was still cold.I recommend going out with a warm top.Just in time for the Cherry Blossom Festival so many people couldn't park nearby for free.So people had to transfer to free shuttle bus and walk for a while. We paid 1,000 yen to park in a nearby parking lot, which was a very good choice. There are two paths to the top: a steep one with lots of steps, which aren't very high but would normally be strenuous if you don't get much exercise. and a slightly curved slope, so if you're not too leggy, you can go that way. I don't think it was particularly crowded. It was better than expected less, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while climbing up. My husband usually doesn’t exercise so he was panting and covered in sweat. Some overseas friends next to him constantly cheered for him. “Goood job”. but I still wanted to encourage him a little bit. In order to accompany me to see the most chic scenery, today my husband even climbed so many steps. “Goood job”. Because in the five-story pagoda everyone can only stay 5 minutes,so we quickly took some pictures. Although we didn’t see Mount Fuji, but the top of the mountain was still very chic.Because my husband accompanied me to look at the chic scenery, of course it was special. We want to challenge again on a clear day. Traveling is not only about the scenery, but more importantly, encounters and communication between people. At the foot of the mountain, dear overseas friends they smiled and said "Oh great, you're still alive." It was really fun, and we cherished this moment. It is fate that people of different nationalities meet at the same spot in such a big world. Cherish the fate, and may people all over the world be peaceful, friendly and happy.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 22, 2024
- Quang Kiet LeHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam1,154 contributionsExtremely beautiful viewThe pagoda was a highlight for our Fujisan trip. It was located on a mountain, and required a physical healthy strength to step up on steep stairs to reach to the observatory deck. Once getting there, OMG, the view was absolutely stunning. Will come back next time when the weather is better.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 27, 2024
- svbVitoria-Gasteiz, Spain330 contributionsA look at Mount FujiThe Chureito Pagoda has a privileged view of Mount Fuji when it comes into view. Spectacular setting especially when the cherry trees are in bloom. Charming place that declines when mass tourism floods and spoils it, so it is necessary to visit it at times of the day when the pressure is minimal. In any case, an essential place on trips to Japan.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 13, 2024
- Nicole W61 contributionsPagode with or without mount FujiTo get to the pagode we took a train from Kawaguchiko and walked 5 min to the entrance. I would suggest to bring some water as now the work begins, go up the 400+ steps in the heat. There are some shops before you enter and there is another one at the first sightseeing a small temple. We went on a cloudy day so no mountain Fuji it is still worth the effort, the story behind the pagode for one.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 23, 2024
- yokomoriHarumi, Japan1,700 contributionsSymbol of Arakura Fuji Asama ShrineChureito (five-storied pagoda) is a memorial pagoda for the war dead located in Arakurayama Sengen Park. Its beautiful five-storied pagoda and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji are famous in Japan and abroad, and it is a spot visited by many tourists. Summary • Official name: Chureito • Construction year: 1963 • Purpose: A tower built to commemorate the war dead of World War II. For the locals, it is a symbol of peace. Design Features • Five-storied pagoda forms It is built in the traditional Japanese architectural style and has a beautiful red exterior. The silhouette against the backdrop of Mt.Fuji shines and is a popular photo spot. • Height Designed to be in harmony with the surrounding nature, it is approximately 19.5 metres high. The elegant appearance from any angle is impressive.Visited January 2025Traveled with friendsWritten January 18, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Valeria
Madrid, Spain185 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
The site is impressive, if you love contemplating the little things, I recommend that you go to this place with peace of mind and time. We went from Tokyo (shinjuko) we read a lot of blogs where it said that if you do not have the JR Pass you can go by bus and that it was not necessary to reserve or buy the seat in advance, I imagine that this will be in high season because we showed up in The station and all the buses were full so we had to improvise and took the train. We bought the ticket at the sales office according to us to Shimoyoshida, but in Otsuki we had to buy a complementary ticket to Shimoyoshida. You have to pay for this complementary ticket even if you have the JR Pass. The price was 1040 yen in that section. On the way back we wanted to go back by bus but the same thing happened to us, it was full. I recommend buying tickets online so that you have a guaranteed seat and avoid worries. In Otsuki we had to leave the station and buy tickets to Shinjuko from outside. Be very careful because many trains pass at that station and due to lack of information we took the EXPRESS and to our surprise the train guard asked us for our tickets and the one we had bought did not fit this type of train so we have to pay 1,280 yen on the train, you can pay in cash or with the ICOCard. The advantage is that we arrive earlier.

Written November 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aïdy C
Narbonne, France245 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We wanted to go in the morning but the buses departing from Tokyo in the morning were full 4 days before. So leaving at 10:15 a.m. from Shinjuku and lots of traffic jams, it took us 3 hours instead of 1:30. A 10-minute walk from the Shimo Yoshida stop (line to Kawaguchico), fortunately we found a small snack bar open at the foot of the site to eat (later closed). The view is superb, the walk in the forest is exotic and in the end, with an arrival on site at 2 p.m. I think we avoided the tourist masses.
Free site.
Free site.

Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdeligiosphoto
Sassari, Italy3,261 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
One of the most beautiful views in Japan. The ideal would be to go during the cherry blossoms or when it is snowing but it is unmissable at any time of the year. Around midday the sun is almost in front so it would be better earlier or later, perhaps at sunset. It can be reached without problems with trains from Shinjuku to Tokyo, even without changing trains. There is a staircase or the road but still easy, in 20 minutes you can walk from the station. It will definitely be crowded but it will be possible to take some nice photos. In the town there are several restaurants where you can have lunch.

Written January 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann S
Tashkent, Uzbekistan234 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I'm surprised that such a wonderful place has so few reviews, and some of them are also negative... Indeed, a lot depends on the weather, but if you come to Fujiyoshida and the weather forecast tells you that there will be sun, then I highly recommend going to Chureito Pagoda at dawn.
We got up at 5 am, Fuji was a little overcast, but literally within 20 minutes they cleared up, and while we walked to the pagoda (40 minutes from the hotel), the sky became clear.
The road to the pagoda itself is interesting: there are classic Japanese houses around, elderly Japanese people greeting you sweetly, the cleanest air.
There are 400 steps leading to the pagoda, I recommend going up them, and not along the convenient road nearby, through suffering in the end you will feel more satisfaction :))
By 6 am there were 10-15 people at the Tyureito Pagoda, which is quite comfortable, not crowded and allows you to take great photos.
We got up at 5 am, Fuji was a little overcast, but literally within 20 minutes they cleared up, and while we walked to the pagoda (40 minutes from the hotel), the sky became clear.
The road to the pagoda itself is interesting: there are classic Japanese houses around, elderly Japanese people greeting you sweetly, the cleanest air.
There are 400 steps leading to the pagoda, I recommend going up them, and not along the convenient road nearby, through suffering in the end you will feel more satisfaction :))
By 6 am there were 10-15 people at the Tyureito Pagoda, which is quite comfortable, not crowded and allows you to take great photos.

Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Purwitanto
Sengata, Indonesia3,076 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
A photo of Mount Fuji with the pagoda in the background is one on the bucket list. On our previous trip to Japan during cherry blossom season we didn't have time to go to Chureito pagoda even though we had already been to this area. So on this autumn trip, Chureito Pagoda was included in our mandatory itinerary.
We went there using a local tour that we booked via Klook, taking a bus departing from Shinjuku. Chureito pagoda is the first place visited on this tour.
Arriving at the bus parking lot we had to walk to the pagoda entrance area, from there we had to climb hundreds of stairs with a fairly steep slope so it was quite tiring. But it all paid off with the beauty of the view plus we were lucky enough that the weather was sunny. Unfortunately the leaves on the trees near the pagoda have fallen, if they were still there and red, it would add to its beauty.
This place is highly recommended if you go to the Mount Fuji area, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn.
We went there using a local tour that we booked via Klook, taking a bus departing from Shinjuku. Chureito pagoda is the first place visited on this tour.
Arriving at the bus parking lot we had to walk to the pagoda entrance area, from there we had to climb hundreds of stairs with a fairly steep slope so it was quite tiring. But it all paid off with the beauty of the view plus we were lucky enough that the weather was sunny. Unfortunately the leaves on the trees near the pagoda have fallen, if they were still there and red, it would add to its beauty.
This place is highly recommended if you go to the Mount Fuji area, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn.

Written November 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chowso
Gloucester, UK1,745 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We got the train from Tokyo to see the pagoda having bought the Tokyo Wide Pass (tip: you should book seats if taking the limited express, we had to sit on the floor in both directions as we didn’t have seat reservations). It took a long time to get there, then there were a lot of people on the climb up the stairs.
The pagoda is pretty but it’s from the 60’s so it’s not very old. The cherry blossom wasn’t out but there was still a huge queue to get to the viewing deck (around an hours wait) where you would have only 5 minutes. Not sure if they do this everyday, we went on a Sunday. We didn’t bother as there was also no view of Mount Fuji.
We were disappointed to be honest, there wasn’t a lot to do in that area either - there is a hike behind the pagoda but without the Fuji views we didn’t think it would be worth the climb.
The pagoda is pretty but it’s from the 60’s so it’s not very old. The cherry blossom wasn’t out but there was still a huge queue to get to the viewing deck (around an hours wait) where you would have only 5 minutes. Not sure if they do this everyday, we went on a Sunday. We didn’t bother as there was also no view of Mount Fuji.
We were disappointed to be honest, there wasn’t a lot to do in that area either - there is a hike behind the pagoda but without the Fuji views we didn’t think it would be worth the climb.
Written April 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Dale
Susono, Japan169 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Although it was a Monday, it was a very crowded day due to the Cherry Blossoms still blooming. Paid 1000 yen to park our vehicle (behind someone’s house) & walked (signs were posted through the neighborhood path) to the pagoda. You could either climb the stairs or go along a winding paved road (watch out for taxis giving rides up to the pagoda). There was a very organized line for viewing & snapping pics on the very top tier. The view of the Chureito Pagoda & Mt Fuji is stunning among the Cherry Blossoms!!!
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dcablo
la massana, andorra7,297 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
A really nice view of Fuji. Despite the number of people, it is very enjoyable. It is easily reached from Tokyo with the Fuji Excursion, if you find a place, or with a connection via Otsuki without problems. Once at Shimoyosida station, you just have to follow the people and the signs, on a short 20-minute walk. It is essential to verify that it is a clear day

Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jens Birch
2 contributions
Nov 2022
The Chureito Pagoda is very easy to access from downtown Fujiyashida. Since I stayed at a smalller inn on the other side of town I just took a taxi for a couple of thousand yen. To come up to the pagoda one has to ascend approximately 100 m by very well built wide stairs. There is also an alternative longer way along a small tarmac serpentine road. On the way up one could get several views of Mt Fuji through the fall coloured foilage, which made fore some nice photos. It was a clear day so I'm glad I was there relatively early on the day. First of all because of the sun light which is giving a less backlit view of both Mt Fuji and the pagoda. But also because of the many other visitors, who also wanted the unique view of Mt Fuji with the pagoda in the foreground, who arrived during the morning. Around 11 o'clock it was difficult to get a spot on the obeservation deck without getting several tourists in the view for a photo (or myself becoming in the way of other's views). The setting of the pagoda is in the hilly wood covered mountains and offer many alternative photo opportunities if you are a nature/landscape photographer. After descending the stairs, the parking staff was very helpfull and ardered a taxi to go back to the inn.
The only drawback of this site is that it takes about 2-3 hours (one way) to reach Fujiyoshida from Tokyo and there are no fast connections further to the South or East from there without going back to Tokyo. However, It was worthwhile the time and effort for me.
The only drawback of this site is that it takes about 2-3 hours (one way) to reach Fujiyoshida from Tokyo and there are no fast connections further to the South or East from there without going back to Tokyo. However, It was worthwhile the time and effort for me.
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravellingWellman
Toronto, Canada50 contributions
Feb 2020
This is one of the most picturesque spots to get a view of Mount Fuji. The mountain tends to be covered by clouds so do some research on the best times to visit.
We were there over winter which has a high chance of a clear view. We made it to the top just before sunrise and had an amazing view! It's quite a climb up the hill or stairs but it is beyond worth it. You can get to the Pagoda easily by train from Kawaguchiko.
Highly recommend sacrificing a night of sleep to get here before sunrise to have the place to yourself and watch the sun come up!
We were there over winter which has a high chance of a clear view. We made it to the top just before sunrise and had an amazing view! It's quite a climb up the hill or stairs but it is beyond worth it. You can get to the Pagoda easily by train from Kawaguchiko.
Highly recommend sacrificing a night of sleep to get here before sunrise to have the place to yourself and watch the sun come up!
Written January 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are tri-pods acceptable on the platforms above the Pogoda?
Written June 3, 2024
There are no restrictions, but it will be very annoying to others and could be get bumped by other people because it is very crowded.
Written June 23, 2024
What is the elevation gain to walk up the 390 steps?
Written June 3, 2024
I don’t know the exact number, but it should be around 50-60 m.
Written June 23, 2024
Abbiamo in programma di andarci ad aprile 2024, ho visto che è possibile tramite bus o treno da Shinjuku e avremmo optato per il bus. È necessario prenotare prima i biglietti? Se sì, dove?? Grazie mille
Written February 18, 2024
Any advice on whether it is easy to get a taxi from Chureito Pagoda back to Kawaguchiko station before noon? Thanks!
Written April 4, 2023
What’s the best lens for the shot? A 70-200 or?
Written June 10, 2019
People had all sorts of lens. But guess what: I just used my phone. The place is unbelievable itself.
Written June 13, 2019
How long does it take a normal person (average fitness/ability) to walk up the steps? Just trying to time our trip with the trains! Thanks
Written June 4, 2019
Like others have said, probably 15 minutes to walk all the way up, 10 mins to run back down :-) Then there is the 20 mins or so taking in the sights and jostling with the other tourists to get that special shot (and it's worth it!).
There are other things to do around there, so try not to rush up the steps, take the shot and rush back down. Take it easy. Also, it's 800m above sea level to start with, so the air is a little thinner, as you will find out if you try to run all the way up !
Written June 6, 2019
What's a good place/locality to stay if I wish to visit chureito, and what other places of interests can be covered together with this?
Written March 16, 2019
The most convenient place to stay would be near fujiyoshida bus station for the best choice of air b&b / hotels
Written March 16, 2019
I will be going here in mid April and will be renting a car.
1) Does the pagoda close? I want to go very early for sunrise photography (5 am)
2) Is there parking available?
Thanks!
Written February 21, 2019
To catch a perfect sunrise of Mt Fuji is spotty due to morning fog and good percent of just overcast. The local saying is that Mt Fuji is a shy mountain ... meaning that its often hiding behind clouds! Luckily we had a clear morning when we visited last year and it was grand and majestic. The lighting will change throughout the day and sometimes even within hours as the cloud moves in and out. I suggest to drive to different positions and elevations to enjoy the landscape. We drove up to 5th station and get a close up view of the mountain and to Shiraito Falls later in the afternoon. Good Luck and have a wonderful time !
Written March 5, 2019
Do you know approx. how long of a trip this is from Tokyo - can this be done in one day? I was looking at transportation from Shinjuku and I calculated roughly 3 hours just to get there - not including the hike up to the pagoda.
Written January 7, 2019
Yes! It can be done, you can catch a bus really early (around 6:30 am) from Shinjuku. Arrive to kawaguchiko station and then catch a train to Shiniyoshida Station. Then go back to kawaguchiko station and go back to Tokyo. I believe you can grab a train all together, but I didn’t consider that option cuz it was very expensive. I think that, if you can, it is worth staying at least one night by Kawaguchiko Lake. But it can definitely be done in one trip. Also, I believe there are some tours that offer a one day trip from Tokyo. Hope this helps.
Written January 8, 2019
E' un edificio abbastanza recente in cui non si può entrare; probabilmente dalle foto lo si crede più grande di quello che è, la sua notorietà è dovuta solo al fatto di essere stato fotografato una miriade di volte col Fuji sullo sfondo.
Io l'ho abbinato alla funivia Kachi Kachi e ad una passeggiata sul Lago Kawaguchi.
Written April 5, 2018
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