Chureito Pagoda on Mount Arakura in Yamanashi in April is a must-visit tourist destination, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji amidst cherry blossoms.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I am glad to share with you a beautiful place located in Yamanashi Prefecture. Although I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, I’ve conducted detailed research on its attractions, and I’m delighted to share this information with everyone.
Visitors can climb 398 steps to reach the five-story pagoda, take photos from the observation deck, and hike to the summit for more breathtaking scenery. It’s best to visit early in the morning or during sunset to avoid crowds, and the nearby natural spots are worth exploring.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
The Chureito Pagoda is situated on Mount Arakura in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and is a stunning tourist destination where culture and nature seamlessly blend to create breathtaking scenery.
During the spring cherry blossom season, the snow-capped Mount Fuji majestically towers over the area, while the delicate pink blossoms beautifully contrast with the blue sky and the vibrant red five-story pagoda, resulting in a mystical and picturesque landscape. This captivating vista has gained global recognition, attracting tourists from all corners of the world.
To reach the Chureito Pagoda, visitors must first pass through the impressive bright red torii gate of the Arakura Sengen Shrine, before stepping into the mystical precincts.
From there, they can enjoy a wonderful view of Mount Fuji. Over 500 cherry trees bloom in the area, and climbing the 398 steps will reward visitors with a breathtaking view of a beautiful five-story pagoda colored in red and white among the cherry blossoms.
Most Beautiful Views
Additionally, an observation deck has been developed to offer visitors the chance to capture a memorable and wonderful photo of the Chureito Pagoda and cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background.
Particularly during dusk, the illuminated Chureito Pagoda and cherry blossoms stand out, creating a mystical and beautiful scene, which adds to the overall attractiveness of the location.
However, during peak times, the observation deck may have entry restrictions, and a system may be in place where visitors are replaced every 5 minutes. I suggest following the on-site instructions and taking pictures quickly to avoid overcrowding.
Mt. Arakura
If you have some free time, you can take a stroll along the forest’s well-kept hiking trail that leads to the top of Mount Arakura.
It should take you about an hour to reach the summit, where you can soak in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, neighboring mountains, and even Fujiyoshida city in the distance. Along with the picturesque scenery, this hike is an excellent way to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Best Time to Visit
During cherry blossom season, the Chureito Pagoda attracts a lot of visitors, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or during sunset to avoid the crowds.
Nearby Natural Tourist Spots
Additionally, there are many natural tourist spots nearby that are fascinating, such as Lake Kawaguchi [Website: How to Experience Lake Kawaguchi], Lake Nishi, Lake Yamanaka, and Oshino Hakkai. It’s highly recommended to stay at one of the nearby lodgings and enjoy a trip that brings you closer to nature.
Culture, History, and Traditions
The Chureito Pagoda, a monument found across Japan, was built to honor the heroic souls who fought in battles. The Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida City was constructed recently to commemorate the war dead.
On the park’s slope stands the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, which dates back to 705 AD. In 807 AD, during a major eruption of Mt. Fuji, a ceremony was held to placate the volcano using treasures gifted by Emperor Heizei. These treasures are currently in storage at the Mt. Fuji Museum in Fujiyoshida City and are not on public display. According to the shrine’s website, the treasures were previously exhibited at the museum, but the exhibition has now concluded.
Dining Guide
In early to mid-April, a variety of food trucks gather at Arakurayama Park, offering not only sweet desserts but also light meals like curry and udon.
On the other side of Shimoyoshida Station, there are several shopping streets with many local dishes, ramen, bars, and izakayas. Some of these charming eateries include renovated old houses from over 50 years ago and Italian restaurants that use local ingredients, so finding a restaurant that suits your preferences can be a fun travel memory.
The tourism guide website for Fujiyoshida City even has a page where you can search for shops and obtain detailed information. If you want to get more detailed information, make sure to check out the Japanese website if you can read Japanese or use a browser with a translation function.
Accommodation
Fujiyoshida City offers a wide range of lodging options spread across the area.
While some accommodations may be a bit farther from the park, there are plenty of alluring choices to suit every taste and budget, including luxurious hotels, traditional Japanese ryokans, convenient business hotels, and cozy guesthouses with a Japanese ambiance, available in the Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako vicinity, as well as within the city itself.
However, keep in mind that during cherry blossom season, this area draws a lot of tourists, making lodging in high demand. With the area’s popularity among overseas visitors, securing a reservation without advance planning can be challenging.
So if you’re thinking about staying in this area, it’s highly recommended to book your lodging early to ensure a smooth and comfortable stay.
Transportation
There are two transportation options available to reach the Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park: bus or train.
By train
If you opt for the train, you can take the Chuo Line of JR East and reach Otsuki Station in approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo Station, with a stop at Shinjuku Station on the way.
The Fuji Excursion “Fuji Kaiyuu” train provides direct service between Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko Station, offering 3 round trips on weekdays and 4 round trips on weekends and holidays. This service is jointly operated by JR East and Fujikyuko Railway. Please note that the JR PASS is valid only for travel between Shinjuku Station and Otsuki Station. Departures from Shinjuku Station are available from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, while departures from Kawaguchiko Station are scheduled between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
From there, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line and disembark at Shimoyoshida Station, followed by a 30-minute walk to the park. Catching a train departing from Tokyo Station around 5:30 am will allow you to behold the majestic Chureito Pagoda by 8:30 am.
By bus
Alternatively, you can take a bus from the terminal near Shinjuku Station. Boarding a bus that departs around 7:00 am will allow you to arrive at the Shimoyoshida bus stop before 9:00 am, followed by a 30-minute walk to reach the park.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Transportation Expenses from Tokyo
The cost of transportation from Tokyo to Fujiyoshida City is approximately 2,500 yen, regardless of whether you choose to take the bus or the train.
However, opting for the bus might be a little cheaper. Nevertheless, during the cherry blossom season, buses are prone to becoming crowded, and you may struggle to obtain tickets. To ensure a hassle-free journey on the day, I recommend taking the train instead.
Budget-Friendly Train Tickets for Travelers
If you are planning to travel around Japan by train, you can save on travel expenses by purchasing the JAPAN RAIL PASS, which is a discounted ticket designed explicitly for foreign tourists and offered by various JR companies.
Discover a Variety of Tickets
Fujikyu, which primarily operates in this region, offers discounted tickets tailored to your destinations. You can choose the ticket that best suits your needs.
Explore the Majestic Fuji Five Lakes with a 2-Day Free Ride Pass!
When you visit the Fuji Five Lakes area, situated northeast to northwest of Mount Fuji, you can enjoy the convenience of a 2-day free ride pass. This pass covers regular buses, sightseeing buses, and Fuji Kyuko buses.
There are two ticket options available: 4,700 yen and 3,300 yen (both for adults).
Discover the All-Inclusive One-Day Pass
For just 3,000 yen (for adults), you can enjoy a one-day pass that includes a Fuji Kyuko train ticket from Kawaguchiko Station to Shimoyoshida Station, as well as meal vouchers and souvenir coupons at partner shops.
Explore the Western Side of Mt. Fuji with a 2-Day Pass!
You can also tour the west side of Mt. Fuji, from Kawaguchiko in the north to Shizuoka Prefecture, with a ticket costing 2,500 yen for a 2-day pass (for adults). However, please note that this ticket does not cover the areas of Lake Yamanaka or Oshino Hakkai, but it does include Shiraito Falls within its tour range.
Great Value 2-Day Unlimited Ride Pass on Fujikyu Railway!
Additionally, there is a great value ticket available for a 2-day unlimited ride pass on the Fujikyu Railway for 3,000 yen. While it may limit your destinations to the areas surrounding train stations, it is a great deal if you plan on using the train frequently.
Make the most of these various options and enjoy the breathtaking sights and sounds of this beautiful region around Mt. Fuji!
Weather Guide
During April, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom in Fujiyoshida City, the average temperature usually falls between 7 to 20 degrees Celsius, which is cooler than Tokyo.
The mornings and evenings can be particularly chilly, and the temperature can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. I recommend wearing clothes that can be easily layered and removed to accommodate the changing temperatures during this season.
