Chureito Pagoda is a five-storey peace memorial in Arakurayama Sengen Park, overlooking Fujiyoshida with Mount Fuji in the background. It’s one of the area’s best-known viewpoints and a popular day trip from Tokyo.
Built in 1963, the pagoda commemorates Fujiyoshida residents who died in wars from the mid-19th century to World War II. It stands above Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine on the mountainside.
Visitors reach the pagoda and observation deck by climbing 398 steps. From the top, there are panoramic views across Fujiyoshida towards Mount Fuji, particularly during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
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Day trip to Chureito Pagoda from Tokyo
Chureito Pagoda and surrounding Fuji Five Lake area make for an excellent day trip from Tokyo. Get away from the frantic hustle of the city and experience the grand Mount Fuji. The view is especially striking during the spring cherry blossom season and the autumn koyo season.
If traveling from Tokyo, allow yourself a full day for travel and for exploring the area.
How to get to Chureito Pagoda
You can reach the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine area by train or bus. From Shimoyoshida Station, the shrine is around a five-minute walk, followed by the climb to Chureito Pagoda and its observation deck.
Allow about 30 minutes in total to walk from the station to the pagoda. In rain or snow, bring suitable footwear and outerwear.
From Tokyo
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then change to the Fujikyu Railway for Shimoyoshida Station. The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR journey to Otsuki but not the Fujikyu Railway section.
The rail journey takes around two hours, depending on the connection. From Shimoyoshida Station, allow about 30 minutes to walk to Chureito Pagoda.
You can also take the direct Fuji Excursion limited express from Shinjuku to Shimoyoshida. Seat reservations are required, and the Japan Rail Pass does not fully cover the Fujikyu Railway section.
Alternatively, take a highway bus from Shinjuku or Shibuya.
From Kawaguchiko
Take the Fujikyu Railway from Kawaguchiko to Shimoyoshida Station. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid for this journey, so you’ll need to buy separate tickets.
You may also be able to use a local sightseeing bus to reach the Chureito Iriguchi area. Check the current route and timetable before traveling.
From Hakone
From Hakone, travel via Gotemba Station and continue towards Kawaguchiko Station by bus. Check current operator timetables before traveling, as services and connections may change.
Chureito Pagoda entrance fees and opening hours
Admission to Chureito Pagoda and Arakurayama Sengen Park is free. The park is open 24 hours a day.
Municipal parking is charged at ¥1,000 or ¥1,500 for up to six hours, depending on the car park. Motorcycle parking at P4 costs ¥750 for up to six hours.
Cherry blossoms at Chureito Pagoda
Cherry blossoms around Chureito Pagoda usually reach full bloom in early to mid-April, although exact dates vary each year.
The combination of pink blossoms, the five-story pagoda, and Mount Fuji makes this one of the park’s most popular seasons. Check the annual cherry blossom forecast before traveling.
The best views of Mount Fuji
Chureito Pagoda is one of the best-known and most photographed viewpoints of Mount Fuji. The observation deck offers views across Fujiyoshida, with the pagoda and mountain forming the classic composition seen in images and videos.
The scenery changes throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in spring to green summer landscapes, autumn foliage and winter snow. Because the park is open 24 hours, you can also plan a sunrise or sunset visit.
Plan your visit to Chureito Pagoda
Whatever time of year you choose to visit Chureito Pagoda, you’re sure to get unforgettable views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
Before traveling, check the latest transport timetables, seasonal forecasts, and weather conditions, particularly when planning a day trip from Tokyo.